Do you want to know What are the used cars that depreciate the most in Brazil?
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So here’s the promised list — straight to the point, with up-to-date data and quick explanations for each model.
| Position | Córdoba | Average Devaluation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 º | Renault Duster | up to 24% |
| 2 º | Fiat chronos | up to 22,8% |
| 3 º | Caoa Chery Tiggo 5X | up to 21,5% |
| 4 º | Peugeot 208 | up to 21% |
| 5 º | Renault Logan | up to 20,7% |
| 6 º | Citroën C4 Cactus | up to 20,5% |
| 7 º | Fiat Argo Drive 1.0 | up to 20,3% |
| 8 º | VW Voyage | up to 20% |
| 9 º | Hyundai HB20S | up to 19,9% |
| 10 º | Chevrolet Onix Plus | up to 19,5% |
Why Some Used Cars Depreciate So Quickly
You may have asked yourself: “Why can two cars in the same category have such different values after a year?”
The answer is in details that many people ignore when buying, but which weigh (a lot) when it comes to resale.
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🔍 Factors that accelerate loss of value:
- Brand with low market acceptance
Some models, even new, leave the dealership with a reputation for being unsold. This reduces the value when the car enters the used market. - Low demand among resellers
If a car has a slow turnover in used car dealerships, its market value will drop quickly. After all, what doesn't sell... depreciates. - High maintenance cost
Cars that require expensive parts or are difficult to maintain turn off buyers and push the price down. - Poor fuel consumption performance
In times of expensive gasoline, no one wants a car that “drinks more fuel than it drives”. - History of mechanical problems or recalls
If the model already has a reputation for causing problems, buyers ask for a discount — and the depreciation comes next. - Less desired versions
Models with problematic automated transmission, weak engine or poor finish suffer more in the market.
🟢 When it might be worth it:
- Aggressive discounts on pre-owned vehicles
You can pay much less than you would for a more expensive model — and that's worth it, depending on your goals. - Purchase with a focus on use, not resale
If you plan to keep the car for 5 or 6 years, short-term depreciation may be irrelevant. - Simple and inexpensive maintenance
Even if the car loses value, if it is reliable and easy to maintain, the cost-benefit can be positive. - Cash purchase with good negotiating power
If you pay cheap and use it well, the cost per year can be less than buying a “favorite” car on the market.
🔴 When it's not worth it:
- If you change cars frequently
In this case, the loss of value will hurt your pocket with each exchange. - If the model has frequent mechanical problems
Then you lose twice: at the resale and at the workshop. - If reselling is difficult in your city
In some markets, certain cars are practically ignored — and that becomes a headache.
Cars That Depreciate the Most: Factors That Increase Losses
In addition to the reasons that explain why certain models lose value faster, there are some details that can further accelerate the devaluation — and leave your pocket even more in the red.
Check out these points that many people ignore (and regret later):
🚫 Factors that further increase the loss of value:
- Wrong version for the wrong audience
Buying an automatic car in a city where most people prefer manuals? You can be sure that the resale value will plummet. - Undesirable colors
Cars that are yellow, green or very exotic colors are more difficult to resell. Black, white and silver tend to hold their value better. - Packages with non-valued optional extras
Spending more on options that the average buyer doesn't even care about (like a sunroof, electric seats in popular cars) can backfire. - Very specific equipment
Problematic automated transmission, 1.3 turbo engines in small models or little-known electronic systems scare buyers. - Versions with low parts availability
This is especially true for imported cars or those manufactured outside the country. If there’s a problem, you’ll suffer — and so will anyone else who buys it.
How to Avoid Losing Money When Buying a Used Car
If you've come this far, you already understand that devaluation can hurt your pocket. But the good news is that there are simple ways to minimize this loss.
With a little care and research, you can choose a car that better maintain value over time.
✅ Practical tips to avoid making a mistake when choosing:
- Research the model's depreciation history
Sites like KBB Brazil e mobiauto show how much each car loses value over time. - Check the average price in the Fipe table and in the local market
Sometimes, the car is well rated by Fipe, but stranded on OLX in your region. Keep an eye on both. - Give preference to models with high market acceptance
Popular cars, with cheap maintenance and easy resale tend to hold their price better. - Avoid versions that are too specific or full of expensive options
It may seem like a good deal at first, but these details are not always appreciated by those who buy later. - Consider the total cost of ownership
In addition to the resale value, take into account IPVA, insurance, inspections and consumption. This gives a more realistic view of the cost over time.
Smarter Alternatives: Used Cars With Lower Depreciation
If your goal is avoid losses when reselling, it is worth looking carefully at models that maintain their value even after years of use.
These cars are like “wild cards” in the market: they are easy to sell, well accepted everywhere and have a good reputation among mechanics and buyers.
🟢 Examples of cars that hold their value better:
- Toyota Corolla
Reputed to be reliable, with simple mechanics and easy resale. Even with a higher value, it loses little. - Honda Civic
Same reasoning as the Corolla. Great after-sales service, national acceptance and easy maintenance. - Volkswagen Gol
Despite being simple, it is still very popular — both for those who want to work and for those who want a basic, good car. - Chevrolet onix (manual version)
Popular, with a good supply of parts and low maintenance costs. Non-turbo versions tend to hold their value better. - Fiat Uno
It has been discontinued, but it remains highly valued on the used market — especially models in good condition with low mileage.
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Conclusion
Choosing a used car goes far beyond appearance or initial price. If you don't consider depreciation, you could end up losing thousands of dollars without even realizing it.
The good news is that now you know What are the used cars that depreciate the most in Brazil?, and have the right information at your fingertips to make a safer and smarter choice.
Remember: researching before you buy is always the best investment. And if you want to go even further, it's worth knowing which models are the best maintain value over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Cars That Depreciate the Most
1. What is the car that loses the most value in Brazil?
The Renault Duster leads the depreciation rankings, being able to lose up to 24% of its value in the first year of use, according to data from KBB Brasil.
2. Which used SUV depreciates the most?
In addition to the Duster, the Caoa Chery Tiggo 5X also shows high depreciation, losing more than 21% in one year.
3. Why do some cars depreciate so much?
Factors such as low demand, high maintenance costs, high consumption and a history of mechanical problems contribute to the loss of value.
4. Do automatic cars depreciate more?
It depends on the model. Some automatic transmissions that are poorly rated by the market (such as simple automated transmissions) suffer more when resold.
5. Which used cars are worth more when resold?
Models such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, VW Gol and Chevrolet Onix are well-received and depreciate less.
6. How do you know if a car will depreciate a lot?
Research the model on sites like KBB Brasil, follow local ads and check the car's reputation on forums and reviews.
7. Which new cars lose a lot of value in the first year?
Less popular compact sedans and SUVs, such as the Logan, Cronos and Tiggo 5X, tend to lose up to 20% in value in the first 12 months.
8. Is it worth buying a car that depreciates in value?
If the objective is prolonged use and the price is attractive, it may be worth it. The ideal is to evaluate the total cost and the time you will keep the vehicle.
9. Do turbo cars depreciate more?
Not necessarily. But turbo engines with high maintenance costs or little market acceptance may depreciate more.
10. What can I do to reduce car depreciation?
Keeping your vehicle serviced regularly, maintaining its aesthetics, avoiding collisions, driving it less and selling it at the right time all help to preserve its value.
11. Does depreciation affect financed cars?
Yes. In some cases, the outstanding balance is greater than the market value of the car, which results in a loss in the event of an early sale.
12. Is it more worthwhile to buy a used car that is pre-owned?
Generally yes. Cars that are 1 or 2 years old have already suffered the biggest drop in value and are still in great condition.
13. Does the color of the car affect its depreciation?
Yes. Neutral colors like white, silver and black are the most popular. Unusual colors make it harder to resell and may depreciate in value.
14. Is it worth investing in a car with lots of optional extras?
Not necessarily. Many optional extras are not valued at the time of resale, especially in entry-level models.
15. Do models with automated transmission depreciate more?
Yes, especially simple automated transmissions that are known for failure. Buyers tend to avoid these models.
16. Do fleet or rental cars lose more value?
Yes. Despite frequent maintenance, these cars tend to be heavily used and this impacts their resale value.
17. Is the Fiat Cronos a car that loses value?
Yes. The Cronos appears among the models with the greatest depreciation, especially in the most basic versions and with low demand.
18. Does a used car with low mileage hold more value?
Yes. Low mileage is one of the most valued points in the used car market and can reduce depreciation.
19. Does buying a car with natural gas affect the resale value?
It depends on the region. In places where natural gas is well accepted, it may not have an impact. In others, it may drive away buyers and devalue the vehicle.
20. Is it better to buy from a private individual or from a store to avoid losses?
Buying from private individuals may be cheaper, but you need to be careful. Stores offer more security and guarantees, but at a higher price.
