Car Depreciation Calculator
Depreciation is often the most significant cost of car ownership, yet it is frequently overlooked because it does not show up as a monthly bill. This calculator helps you understand how much value your car loses each year by calculating the difference between the purchase price and the estimated residual value over the ownership period.
Depreciation in Denmark
Cars in Denmark face particularly steep depreciation due to the high registration tax (registreringsafgift), which can double the pre-tax price. A new car priced at 300,000 kr might be worth only 120,000 kr after five years, representing an annual depreciation of 36,000 kr. Luxury cars and models with high fuel consumption tend to depreciate faster, while popular, fuel-efficient models and electric vehicles may hold their value better.
Minimising Depreciation
To reduce the financial impact of depreciation, consider buying a car that is 1โ3 years old, as the steepest depreciation occurs in the first years. Choose popular colours and trim levels that appeal to a broad market. Keep the car well-maintained with a complete service history, and avoid excessive kilometres. When it is time to sell, timing the sale in spring can often yield a better price.