Car Depreciation: What's Your Car Worth Today?
Every car loses value over time. Learn what affects your car’s resale value and how to estimate its current market value accurately.
Car Depreciation in Switzerland: How Much Value Does Your Car Lose?
Every car loses value over time. But how much is your car really worth, and what factors determine its current market value?
Before selling a car, most owners wonder what it’s actually worth. Online marketplaces often show optimistic asking prices, while dealership trade-in offers tend to be significantly lower. As a result, it can be difficult to determine a realistic market value.
In this guide, you’ll learn what affects your car’s value, how to estimate its depreciation more accurately, and how to maximise its resale value when selling.
Why do cars lose value in the first place?
A car starts losing value the moment it leaves the dealership. Factors such as age, mileage, condition, and everyday use all contribute to depreciation. In addition, newer models with improved technology and features can reduce the resale value of older vehicles.
Depreciation is highest during the first few years of ownership. A new car typically loses around 15–25% of its value in the first year. After that, depreciation slows down considerably, and the annual loss in value becomes much smaller.
How much value does a car lose each year?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as every vehicle depreciates differently. However, the following figures provide a useful general guide:
- lose around 15–25% of their value in the first year
- lose around 35–50% of their value after three years
- lose around 50–65% of their value after five years
- lose more than 75% of their value after ten years
A vehicle that originally cost CHF 50,000 may still be worth between CHF 20,000 and CHF 25,000 after five years, depending on its model, condition, and mileage.
These figures are only intended as a general guide. A vehicle’s actual market value depends on a range of factors.
What factors affect a car's depreciation?
Vehicle age
As a car gets older, its market value generally decreases. Depreciation is typically highest during the first few years of ownership.
Mileage
Mileage is one of the most important factors affecting a car's value. Cars with lower mileage generally achieve higher resale prices.
Make and model
Popular models with strong market demand tend to retain their value for longer. Less sought-after models generally depreciate more quickly.
Condition and maintenance
A complete service history and regular maintenance increase buyer confidence and can help maintain a car's value. On the other hand, accident damage or an incomplete service history can reduce its resale value.
Features
Optional features such as satellite navigation, leather seats, or advanced driver-assistance systems can increase a car's resale value. However, not every optional extra will add significantly to the selling price.
Powertrain and market trends
Market trends have a direct impact on a car's value. For electric vehicles in particular, demand, battery technology, and new model launches can significantly influence resale values.
How does the depreciation of electric cars progress?
There is no simple answer to whether an electric car depreciates faster than a petrol or diesel car. While some EV models have experienced above-average depreciation in recent years, others have retained their value remarkably well.
Key factors include battery condition, driving range, charging speed, market supply, and new car pricing. In particular, price cuts on new electric vehicles can have a direct impact on used EV prices.
That’s why a current market valuation is especially important for electric vehicles, where supply, demand, and technology evolve much faster than for petrol or diesel cars.
Why is there a difference between market value and a dealer's offer?
Many car owners compare their car’s estimated market value with a dealer’s trade-in offer and are surprised by the difference.
The reason is simple: Dealers must factor in business risks, warranty costs, vehicle preparation, and their own profit margin. As a result, trade-in offers are often significantly lower than the price you could achieve in a private sale.
Selling your car privately can often result in a higher selling price. However, it also means creating listings, responding to enquiries, arranging viewings, organising test drives, negotiating with buyers, and managing the entire sales process.
With a full-service provider like Autobuster, you can sell your car at a competitive market price without handling the sales process yourself. From the initial valuation and advertising to negotiations, paperwork, and payment, we take care of everything for you.
Learn how to achieve the best possible price when selling your car in Switzerland.
When is the best time to sell?
The best time to sell is often earlier than many owners expect. If you wait until your new car has already arrived, you’ll likely be under time pressure and may have to accept a lower offer.
To achieve the best possible price, it’s ideal to start the sales process two to three months before changing cars. Depending on the model, condition, and market demand, finding the right buyer can take several weeks.
A free car valuation gives you an estimate of your car’s current market value, helping you plan your sale well in advance.
How can I calculate the current value of my car?
The actual resale value of your car depends on several factors, including its age, mileage, condition, equipment, and current market demand.
With Autobuster, you can get an online estimate of your car’s current market value in just a few minutes. We then carry out a technical and visual inspection to determine the best market price for your car.
Unlike a traditional trade-in, your car is offered at its true market value. We handle the entire sales process—from advertising and communicating with potential buyers to managing the paperwork and secure payment.
This allows you to achieve a higher selling price without having to create listings, arrange viewings, or negotiate with buyers yourself.
Conclusion: While depreciation Is inevitable, you can minimise its impact
Every car loses value over time. However, the rate of depreciation depends on factors such as age, mileage, condition, equipment, and market demand.
Regular maintenance, proper care, and good timing can help you achieve the best possible selling price.
Want to know what your car is worth today? With Autobuster’s free online car valuation tool, you’ll receive an initial estimate of your car’s market value in just a few minutes—helping you understand what price you could realistically achieve.
Sources
ADAC (2025): New Cars and Depreciation. Available at: https://www.adac.de/fahrzeugwelt/faq/faq-auto/neuwagen-und-wertverlust/ (accessed June 10, 2026).
Touring Club Switzerland (TCS): Used Electric Cars: Debunking the Myths. Available at: https://www.tcs.ch/de/testberichte-ratgeber/ratgeber/elektromobilitaet/elektroauto-occasion-mythen.php (accessed on June 13, 2026).
