If gambling is not risky enough for you, buying one of these cars brand-new just might scratch that itch—because owning any of them is like lighting a pile of cash on fire every time you turn the key.
We are talking about depreciation, the brutal reality that hits luxury and high-end cars hardest. While the average car loses about 45% of its value over five years, the cars on this list make that seem gentle.
Whether you are a high-rolling executive or just love a good deal, knowing which cars lose their value the fastest can save you from a financial fumble.
Let us dive into five of the fastest-depreciating vehicles on the market.
1. Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte may have Italian heritage, Ferrari DNA, and seductive curves, but none of that can protect your wallet. This so-called luxury sedan is a depreciation monster.
Five-Year Depreciation: 64%
Original MSRP: ~$140,000
Value After Five Years: ~$50,000 (if you’re lucky)
Every time you start the engine, your bank account sheds a few more tears. With parts that can trace their lineage back to Chrysler and reliability that makes used buyers nervous, the Quattroporte is a resale disaster. The exotic maintenance costs alone are enough to scare away second and third owners.
“If you enjoy seeing your net worth shrink faster than a deflating balloon, this car is for you.” – Actual sentiment from Maserati resale forums
Why It Depreciates So Fast:
- Poor long-term reliability
- Costly and rare parts
- Ultra-luxury sedan market is weak
- Leasing culture oversaturates the secondhand market
2. BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is supposed to be the pinnacle of German luxury. It is filled to the brim with innovation, plush materials, and executive-level comfort. Unfortunately, none of that matters when resale value craters.
Five-Year Depreciation: 61%
Original MSRP: ~$120,000
Value After Five Years: ~$45,000
The 7 Series is a tragic example of “the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” It suffers from aging tech, sky-high repair bills, and a tidal wave of off-lease inventory. With every redesign, older models suddenly look like yesterday’s news.
Why It Depreciates So Fast:
- Tech-heavy design becomes obsolete quickly
- Expensive to repair once out of warranty
- Used buyers wary of potential problems
- Massive supply from lease returns
3. Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a spacious, capable, luxury-branded SUV. But under that badge lies a Nissan Armada. Unfortunately, the resale market figured that out, too.
Five-Year Depreciation: 58%
Original MSRP: ~$80,000
Value After Five Years: ~$33,000
You could find detailed videos online tracking just how fast these SUVs lose value, and it is hard not to feel bad for the owners.
Despite its comfortable ride and towing prowess, the QX80 is often overlooked in favor of Cadillac or Lexus alternatives.
Why It Depreciates So Fast:
- Shares DNA with a cheaper sibling (Nissan Armada)
- Fuel economy is poor, and tech gets dated fast
- Infiniti’s brand value is weaker in the luxury space
- Low demand in the used market for full-size luxury SUVs
4. Audi A7
The Audi A7 might be one of the most stylish four-door cars ever made, but looks are not enough to protect it from resale pain.
Five-Year Depreciation: 57%
Original MSRP: ~$85,000
Value After Five Years: ~$36,000
Despite its fastback silhouette and luxurious feel, used Audi buyers tend to steer clear of anything out of warranty. And with its hatchback-like body and niche appeal, the A7 faces a shallow secondhand pool of buyers.
Why It Depreciates So Fast:
- Expensive maintenance scares off used buyers
- Advanced electronics and air suspension age poorly
- Smaller market demand for “executive hatchbacks”
- Competes with newer models at lower prices
You can find A7s with under 60,000 miles selling for under $30,000—which tells you everything you need to know about depreciation on this beautiful machine.
5. Cadillac Escalade
This one might be a surprise to some. The Cadillac Escalade, a symbol of status and style in the luxury SUV market, still manages to shed over 56% of its value after five years.
Five-Year Depreciation: 56%
Original MSRP: ~$90,000
Value After Five Years: ~$40,000
Why does such a sought-after vehicle depreciate so badly? Blame market saturation. Cadillac’s decision to lease these in huge numbers—and the vehicle’s truck-based underpinnings—makes it harder for used Escalades to stand out next to Suburbans or Yukons.
Why It Depreciates So Fast:
- Shared platform with cheaper GM SUVs
- High cost of ownership (V8 thirst, tech upkeep)
- Frequent updates make older models feel dated
- Flood of off-lease and fleet vehicles pushes prices down
It may look like it belongs in a music video, but after five years, the Escalade might be sitting on the corner of a dealership lot with a big “Price Reduced” banner hanging on the mirror.
Summary
| Vehicle Model | 5-Year Depreciation | Original MSRP | Value After 5 Years | Key Depreciation Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati Quattroporte | ~64% | ~$140,000 | ~$50,000 | Exotic maintenance, niche demand, poor reliability |
| BMW 7 Series | ~61% | ~$120,000 | ~$45,000 | Complex tech, oversupply, polarizing design |
| Infiniti QX80 | ~58% | ~$80,000 | ~$33,000 | Armada DNA, brand perception, high running costs |
| Audi A7 | ~57% | ~$85,000 | ~$36,000 | Niche styling, expensive upkeep, aging electronics |
| Cadillac Escalade | ~56% | ~$90,000 | ~$40,000 | Oversaturation, tech turnover, truck roots |