10 New Cars That’ll Lose Their Value Faster Than a Free Sample at Costco
Buying a new car is kind of like getting a new phone—you love it at first, but within a few years, it’s outdated, slower, and worth way less than what you paid. Some cars, though, lose their value so fast you’d think they were cursed.
So, which 2025 models are the worst investments if you care about resale value? We did the math (okay, mostly just some educated guessing) and found 10 cars that are likely to depreciate faster than your excitement for New Year’s resolutions.
1. BMW 7 Series
- 2025 MSRP: $97,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $38,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $18,000
Luxury sedans lose value like a melting ice cream cone, and the BMW 7 Series is the poster child for this. Wealthy buyers want the newest tech, and when the next model drops, this one will be yesterday’s news. Plus, once the warranty runs out, repairs cost about as much as a used Honda Civic.
2. Maserati Ghibli
- 2025 MSRP: $85,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $32,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $15,000
Maserati is great at making cars that sound amazing but lose value at record speed. The Ghibli has been around for a while now, and most buyers looking for an Italian luxury car just go for a Ferrari instead. Meanwhile, used Maseratis sit on dealer lots, collecting dust like an old treadmill in your basement.
3. Nissan Leaf
- 2025 MSRP: $30,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $11,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $4,000 (if the battery even still works)
EV technology is advancing faster than a toddler on a sugar rush, and older models become obsolete almost immediately. The Leaf already struggles with limited range, and in five years, newer EVs will make it look like a relic from the Stone Age.
4. Cadillac Escalade
- 2025 MSRP: $90,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $42,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $18,000**
Sure, it’s flashy, but once it’s not brand new, the appeal wears off. Gas prices aren’t getting any cheaper, and massive SUVs like the Escalade are slowly being replaced by electric and hybrid options. Plus, with so many new tech features, the used models will feel ancient before they even hit 100,000 miles.
That being said, I personally love the Escalade’s styling and look. At this price point, Cadillac may need to take a cue from Toyota and keep their high dollar designs longer. Maybe it would keep them from depreciating so fast… maybe?
5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2025 MSRP: $117,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $50,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $22,000
Like the BMW 7 Series, the S-Class suffers from “luxury car syndrome”—the moment a new one comes out, the old one looks outdated. And once it’s out of warranty, good luck affording repairs unless you have a side hustle selling rare Pokémon cards. (Pat Flynn, do you drive a Mercedes S Class???)
6. Infiniti QX80
- 2025 MSRP: $85,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $35,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $15,000**
The QX80 is basically a fancy Nissan Armada, and that’s a problem. Why? Because Nissan’s resale values aren’t great, and luxury SUVs without serious brand prestige tank fast. Plus, it drinks gas like it’s going out of style (which, honestly, it kind of is). This said, I think this design is fantastic and separates itself from the Armada in its design.
7. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- 2025 MSRP: $50,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $19,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $8,000**
Minivans already have terrible resale value, and hybrid ones depreciate even faster because battery replacements can cost thousands. Once the warranty is up, a used Pacifica Hybrid might as well come with a sign that says, “Expensive Repairs Ahead.”
8. Ford Mustang Mach-E
- 2025 MSRP: $45,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $20,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $9,000**
Ford’s attempt at an electric Mustang has been a bit… controversial. It’s a solid EV, but the market is moving so fast that by 2030, used Mach-Es will feel outdated. Plus, Ford’s software updates haven’t been the smoothest, and that could hurt resale value.
9. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- 2025 MSRP: $95,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $40,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $18,000
Jeep tried to go ultra-luxury with the Grand Wagoneer, but let’s be honest—when people hear “Jeep,” they think of muddy Wranglers, not six-figure SUVs. The Grand Wagoneer is big, powerful, and filled with tech, but depreciation will hit it hard for a few reasons: 1) gas prices aren’t doing it any favors, 2) high-end Jeep buyers are a rare breed, and 3) luxury SUVs from brands like Mercedes and BMW hold their value way better (which is saying something). In five years, expect used car lots to be filled with these at massive discounts.
*Personal note: I have to admit, putting the Grand Wagoneer on this list stings a little. As a collector of the classic model, I had high hopes for its return. I waited two years in hopes of buying one—only to be completely let down. I never actually pulled the trigger because, frankly, I just don’t find it attractive. For all the talk about capturing the magic and nostalgia of the original, Jeep completely missed the mark. It doesn’t look, feel, or embody anything that made the classic special. Few redesigns have ever let me down more than this one.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 6
- 2025 MSRP: $42,000
- Estimated Value in 2030: $18,000
- Estimated Value in 2035: $8,000
The Ioniq 6 is sleek, futuristic, and a solid EV. But here’s the problem: EVs are improving ridiculously fast. By 2030, this car’s range and charging speed will look outdated, and buyers will want the latest and greatest instead. Plus, Hyundai’s resale values historically haven’t been the strongest, so don’t expect this one to hold onto its worth for long.
Now, let’s run the numbers for each car over 10 years:
| Car | 2025 MSRP | Estimated 2035 Value | 10-Year Depreciation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 7 Series | $97,000 | $18,000 | 81.4% |
| Maserati Ghibli | $85,000 | $15,000 | 82.4% |
| Nissan Leaf | $30,000 | $4,000 | 86.7% |
| Cadillac Escalade | $90,000 | $18,000 | 80% |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | $115,000 | $22,000 | 80.9% |
| Infiniti QX80 | $85,000 | $15,000 | 82.4% |
| Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | $50,000 | $8,000 | 84% |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | $95,000 | $18,000 | 81% |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | $42,000 | $8,000 | 81% |
Winner (or loser, really): Nissan Leaf 🚗💸
With an estimated 86.7% depreciation, the Nissan Leaf takes the crown for the fastest value drop. Why? Because EV technology moves at warp speed, and older models with lower range become outdated incredibly fast. A used Nissan Leaf in 10 years will be worth about as much as a nice mountain bike.
Honorable mentions go to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (84%) and Maserati Ghibli (82.4%), all of which will shed value like a snake losing its skin.
So, if you’re thinking of buying one of these new, just know you might be better off waiting and scooping one up used for a massive discount!
Final Thoughts: Should You Care About Depreciation?
If you’re planning to keep your car for 10+ years, depreciation might not matter much. But if you like to trade in every few years, picking the wrong car could cost you thousands.
Moral of the story? If you’re buying new, go for something with a strong resale value (like a Toyota or a Jeep). If you don’t care about depreciation, well—at least now you know which cars will give you the biggest discount when you buy them used.
Drive smart, and may your next car purchase not be a financial black hole.