Used cars overall depreciated -1 percent during May, a slight increase from -0.1 percent levels during April, with domestic cars changing -1.8 percent; import cars depreciating -1.2 percent; domestic trucks changing -0.5 percent; and import trucks at -0.8 percent. Average monthly depreciation is historically between -1 percent and -2 percent, according to Black Book.
Trucks had the best values during May, and Compact SUVs were the biggest gainers, increasing 0.9 percent in value. Vehicles in this segment include the Jeep Wranlger and Nissan Xterra. Average segment values at the end of May were $15,725, a -6.9 percent change from the same time last year ($16,888).
Entry Mid-Size Cars depreciated the most during May, dropping -3.6 percent in value. Vehicles in this segment include Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. Average segment values at the end of May were $9,910, a -21.1% change from the same time last year ($12,554), which also represented the largest annual depreciation of all segments.
The car segment with the best depreciation change during May were the Sporty Cars, falling just -0.6 percent. Cars in this segment include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Infiniti G37, Ford Mustang and the Acura TSX. Average segment values at the end of May were $19,191, a -12.9 percent change from the same time last year ($22,030).
Cargo Minivans represented the truck segment that depreciated the most during May at -2.2 percent. Vehicles in this segment include the Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, Ford Transit and the Chevrolet Uplander. Average segment values at the end of May were $9,710, a -12.9% change from the same time last year ($11,150).
Full-Size Pickups ($22,354) represented the best annual depreciation level at just -5.4 percent compared with the same time last year ($23,642). Vehicles in this segment include the Dodge Ram 1500, Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra.
Here is the complete breakdown of value changes of used cars (2008-2012):
