Depreciation is the invisible cost of car ownership. It’s what you don’t pay upfront but end up losing over time — the difference between what you paid and what you’ll get when you sell. In South Africa, with its dynamic and often unpredictable vehicle market, knowing which cars depreciate the fastest can save you money or help you score a serious deal in the used segment.
Here are 10 vehicles that are known to shed value rapidly — making them models to avoid if you’re buying new or to consider if you’re shopping used.
Top 10 Fastest-Depreciating Cars in South Africa (2025)
1. Maserati Quattroporte
- Depreciation Rate: Over 60% in 5 years
- Reason: High initial cost, limited dealer support, and low brand visibility in SA drive its value down quickly.
2. Nissan NP200
- Depreciation Rate: Roughly 50% over 3 years
- Reason: Despite being a budget-friendly bakkie, quality concerns and lack of new replacements have softened resale values.
3. Chevrolet Cruze
- Depreciation Rate: 54% within a few years
- Reason: GM’s departure from South Africa hurt resale values due to limited parts and support.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Depreciation Rate: Over 50% after 5 years
- Reason: While luxurious, high running costs and inconsistent reliability hurt its value retention.
5. Renault Kwid
- Depreciation Rate: Over 24% in 3 years
- Reason: Affordable to buy, but safety concerns and long-term costs lower demand in the used market.
6. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
- Depreciation Rate: Steep
- Reason: A niche car with big performance and equally big maintenance bills. Appeal is limited to a small group of buyers.
7. Porsche Boxster
- Depreciation Rate: High among luxury coupes
- Reason: Premium price tags combined with limited second-hand demand mean values fall fast.
8. Haval H6
- Depreciation Rate: Around 29% in five years
- Reason: Great value when new, but the brand is still establishing trust in South Africa, impacting long-term perception.
9. Tata Indica
- Depreciation Rate: Around 50%
- Reason: Weak brand perception and lack of service infrastructure continue to drag its value down.
10. SsangYong Rodius
- Depreciation Rate: Extreme
- Reason: Poor aesthetics, weak resale demand, and brand exit from SA make this one of the fastest value-losers on the market.
Why Some Cars Lose Value Faster Than Others
- Brand Trust: Buyers prefer brands with wide service networks and a reputation for reliability.
- Ownership Costs: Vehicles with costly parts, poor fuel economy, or expensive maintenance see lower resale interest.
- Limited Appeal: Niche vehicles, luxury sports models, and controversial designs face smaller buyer pools.
- Manufacturer Exit: Brands that leave the country (e.g., Chevrolet) make future resale more difficult.
Smart Buying Tip: Depreciation Can Be an Opportunity
While rapid depreciation is bad news for new buyers, it’s often great news for used car shoppers. You can find high-spec models at a fraction of their original cost — provided you’re comfortable with maintenance, parts sourcing, and potentially higher running costs.
Conclusion: Make Value Work in Your Favour
In a market where car prices continue to climb, depreciation awareness is key. Choose wisely when buying new, and keep an eye on heavily depreciated models when buying used. You could walk away with a deal that offers more car for less cash — just be sure to factor in long-term ownership costs.
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