The Top 10 Most Depreciating Cars In The UK

When you buy a car, you expect to lose a bit of money over time; that’s just part of ownership. But some cars plummet in value faster than others, leaving owners shocked when it’s time to sell or trade in.

Depreciation is often the hidden cost of motoring, and while it doesn’t affect you if you plan to keep your car for ten years, it can make a huge difference if you switch vehicles every few years. If you’ve read any of our other blogs, you’ll know it can cause major issues if you’re involved in an accident or if it’s stolen, too.

Carmoola’s latest depreciation index suggests some models can lose up to 70% of their value within just three years (our rule of thumb is to expect to lose 50% in that time), depending on mileage, condition, and demand.

But which cars drop the most value and why? We’ve compiled a top 10 list below, which includes everything from the mundane to the exotic. First, though, let’s cover some of the basics of depreciation.

Why Depreciation Matters

If you’re financing a vehicle through PCP or HP, depreciation plays a big role in your long-term costs. The lower the car’s predicted future value, the higher your monthly payments are likely to be.

Checking predicted resale values before signing a deal can help you save thousands. You can also use our depreciation calculator for a quick overview of potential losses.

According to MoneySavingExpert, choosing a model known for strong residuals, like Toyota, Lexus, or Mini, can make a big difference over time.

What’s more, as we’ve said many times, depreciation can be an issue if your car is written off. If it is, your insurer will pay the current market value (which could be significantly lower due to depreciation), not the amount you still owe, leaving you to pay the rest.

How To Minimise Depreciation

While you can’t stop depreciation completely, you can slow it down:

• Stick to popular colours: Silver, black, and grey tend to sell best.
• Keep service records: A full history adds significant resale value.
• Avoid unnecessary mods: They often reduce demand in the used market.
• Keep mileage low: Cars under 10,000 miles per year generally fetch more.
• Consider leasing: You’ll never have to worry about resale value again.

To understand depreciation in more depth, take a look at our guide, Why Do Cars Depreciate?

The Top 10 Most Depreciating Cars In The UK

1. Maserati Quattroporte

Luxury, exclusivity, and Italian flair,  but unfortunately, not great resale value.

The Quattroporte is renowned for its stunning design and impressive performance, yet it struggles to maintain its value against German rivals like BMW and Mercedes.

Within three years, the Quattroporte can lose over 70% of its value. Maintenance costs and limited dealer networks don’t help either.

2. BMW 7 Series

BMW’s luxury flagship saloon is packed with technology, comfort, and status appeal,  but also suffers from heavy depreciation.

New, it can cost upwards of £90,000, yet after three years, you might only get around £30,000.

As Motorway points out in its car depreciation guide, large executive cars tend to lose the most, especially when newer models with upgraded tech arrive quickly.

If you’re on the lookout for a second-hand luxury car, you may be tempted to ‘grab a bargain’ like a used 7 Series. Remember, though, with luxury driving comes luxury maintenance and parts, which don’t usually drop in cost!

3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Another luxury saloon hit by depreciation, the S-Class combines top-tier comfort with cutting-edge features. However, these same innovations age fast, and buyers in the used market can often find similar comfort for half the price in other models.

4. Jaguar XF

Jaguar Land Rover have had their fair share of issues of late, from their disastrous rebrand (although opinions vary) to a cyber attack that stopped production entirely, so it’s not too surprising that their cars are taking a value hit too.

Despite being one of the most stylish executive saloons on the market, the Jaguar XF depreciates quicker than rivals. Reliability concerns and falling demand for diesel engines have dented resale values, with some models losing around 65% in three years, according to AutoTrader.

5. Fiat Tipo

Budget-friendly to buy new, but it loses value fast. The Fiat Tipo competes in a tough segment dominated by well-established hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

A new Tipo can lose nearly 60% of its value in just a few years.

6. Peugeot 508

While the 508 is praised for its design and comfort, it’s not a favourite among UK used car buyers. With fewer people actively searching for French saloons, resale values drop quickly.

Carwow estimates depreciation at around 58–62% after three years, depending on the trim and mileage.

7. Vauxhall Insignia

A common fleet car, the Insignia has struggled to maintain desirability after being discontinued. While it offers strong motorway performance and comfort, a lack of demand and oversupply on the used market, as well as some pretty dated interior styling, have pushed depreciation to around 60% within three years.

8. Citroën C5 Aircross

Citroën’s SUV has quirky styling and a comfortable ride, but it doesn’t hold its value like competitors such as the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage.

As The AA notes, mainstream SUVs often lose value if they don’t have a strong brand following or broad appeal. And, unfortunately, Citroen still suffers from a stigma of unreliability in the British market.

9. Alfa Romeo Giulia

A driver’s favourite with sharp looks and great handling, but poor reliability ratings and limited dealer support have hurt resale value. Despite glowing reviews for performance, the Giulia can lose over 65% of its price in just a few years.

10. Nissan Leaf (Older Models)

Electric cars might seem future-proof, but early EVs like the Nissan Leaf haven’t held their value well. Rapid advances in battery range and charging speed have made older models less appealing. As Zapmap explains, newer EVs with 250+ mile ranges make first-generation models feel outdated fast.

We’ve covered some of the best-selling EVs and their depreciation levels in our guide; How Much Do EVs Depreciate?

Protecting Against Depreciation

If you’re worried about the risks of depreciation, negative equity and how it can affect you financially, it may be worth taking out a Gap Insurance policy, which can protect against any shortfall.

Final Word

Depreciation might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s one of the most important factors in car ownership. Whether you’re buying new, nearly new, or used, knowing how your car will hold its value helps you make smarter financial decisions.

If you’re thinking about selling or trading in, tools like AutoTrader’s car valuation tool can give you an up-to-date estimate of your car’s worth. A few minutes of research today could save you thousands tomorrow.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and you’ve found this guide helpful. If you have, don’t forget to share it on social media. If you have any depreciation questions, get in touch! Drop us a DM on social media, we’re always up for a chat.

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