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Used Cars That Depreciate the Most in Brazil in 2025

Do you want to know which used cars depreciate the most in Brazil?

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So here is the promised list — straight to the point, with updated data and quick explanations for each model.

SUV interior with multimedia center, illustrating used cars that depreciate the most in Brazil
Example of a modern SUV among the used cars that depreciate the most in Brazil
Position Model Average Depreciation
1st Renault Duster up to 24%
2nd Fiat Cronos up to 22.8%
3rd Caoa Chery Tiggo 5X up to 21.5%
4th Peugeot 208 up to 21%
5th Renault Logan up to 20.7%
6th Citroën C4 Cactus up to 20.5%
7th Fiat Argo Drive 1.0 up to 20.3%
8th VW Voyage until 20%
9th Hyundai HB20S up to 19.9%
10th Chevrolet Onix Plus until 19.5%

Why Do Some Used Cars Depreciate So Quickly?

You may have already wondered: "Why can two cars in the same category have such different values after a year?"

The answer lies in the details that many people overlook when buying, but that weigh (and a lot) at the time of resale.

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🔍 Factors that accelerate value depreciation:

  • Brand with low market acceptance
    Some models, even new ones, leave the dealership with a reputation for being hard to sell. This decreases the value when the car enters the used market.
  • Low demand among dealers
    If a car has slow turnover in used car dealerships, its market value drops quickly. After all, what doesn't sell... depreciates.
  • High maintenance cost
    Cars that require expensive parts or have difficult maintenance drive away buyers and push prices down.
  • Poor fuel consumption performance
    In times of expensive gasoline, no one wants a car that "drinks more than it drives."
  • History of mechanical issues or recalls
    If the model is already known for having issues, buyers ask for a discount — and depreciation follows suit.
  • Less desirable versions
    Models with problematic automatic transmission, weak engine, or poor finish struggle more in the market.
Practical tip: Before buying, research whether the model has a good market history. A simple search on Google or OLX will reveal if the car is "stuck" on the lots.

🟢 When it might be worth it:

  • Aggressive discounts on used cars
    You can pay much less than you would for a more valued model — and that makes sense, depending on your goal.
  • Purchase focused 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 ratio can be positive.
  • Cash purchase with good negotiating power
    If you pay cheap and use it well, the annual cost may be lower than buying a market "darling" car.

🔴 When it's not worth it:

  • If you frequently change cars
    In this case, the loss of value will hurt your wallet with each trade.
  • If the model has frequent mechanical issues
    Then you lose twice: at resale and at the workshop.
  • If resale is difficult in your city
    In some markets, certain cars are practically ignored — and this becomes a headache.
Many drivers are shocked by depreciation, but they forget that a car is, above all, a means of use. Not always the most valued is the most useful for you.

Cars That Depreciate the Most: Factors That Increase the Loss

In addition to the reasons that explain why certain models lose value faster, there are some details that they can further accelerate depreciation — and leave your wallet even more in the red.

Check out these points that many 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 prefer manual? You can be sure: the resale value plummets.
  • Undesirable colors
    Yellow, green, or very exotic-colored cars are harder to resell. Black, white, and silver tend to retain their value better.
  • Packages with unvalued options
    Spending more on features that the average buyer doesn't even care about (such as sunroofs, electric seats in budget cars) can be a mistake.
  • Very specific equipment
    Problematic automated transmissions, 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 manufacturers that have left the country. If something goes wrong, you will struggle — and so will anyone looking to buy.
Attention: Sometimes, the model is even good... but the chosen version drops the entire resale value. Always research which version has more turnover in the market before closing the deal.

How to Avoid Losing Money When Buying a Used Car

If you've made it this far, you already understand that devaluation can hurt your wallet. But the good news is that there are simple ways to minimize this loss.

With a little attention and research, you can choose a car that maintain better value over time.

✅ Practical tips to avoid mistakes in your choice:

  • Research the depreciation history of the model.
    Sites like KBB Brazil e Mobiauto show how much each car depreciates over time.
  • Check the average price in the Fipe table and in the local market.
    Sometimes, the car is well-rated on Fipe but stuck on OLX in your area. Keep an eye on both.
  • Prefer models with high market acceptance.
    Popular cars, with low maintenance costs and easy resale, tend to retain their value better.
  • Avoid very specific versions or those filled with 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, consider IPVA, insurance, maintenance, and fuel consumption. This provides a more realistic view of expenses over time.
Golden tip: Always bring a trusted mechanic to evaluate the car before purchasing. A hidden detail can represent thousands of reais lost afterwards.

Smarter Alternatives: Used Cars with Lower Depreciation

If your goal is avoid losses at resale timeit's worth taking a closer look at the models that retain their value even after years of use.

These cars are like "wildcards" 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 for reliability, simple mechanics, and easy resale. Even with a higher price, it depreciates 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 in high demand — for both those who want to work and for those looking for a basic and good car.
  • Chevrolet Onix (manual version)
    Popular, with a good supply of parts and low maintenance costs. The versions without turbo tend to retain their value better.
  • Fiat Uno
    Discontinued, but still valued in the used market — especially models in good condition with low mileage.

Want to see the full list?

So check the additional content below:

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 reais without even realizing it.

The good news is that you already know which used cars depreciate the most in Brazil, and has the right information to make a safer and smarter choice.

Remember: researching before buying is always the best investment. And if you want to go even further, it's worth getting to know the models that most maintains its value over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Cars That Depreciate the Most

1. What car depreciates the most in Brazil?
The Renault Duster leads the depreciation rankings, potentially losing up to 24% of its value in the first year of use, according to data from KBB Brazil.

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 fuel consumption, and a history of mechanical problems contribute to the depreciation of value.

4. Does an automatic car depreciate more?
It depends on the model. Some automatic transmissions poorly rated by the market (such as simple automated ones) suffer more in resale.

5. Which used cars are worth more at resale?
Models such as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, VW Gol, and Chevrolet Onix maintain good acceptance and depreciate less.

6. How to know if a car will depreciate a lot?
Research the model on sites like KBB Brazil, follow local listings, and check the car's reputation in forums and reviews.

7. Which brand new cars lose a lot of value in the first year?
Compact sedans and less popular SUVs, such as Logan, Cronos, and Tiggo 5X, tend to lose up to 20% of value in the first 12 months.

8. Is it worth buying a car that depreciates?
If the goal is prolonged use and the price is attractive, it may be worthwhile. The ideal is to evaluate the total cost and the length of time spent with the vehicle.

9. Do turbo cars depreciate more?
Not necessarily. But turbo engines with high maintenance costs or low market acceptance may depreciate more.

10. What to do to reduce the depreciation of the car?
Keeping up with regular maintenance, maintaining aesthetics, avoiding collisions, driving less, and selling at the right time help preserve value.

11. Does depreciation affect financed cars?
Yes. In some cases, the outstanding balance becomes higher than the market value of the car, which results in a loss in the event of early sale.

12. Is it worth buying a used or nearly new car?
Generally yes. Cars that are 1 or 2 years old have already experienced the largest drop in value and are still in great condition.

13. Does the color of the car affect its depreciation?
Yes. Neutral colors such as white, silver, and black are more sought after. Unusual colors make resale more difficult and can depreciate more.

14. Is it worth investing in a car with many options?
Not necessarily. Many options are not valued at the time of resale, especially in entry-level models.

15. Do models with automated transmission depreciate more?
Yes, especially the simple automated transmissions that are known for failures. Buyers tend to avoid these models.

16. Does a fleet or rental car depreciate more?
Yes. Despite frequent maintenance, these cars often have intense usage, and this impacts their resale value.

17. Does the Fiat Cronos lose value?
Yes. The Cronos is among the models with the highest depreciation, especially in the more basic versions with low demand.

18. Does a used car with low mileage retain 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 CNG affect its resale value?
It depends on the region. In areas where CNG is well accepted, it may not have an impact. In others, it could deter buyers and decrease value.

20. Is it better to buy from a private seller or a dealership to avoid losses?
Buying from a private seller can be cheaper, but it requires caution. Dealerships offer more security and warranty, but at a higher price.

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