Why Fancy Cars Lose Value Faster Than You’d Think
Luxury cars feel luxurious from the driver's seat, but unfortunately resale value can be a different story. Expensive price tags, frequent tech refresh rates and high maintenance costs are causing even the snazziest models to depreciate faster. If you're in the market for a new vehicle, keep this list in mind before you buy.
1. BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is loaded with technology and comfort. However, newer models become outdated quickly. You’ll love driving one, but be prepared for large depreciation when you first purchase it.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is one of the most luxurious vehicles out there. However, it depreciates rapidly. As newer tech becomes available, features in the S-Class become obsolete. Then you have high repair costs that scare buyers.
3. Audi A8
The Audi A8 is incredibly handsome with tons of features. But, its depreciation is swift. Vehicles don’t get dirty in dirt cheaply either. With a sleek design, Audi A8’s mix in with the newer models too easily.
4. Maserati Ghibli
Lots of people want the Ferrari-inspired looks and sound of the Ghibli. But it depreciates very quickly after purchase. The Ghibli isn’t seen as the most reliable and has a sparse dealer network. Don’t buy one new unless you’re prepared for the value to drop.
5. Jaguar XJ
Style and comfort abound with the Jaguar XJ. However, you’ll take a massive depreciation hit on your new SUV. Some buyers still hold on to perceptions of Jag’s reliability.
6. Cadillac CT6
General Motors wanted the CT6 to take on Europe’s luxury sedans. But few cared once it left Cadillac’s showroom. Cadillacs also don’t have the brand value overseas. Depreciation accelerates after you drive it off the lot.
7. BMW 5 Series
The 5 Series may be one of the best all-around luxury sedans. But they are everywhere and constantly being updated. High volume of used vehicles meeting ever increasing supply of new lower used prices.
8. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes sells hundreds of thousands of E-Class sedans each year. When you have that kind of volume, you’re going to see higher depreciation. High availability of used models lets shoppers pick picky.
9. Audi A6
Driving an Audi A6 is a nice mix of comfort and performance. But it won’t stand out enough to avoid large depreciation. Also, with how often Audi introduces new tech, older models get boring quickly.
10. Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is built to perfection and should last you a lifetime. But even luxury sedans aren’t immune to sharp resale value drops. It seems as if demand for luxury sedans is dwindling.
11. Porsche Panamera
The Panamera drives as good as it looks. But some people just don’t understand its styling. Dislike for the car’s design transfers over to the used market. Less demand means higher depreciation.
12. Infiniti Q70
The Infiniti Q70 flies way under the radar as Nissan’s flagship large sedan. And that may be the problem. When a brand doesn’t have momentum, it doesn’t hold value as well.
13. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
This stunning car is nice while it’s under warranty. But depreciation on luxury coupe and 4-door coupes are rapid. Once drivers turn in the keys, supply outpaces demand.
14. Mercedes-Benz CLS
Mercedes pioneered the luxury 4-door coupe with the CLS. But the rest of the market has caught up and moved on. As more vehicles enter the market, original CLS models won’t stand out as much.
15. Audi A7
The Audi A7 combines elements of hatchbacks and sedans while avoiding the drawbacks of both. Yet it still depreciates because buyers don’t see the value over an Audi A6. The only thing that could make it more popular than the A6 would be a price reduction.
16. Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 might just give you the best bang for your buck in its class. But not many people know the brand yet. You may find buyers hesitate when it comes time to pay top dollar for a luxury brand they’ve never heard of.
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17. Maserati Quattroporte
The Quattroporte exudes presence and outright drama. But high ownership costs take the fun out of driving it after a few years. Depreciation also speeds up after the factory warranty expires.
18. Jaguar XF
Sporty elegance defines the Jaguar XF. But so do BMW, Mercedes, and Audi vehicles in its class. Jaguar will often play second fiddle to Germany at this price range, causing depreciation.
19. BMW X6
The swoopy design of the X6 is subjective. You’ll either love it or hate it. But that polarizing style won’t age well in the used market. Few people will want your BMW X6 once the trend fades.
20. Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
This thing looks cool, but fancy coupe utilities come and go. The flashy styling won’t be as popular in a few years. When automobiles of the same body style change, values drop.
