Depreciation affects value more than drivers realize

If you ask drivers about what the biggest yearly cost is for their vehicle, most would say gas prices or possibly vehicle maintenance. However, both answers are wrong in many cases: it's actually vehicle depreciation.

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Whelan - 7/11/2011 11:43:47 PM

+5 Boost

Although my counterpoint would be that I typically buy cars on a 5 year finance and at the end keep them, trade them or sell them privately. By that point, the car has paid for itself so whatever I get for it is fine with me.

I don't purchase my vehicles based on how much they MAY be worth after 5 years.

_43LE - 7/12/2011 9:13:53 AM

+1 Boost

As much as I agree with you, things have really changed for Hyundai. The Sonata is pretty much on par depreciation wise with the Honda Accord, the depreciation champ.

http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata/2011/long-term-test-2011-hyundai-sonata-gls.html

roscoep03 - 7/13/2011 11:39:00 PM

+2 Boost

I heavily research my cars and buy them, usually finance them over five years and keep them as long as possible. My 98' nissan altima has been paid for since 2002 and runs like a top. It also has 240k mileage. I see no reason to get rid of it. I just bought a new murano and plan on driving it for 12-15 years. With a nissan, if you maintain it you can do this.