All articles tagged with #resale value
As cars become more software-driven with over-the-air updates, their longevity depends on hardware staying compatible with new software, raising questions about maintenance, feature availability, and resale value as support may wane and some vehicles gain ongoing updates while others do not.
The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 started at $185,950 when it debuted in 2020. Current data show about 34% five-year depreciation, with fair prices around $123,000 according to KBB and similar figures on Cars.com and CarGurus, making the Maybach less starkly devalued than the standard S580 (which has fallen roughly 47–50%). The Maybach’s rarity and badge likely help sustain higher prices despite general luxury-car depreciation.
Mid-2026 resale data show the iPhone 17 lineup capturing the majority of value, with base iPhone 17 retaining about 99% of its original price and Pro/Pro Max near 98–99%; the iPhone 17e also performs well (roughly 92–97% depending on variant), while the Galaxy S26 lags at around 75% retention, highlighting how Apple devices typically hold value better than Android options amid rising new-device prices.
SellCell's analysis finds that a hypothetical $2,000 foldable iPhone could lose up to about $1,292 in value after 12 months (roughly 64.6% depreciation), leaving around $708. This rate is worse than traditional smartphones, which on average lose about $605 of a $2,000 device in the same period. If a foldable matched the iPhone 16 line’s depreciation (roughly 51.5–56.4% retained), it could sit around $1,030 after a year. Apple has historically strong resale performance, but a foldable could still underperform non-foldables. The device is rumored to be the iPhone Ultra, launching with the iPhone 18 Pro/Max around fall 2026 at about $2,000.
A resale site warns that buying the iPhone Ultra could result in substantial value loss in its first year, with foldable smartphones losing about 64.6% of their value and a $2,000 iPhone Ultra potentially dropping as much as $1,292. While iPhones generally hold value better and Apple’s 14-day return policy could offset some costs, the overall depreciation could make the purchase a costly experiment.
Toyota remains highly reliable overall, but two models show notable depreciation: the hydrogen-powered Mirai and the early EV bZ4X. Mirai resale has fallen about 80% in five years due to scarce hydrogen fueling infrastructure, with used prices around $10k from a $49.5k new starting point. The bZ4X, hit by late EV competition and a wheel-hub recall, has seen roughly 57% value loss, with private-party used values around $21,400 after three years. Kelley Blue Book still uses about 53% five-year value for Toyota overall, but these niche powertrains illustrate why some Toyotas depreciate faster.
SellCell data shows the iPhone 17 Pro Max has become the most traded-in smartphone, accounting for 11.5% of top-20 trade-ins by early February (up from 5.1% in late November). Most traded units are in mint or good condition. The 17 Pro Max depreciates about 7% less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max over 145 days, translating to roughly $95 more retained value, while mint-condition units average about $967.50 in resale. The top-20 devices represent about 47% of trade-in activity, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max also remaining prominent. The trend suggests strong resale pricing amid broader economic factors.
KBB estimates the 2021 Corvette Stingray’s five-year resale value at about $53,600 in January 2026, roughly 12% below its $60,995 original price, signaling strong value retention for a sports car. Industry estimates vary widely: CarEdge foresees up to 44% depreciation for a new Corvette over five years, while iSeeCars puts traditional gas coupes at ~26% and convertibles up to 36%. Among rivals, the Porsche 911 holds value best (about 0.15% depreciation), with Lexus LC (~37%) and Audi R8 (~16%) showing different resale performance.
The 2020 BMW M2 has depreciated by only 28% over five years, with the M2 CS variant retaining value particularly well, making it a rare outlier among luxury cars which typically depreciate rapidly. Despite high initial prices, these models have shown strong resale value, especially the limited-edition CS, due to demand and performance appeal.
The resale value of second-hand Nintendo 3DS consoles has surged in 2025, with some units selling for up to 76% more than their original launch price, driven by nostalgia, unique features, and retro gaming appeal.
The 2020 Mazda Miata has retained about 64% of its value after five years, with depreciation rates varying by trim, and it compares favorably to similar sports cars like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ in terms of value retention.
The faster depreciation of EVs compared to gas cars is largely due to rapid technological advancements making older models less desirable, coupled with market factors like subsidies and high initial prices. While EVs lose value quickly, this trend may reflect ongoing innovation rather than lack of demand, and improvements in battery technology and new models suggest the depreciation rate could stabilize over time.
The resale value of electric vehicles is rapidly declining worldwide, especially impacting fleet operators and private owners, due to uncertainties about battery lifespan and market valuation, with Tesla retaining value better than Chinese brands, and regional differences affecting resale prices. Emerging battery-as-a-service models and improved battery data are seen as potential solutions to stabilize the market.
A three-year-old Ford Bronco depreciates about 36%, slightly better than the average 39% for new cars in the U.S., thanks to its high desirability, versatile configurations, and strong market demand, which help it retain value better than many other vehicles.
The resale value of an Oscar statue is strictly regulated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with winners required to sign an agreement prohibiting resale without first offering it to the Academy for $1. Legal battles have ensued when individuals attempted to sell their Oscars without adhering to this rule, but there have been instances where the Academy lost cases against resale. Notable sales include Michael Jackson purchasing an Oscar for $1.5 million and Steven Spielberg buying Clark Gable's Oscar for $607,500.