Depreciation is one of the most painful realities of car ownership. The moment a new car leaves the dealership, its value drops, but for some models the fall is especially brutal. While certain cars manage to hold their worth due to strong reputations, limited supply, or lasting demand, others collapse in value within just a couple of years. These are often expensive vehicles with high maintenance costs, unproven reliability, or limited appeal in the used market. By the time they are two years old, many are already worth about half of their original sticker price. Here are nine cars that mechanics and market analysts consistently point out as depreciation disasters in 2025.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series has long been a flagship luxury sedan, loaded with advanced technology and impressive performance. Yet all of that complexity becomes a liability on the used market. Buyers worry about repair costs and reliability issues, which keeps demand soft for second hand models. New, the 7 Series can command six figure price tags, but two years later examples often trade for half that amount. For the first owner, this is a devastating hit. For savvy used buyers, however, it is an opportunity to own a luxury sedan with features like adaptive suspensions, cutting edge infotainment, and powerful turbocharged engines at a massive discount.
Mercedes Benz S Class
Few cars symbolize luxury like the Mercedes Benz S Class, but depreciation is a reality even for this icon. These sedans are packed with complicated systems, from air suspension to semi autonomous driving features, and the cost to repair or maintain them is intimidating for second hand buyers. As a result, prices tumble quickly once the car is no longer new. Within two years, S Class sedans often lose close to half their value, making them risky to buy new. For those who shop pre owned, however, the S Class can be an incredible bargain, offering one of the most advanced luxury experiences for the price of a new midsize sedan.
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli carries an exotic name and sleek styling, but it has struggled to live up to the expectations that come with the badge. Reliability concerns, limited dealer networks, and expensive maintenance have kept used buyers away. This lack of demand translates into steep depreciation, with values often cut in half within two years. Owners may enjoy the sound and style of Italian luxury, but many are shocked by how quickly the resale value collapses. For second hand buyers willing to take on the risk, the Ghibli can be a cheap ticket into exotic ownership, but mechanics often caution that repair bills can quickly outweigh the savings.
Jaguar XF
Jaguar has always offered cars with distinctive design and enjoyable performance, but its reputation for reliability remains shaky. The XF sedan is no exception, and that has made used buyers hesitant. Even though the XF competes with cars like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, its resale values fall much faster. Two year old models are often available for nearly half their original price, making it a poor choice for anyone who buys new. For used buyers, though, it can be appealing if they are prepared for higher upkeep costs and less robust reliability than its German rivals.
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a full size luxury SUV that delivers size, comfort, and strong V8 power. However, it has developed a reputation for thirsty fuel consumption and high running costs, which limits its used appeal. Buyers in the pre owned market often turn to rivals like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus LX, which hold their value better. Because of this, the QX80 often sheds nearly half of its worth in just two years. While it can be a comfortable and spacious choice, its rapid depreciation makes it a questionable investment for new buyers who intend to hold onto it.
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator has long been a competitor in the large luxury SUV category, and while it has loyal fans, depreciation hits it hard. The Navigator is expensive when new, but after two years it often sells for much less than half its original price. High supply in the used market combined with maintenance costs and fuel expenses drag values down quickly. For new buyers, this can mean losing tens of thousands of dollars in equity within just a couple of years. For used buyers, however, it represents a chance to buy a luxury family hauler with all the bells and whistles at a significant discount.
Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 is a full size luxury sedan that has impressed critics with comfort, technology, and value. Despite these qualities, it has not escaped heavy depreciation. Genesis as a brand still lacks the name recognition of BMW or Mercedes, and used car buyers remain cautious. This lack of demand means the G90 often loses nearly half its value within two years. For those who purchase new, this steep drop can be discouraging, but for used buyers it makes the G90 one of the smartest deals on the luxury market, offering features that rival German sedans at a fraction of the price.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a sharp handling sports sedan that has earned praise for its driving dynamics and Italian style. Unfortunately, Alfa Romeo still carries a reputation for questionable reliability and limited dealer support in North America. This keeps resale values low, and within two years many Giulias are worth half their original sticker price. Owners love the way the car drives but are often frustrated when it comes to maintenance and long term durability. For enthusiasts who want an exciting car without paying full price, the Giulia can be appealing as a used buy, but mechanics often warn that ownership comes with risks.
Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is one of the most elegant and comfortable sedans in its class, known for advanced safety features and Scandinavian design. However, the luxury sedan market is crowded, and demand on the used side is relatively weak. This lack of demand pushes resale prices down sharply. Within two years, many S90s have already lost close to half their value. While this is bad news for buyers who pay full price, it is a huge advantage for used buyers who can enjoy a nearly new luxury sedan with advanced safety tech for much less than the cost of entry level German competitors.
The Bottom Line
Depreciation is unavoidable, but some cars are far worse offenders than others. Flagship luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes Benz S Class drop quickly because of high technology costs and expensive maintenance. Exotic and stylish models like the Maserati Ghibli and Alfa Romeo Giulia lose value fast because of reliability concerns and limited demand. Even big luxury SUVs like the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator are not immune, shedding tens of thousands of dollars in value within two years. For buyers, the lesson is simple. If you plan to buy new, you should be prepared for heavy depreciation with these models. But if you are shopping used, the same cars can be incredible bargains, offering top tier luxury, performance, and style for half the original cost.
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