Buying a brand-new car is one of life’s great thrills — that new car smell, the flawless paint, the latest tech. But there’s one thing most buyers don’t think about until it’s too late: depreciation. The moment you drive off the lot, your shiny new ride starts losing value — and for some cars, that fall is a cliff dive.
In the past decade, certain models have lost half or more of their original value in just a few years, turning six-figure cars into surprisingly affordable used bargains. Whether you’re trying to avoid a financial nightmare or hunting for a luxury steal, knowing which cars tank the hardest can save — or earn — you thousands.
Let’s dive into the biggest depreciation disasters of the last decade — and why some of them might secretly be your best used-car buys today.
Luxury Sedans: When Prestige Meets Plummeting Value
Luxury sedans are designed to make statements — powerful engines, stunning interiors, and cutting-edge technology. But those same features that make them so desirable new also make them depreciation magnets once the warranty runs out.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is the classic case of “buy high, sell low.” Starting at over $100,000 new, it offers incredible performance and comfort — but complex electronics, air suspension systems, and sky-high repair costs scare off secondhand buyers. Within five years, a 7 Series can lose 60–70% of its original value.
A well-kept 2017 750i that sold for around $95,000 new? You can now find one for $25,000–$30,000 — less than a new Toyota Camry.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is arguably the pinnacle of luxury sedans — but depreciation hits just as hard. With its abundance of tech (massage seats, night vision, adaptive everything), ownership costs are steep once warranties expire. That means five-year-old S-Class models often lose two-thirds of their value.
Still, if you can handle maintenance and fuel costs, these cars deliver luxury that even new midrange sedans can’t touch.
Maserati Quattroporte
Few cars fall faster than the Maserati Quattroporte. Gorgeous, exotic, and powered by Ferrari-built engines, it’s the definition of “high reward, high risk.” A new Quattroporte once cost around $120,000 — but after just a few years, you can find clean examples for under $25,000.
The catch? Maintenance and parts prices are just as Italian as the styling. But if you’re brave (and have a good mechanic), it’s one of the most affordable ways to live the supercar dream.
Early EVs: When Technology Outruns Itself
Electric vehicles have come a long way in the past decade — longer range, faster charging, and smarter software. But those rapid advancements have made first-generation EVs depreciate like few other cars in history.
Nissan Leaf (1st Generation)
When it launched, the Nissan Leaf was a pioneer. But with an EPA range of just 73 miles, early versions quickly became obsolete as battery tech improved.
Within three years, many first-gen Leafs lost up to 80% of their original value. A car that cost $30,000 new could be found for under $5,000 — or even less.
Still, for city commuters or short-range drivers, used Leafs are an incredible bargain — cheap to buy, cheap to run, and perfect for local driving.
Fiat 500e and BMW i3
Other early EVs, like the quirky Fiat 500e and the carbon-bodied BMW i3, also suffered massive depreciation due to limited range and niche appeal. But they’re now fantastic second cars or daily commuters for buyers who know what to expect.
You can find clean examples for under $10,000 — a fraction of their original sticker prices.
Struggling Brands and Low-Demand Models
Depreciation also hits hardest when a brand struggles to maintain its reputation or model lineup.
Luxury marques like Jaguar and Alfa Romeo, for instance, make beautiful cars that don’t always inspire long-term confidence. The Jaguar XJ, XF, and Alfa Romeo Giulia are prime examples — stunning design, sharp handling, and major depreciation once the warranty clock runs out.
Even newer models can lose half their value in three to four years, largely due to perceived reliability concerns and low resale demand.
The Silver Lining: Turning Depreciation Into Opportunity
Here’s the twist: while these cars are nightmares for their original owners, they can be dream deals for savvy used buyers.
Depreciation doesn’t mean a car is bad — it means it’s expensive when new and unpopular used. And that’s exactly where you can win.
A five-year-old BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class that’s lost $70,000 in value still feels like a $100K car to drive — and you can buy it for the price of a new Kia.
If you’re willing to take on higher maintenance or fuel costs, you can get exotic performance and luxury for a fraction of the price.
The Verdict: Know What You’re Buying
Depreciation is inevitable — but some cars just fall faster than others.
The worst offenders:
- BMW 7 Series
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Nissan Leaf (1st Gen)
- Jaguar XJ / Alfa Romeo Giulia
The hidden opportunity:
Buy them used, not new. Let someone else take the depreciation hit, and you could enjoy $100,000-level comfort and performance for $20K–$30K.
It’s a gamble — but for car enthusiasts who do their homework, it can be one of the smartest plays in the used car market.
