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15 Used Cars That Depreciate the Fastest in 2024: Huge Value Drops in Just One Year

Buying the wrong car can mean losing $10,000–$25,000 in value within just twelve months. These vehicles suffer the steepest first-year depreciation rates, leaving budget-minded shoppers at a huge disadvantage. If you want to avoid a massive hit to your wallet, steer clear of these models.

David Kumar6 min read
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1. BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is undoubtedly a luxury statement, but its resale value tumbles shockingly fast. With an original MSRP of $94,300, the average 1-year-old 7 Series commands just $68,000 on the used market, meaning it loses approximately $26,300 or 28% of its value in a single year. This steep depreciation makes it a costly choice for anyone hoping to retain value, especially when you consider over $25,000 vanishes so quickly. For budget-conscious buyers, such rapid loss can outweigh the luxury perks.

BMW 7 Series

2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $117,300 new, but after just one year, its average used price falls to $88,000. That’s a depreciation of $29,300, or nearly 25% of its value, lost in 12 months. This impressive luxury sedan is packed with features, yet its steep value drop can be daunting for those hoping to invest wisely. The high upfront cost, paired with massive depreciation, makes the S-Class a risky move if you plan to sell within a few years.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

3. Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF’s stylish allure can't save it from huge depreciation. Its original MSRP of $49,800 drops to an average of $36,500 after just one year, equaling a $13,300, or 27% loss. Not only does the XF face stiff competition from German rivals, but also struggles with resale appeal. With more than a quarter of its value evaporating in just a year, the XF represents a major financial dent for buyers soon hoping to recoup their investment.

Jaguar XF

4. Nissan Armada

Despite its impressive size, the 2024 Nissan Armada takes a depreciation hit hard and fast. With an MSRP of $56,520, most used models are selling after one year for just $41,800. That’s a loss of $14,720, or about 26% in only 12 months. This rapid drop highlights major depreciation for larger SUVs, making them financially painful for buyers hoping to sell or trade-in anytime soon.

Nissan Armada

5. Genesis G90

The Genesis G90 launches at an MSRP of $89,000, but after just a single year, it typically fetches only $65,500 on the used market. That's a depreciation of $23,500, or 26%, gone almost immediately. While the G90 boasts cutting-edge tech and luxury, buyers will likely be stunned by how much value this sedan sheds so quickly, nearly one-fourth of the initial investment is wiped out within 12 months.

Genesis G90

6. Land Rover Range Rover

Renowned for its prestige, the Land Rover Range Rover carries an original price tag of $107,400, but after just one year, it sinks to around $81,000 on average. This marks a depreciation of $26,400, or about 25%. Buyers are frequently surprised when this luxury SUV loses over $25,000 in value so quickly. With maintenance and running costs also high, the Range Rover isn’t kind to your wallet, especially if you plan on upgrading within a short time frame.

Land Rover Range Rover

7. Audi A8

The Audi A8 debuted at a base MSRP of $89,900, but the average used price after just twelve months hovers around $67,500. That’s a $22,400 drop, or nearly 25% of its purchase price, wiped out in the first year alone. For buyers focused on value retention, this makes the A8 one of the worst offenders in its class. The prestige and performance are tempting, but the financial hit so soon after purchase can be significant.

Audi A8

8. Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade commands a hefty new MSRP of $81,895, but after a year it usually retails for just $61,400 on used car lots, a loss of $20,495 or about 25%. While its bold design and presence are undeniable, buyers must be aware that more than $20,000 evaporates in value in twelve months. For families hoping to avoid financial surprises, this luxury SUV’s depreciation should raise a red flag.

Cadillac Escalade

9. Infiniti QX80

Coming in with an original MSRP of $74,150, the Infiniti QX80 loses significant value in just one year, averaging $54,900 used, a drop of $19,250, or almost 26%. The QX80’s massive depreciation underscores a pattern with luxury full-size SUVs. Buyers hoping to minimize long-term losses will find this model’s rapid value slide particularly costly, with almost $20,000 lost in just the first 12 months.

Infiniti QX80

10. Jaguar XJ

The Jaguar XJ, once the brand’s flagship sedan, begins at an MSRP of $86,500 but plummets to around $63,000 after just a year, a loss of $23,500 or 27%. While it’s a symbol of luxury and British refinement, this substantial financial hit makes it tough to recommend to practical buyers. With nearly $24,000 lost in 12 months, the XJ is a cautionary tale for those prioritizing resale value.

Jaguar XJ

11. Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 is praised for its comfort and style, yet depreciates faster than many rivals. Its original MSRP of $59,495 tumbles to $45,500 after 12 months, a loss of $13,995 or about 24%. The drop is especially notable considering Volvo’s reputation for reliability. With a nearly $14,000 setback in just the first year, owners face big losses if they switch vehicles often.

Volvo S90

12. Lincoln Navigator

If you buy the Lincoln Navigator at its $84,760 MSRP, expect to see the value fall to an average of $62,800 after only one year. That’s $21,960 wiped away, or 26% gone within 12 months. This full-size SUV combines luxury with space, but quickly diminishing value poses a big financial hurdle. Buyers who prefer to upgrade regularly may want to seek models with slower depreciation.

Lincoln Navigator

13. Lexus LS

Lexus is known for its reliability, but the flagship LS sedan still sheds value rapidly. Original MSRP is $77,385, but after one year, most used examples sell around $59,800, a loss of $17,585 or 23%. Despite elegant appointments and advanced technology, this car’s steep depreciation will alarm value-focused buyers, especially with over $17,000 disappearing so quickly.

Lexus LS

14. Audi Q7

Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q7, starts at $64,600 but commonly loses around $15,700 in its first year, now averaging $48,900 on the used market, around 24% depreciation. For families or luxury buyers, that’s a significant drop for a popular SUV. With over $15,000 lost so quickly, the Q7’s financial impact can outweigh its modern features and spacious interior for those sensitive to large depreciation.

Audi Q7

15. Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia tempts buyers with Italian styling, but quickly dashes hopes of value retention. Its MSRP of $45,875 sinks to $34,900 after just 12 months, resulting in a $10,975 loss or nearly 24%. For a sport sedan in this price range, losing close to $11,000 so rapidly is tough to stomach. Buyers lured by eye-catching design should weigh the financial implications before taking the plunge.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

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