Comprehensive Calculator Guide
This calculator estimates what your car will be worth after some years if it loses a steady share of its value each year. A car bought for SAR 120,000 losing 15% a year is worth about SAR 53,245 after five years — 55.6% gone, SAR 13,351 a year on average. It also shows the value at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years.
Why the drop is steepest early
Each year the car loses a share of what’s left, so the biggest riyal loss comes first: 15% of 120,000 is 18,000. Rates vary by model, demand, mileage and condition.
Count the average yearly loss as a real cost of ownership alongside fuel, maintenance and insurance. Buyers often get the best value from a car two or three years old.
How to Use
- Enter the purchase price.
- Enter the yearly depreciation (15% is a common estimate) and the car’s age.
- Press “Work out the value” to see the value, the loss and the value at several ages.
Formula Used
Value = price × (1 − rate)^years
Practical Examples
- Example 1
- SAR 120,000 at 15% for 5 years: SAR 53,245, a 55.6% loss.
- Example 2
- SAR 80,000 at 20% for 3 years: SAR 40,960, a 48.8% loss.
Important Tips
- Keep service records; they lift resale price.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking a fixed share of the original price every year instead of the remaining value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a car depreciate a year?
- Around 15% is a common estimate, more in the first year.
- How do I value my used car?
- Price × (1 − rate) to the power of its age, then adjust for mileage and condition.
- When is the best time to sell?
- Many sell between years three and five, before major repairs.