How fast does a minivan depreciate?

A typical minivan loses about 24% of its value in the first year, 50% by year 3, and 65% by year 5. The average new price is $38,000.

Am I likely to be underwater on a minivan loan?

With a typical minivan loan of $34,000 at 6.5% APR over 60 months, you may be underwater for the first 1-2 years due to 24% first-year depreciation. A larger down payment helps avoid this.

What is the average resale value of a minivan after 3 years?

After 3 years, a minivan retains about 50% of its original value. On an average new price of $38,000, that's roughly $19,000.

Minivan Equity Calculator

A typical minivan costs $38,000 new and loses 24% of its value in the first year. By year 3, it retains about 50% of its original price. Enter your details below to check your equity position.

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Car Equity Calculator

Find out if you're underwater on your car loan or sitting on equity.

Vehicle Class

Vehicle Age

Current Mileage

Current Loan Balance

Fastest Depreciation

1. Electric Vehicle55% / 3yr
2. Luxury Sedan52% / 3yr
3. Minivan50% / 3yr
4. Full-Size Sedan48% / 3yr
5. Luxury SUV48% / 3yr

Best Value Retention

1. Pickup Truck37% / 3yr
2. Midsize SUV40% / 3yr
3. Hybrid41% / 3yr
4. Compact SUV42% / 3yr
5. Full-Size SUV43% / 3yr

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Understanding Car Equity

What Is Car Equity?

Car equity is the difference between your vehicle's current market value and what you still owe on your loan. Positive equity means your car is worth more than you owe — negative equity (underwater) means you owe more than it's worth.

Why Cars Depreciate

New cars lose 20-30% of their value in the first year alone. This rapid early depreciation is why many buyers end up underwater early in their loan, especially with small down payments or long loan terms.

When You're Underwater

Being underwater means if you sold or totaled your car today, you wouldn't get enough to pay off your loan. Avoid trading in while underwater — the negative equity gets rolled into your next loan, making the problem worse.

How to Build Equity Faster

Make a larger down payment (20%+), choose shorter loan terms, avoid rolling negative equity from a previous loan, and consider vehicles that hold their value well like trucks and SUVs.

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