The Top 12 Fastest Depreciating Cars On The Market

Buying a car is one of the largest investments for many people, but a vehicle is something that also has a shelf life, and the resell value is always less than the purchase price. This is especially true when you purchase a brand new car off the lot. The value plummets almost immediately. Vehicles typically lose about 21.1 percent or more of their value in their first year, so it is definitely something to consider when thinking about buying new or used. These 12 models have all been recognized as having some of the fastest depreciating values of their kind... something to think about when shopping for your next set of wheels.

12. Buick Regal

The Buick Regal loses 31.2 percent or $10,117 in the first year. The 2016 model sells for anywhere between $27,065 and $36,490. It is a mid-size four-door available in turbocharged models, known for its performance and handling. It also comes with a choice of two engine sizes; a 2.0L, 259 horsepower and the other a 2.4L 182 horsepower. It is also updated with technology, like a touch-screen, intuitive controls, and IntelliLink tweaks. Reviews speculate the front seat passengers experience more legroom than the rear seats.

11. Chrysler 300

The one-year value drop on the Chrysler 300 is $11,525, or 31.7 percent. The 2016 Chrysler 300 has a 3.6L, 292 horsepower engine, and an even heftier 5.7L on the Hemi V8, producing 363 horsepower. Along with a special edition for the 19th anniversary, came technological enhancements like a drag and drop menu bar on the 8.4-inch touchscreen control panel and Siri voice control. It is a safety-oriented car with average gas mileage for its size allowing 19/31 miles per gallon with city and highway driving.

10. Cadillac CTS

The one-year depreciation on the Cadillac CTS is $13,351, or 31.8 percent. This rear-wheel-drive car is said to have better handling than any car in the German sports sedan class. With modern technology inside, this eight-speed automatic has a V6 engine. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 268 horsepower and is also available in a more powerful 3.6L engine making 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. That makes this car spin from zero to sixty in under six seconds.

9. Fiat 500

With a 31.9 percent depreciation drop, the Fiat 500 can lose $6,099 in its first year. The little car retails between $16,995 to $22,575. It is made as a three-door hatchback or cabriolet and gets an average of thirty-four miles per gallon. This Italian-made vehicle also comes as the Abarth version with 60 percent more horsepower but only 27 miles per gallon combined driving. It has little interior space but has room enough for a five-inch touchscreen entertainment and navigation control panel.

8. Jaguar XF

With an average selling price of between $51,900 and $65,700, the 2016 Jaguar XF losses about $19,966 in its first year. The 35t Premium has a 3.0L V-6 engine, so this eight-speed rear-wheel drive produces 340 horsepower. The roomy interior has leatherette seat trim and the exterior features heated mirrors, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and rear fog/driving lights. The next version up, the 35t Prestige has nineteen-inch wheels and leather interior trim.

7. Lincoln MKZ / MKZ Hybrid

With an average depreciation rate of 33.8 percent, this car is expected to lose $14,177 in its first year. It comes equipped with Drive Control, giving this car a sporty and responsive feel. Three models of this feature allow the driver to set the dampers, steering response, stability and traction control, and active noise cancellation. Standard on the lot is the front-wheel drive version and an all-wheel has also been produced. The 2.0 turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine allows for 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

6. Nissan Maxima

With an even 34 percent depreciation rate in its first year, the Nissan Maxima loses about $12,469 in its first year. Standard pricing starts at $32,510 on this four-door sedan. The front-wheel drive has ABS and driveline Traction control. Its 3.5L V6 engine with Xtronic two-speed CVT with OD transmission produces 300 horsepower and 261 torque. It also comes equipped with a remote keyless entry, Sirius XM radio, a navigation system, and front fog/driving lights.

5. Mercedes-Benz C250

This highly sought after luxury vehicle also comes with a heavy price to pay when it comes to depreciation. At a rate of 34.4 percent, the average loss in the first year is about $15,247. The 2016 model, the C250d Coupe comes as a sole diesel-powered, four-cylinder two-door sports car. Upgrades on this version from its predecessor, the C200, include 19-inch wheels, leather and black ash wood trim, keyless entry, privacy glass, and 360-degree parking cameras.

4. Kia Cadenza

Valued between $32,990 to $44,090, the Cadenza loses about 34.3 percent of that in its first year on the road. The full-size sedan introduced front-wheel drive in 2014. Like most cars in its price range, perks can be added to this six-speed automatic vehicle equipped with a 3.3L V6 engine. These include an active-safety package, a panoramic roof, power retractable sunshade, Nappa leather ventilated seats, smart cruise control, blind-spot detection, a rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

3. Volvo S60

This four-door car loses about $14,204 in its first year, which equates to about 34.4 percent. At a going rate of between $34,150 and $59,300, the S60 rates high on safety scores and has been noted for its precision handling, notable trim, and superb engineering. Equipped standard with front-wheel drive, consumers can upgrade to all-wheel drive, which has a 2.5L five-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower. Otherwise, the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder will have to suffice, with only a minor difference of 240 horsepower, but greater miles per gallon.

2. Lincoln MKS

At a 34.5 percent loss in the first year this car is driven off the lot, the Lincoln MKS depreciates by $16,039. Touted as the brand’s most luxurious model prior to the Continental, it has been described as being understated in appearance. There has not been a lot of upgrades from previous models, apart from some newer technology with the Sync 3 replacing the MyLincoln Touch Interface. Available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, this sedan achieved a five-star overall safety rating.

1. Fiat 500L

Coming in as one of the worst vehicles in terms of depreciation, the Fiat 500L loses about 34.6 percent of its value in its first year. Priced at a reasonable average of $16,468, that only amounts to just more than $8,000 however. This compact car has a 1.4L turbocharged engine producing only 101 horsepower due to its hefty choices of transmissions: six-speed dual clutch, six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic. The small engine allows for 24 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon for highway driving with the dual clutch transmission.