28 Expensive Cars That Are Worthless After 5 Years
There is nothing quite like the thrill of driving a brand-new luxury car off the lot, feeling like royalty as heads turn in admiration.
But fast forward five years, and some of these once-glamorous machines are worth about as much as a used microwave.
A friend of mine once bought a high-end German sedan, convinced it was a smart investment. Five years later, he tried to trade it in and was met with laughter from the dealership.
Some expensive cars hold their value, but others plummet like a lead balloon, leaving their owners wondering where all that money went.
1. BMW 7 Series
I remember the first time I sat in a friend’s BMW 750Li — plush leather, massaging seats, even perfume dispensers in the climate control.
It felt like stepping into another class of car ownership. But, what shocked me years later was how little that same car was worth. A $100K luxury sedan dropped to under $20K in five years.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the epitome of luxury and class. With features like massaging seats and ambient lighting, it stands as a symbol of wealth and prestige.
It’s akin to a finely crafted watch, ticking with elegance and precision. However, it depreciates much like any other.
Are the bells and whistles enough to justify its steep price? While the S-Class is a dream, is it a wise financial choice? What does it truly mean to own a piece of automotive art?
3. Jaguar XJ
Growing up, I always admired the Jaguar XJ. Its legacy as a symbol of British elegance and performance is undeniable.
Yet, its value drops faster than one might expect after just a few years.
This car carries a history of style, but does it carry value? Are the stories and heritage enough to overlook the depreciation?
4. Audi A8
Among German luxury sedans, one model often plays second fiddle to the more recognized BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class.
While it boasts a quiet cabin, powerful engine options, and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, it struggles to maintain resale value over time.
Compared to the BMW’s sporty edge or Mercedes’ reputation for opulence, this car falls into an awkward middle ground.
Even with its understated tech and advanced features, it rarely captures the spotlight — or holds its price.
5. Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli had all the makings of a hit — Italian styling, a Ferrari-derived engine, and a badge that screams exclusivity. But the excitement fades fast when reality sets in.
Build quality issues, underwhelming interior materials, and rapid depreciation have made it one of the fastest-falling luxury cars in terms of value.
What starts as a $75,000 exotic entry ends up in used lots next to six-year-old Camrys, and that’s a tough pill to swallow.
6. Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is a masterpiece of engineering and design. With a powerful engine and a luxurious interior, it feels like a performance art piece on wheels.
Like a fleeting fashion trend, it captivates but doesn’t last. Depreciation hits this car hard, leaving owners questioning its true value.
Is the allure of Italian craftsmanship enough to justify the investment? Does its beauty outweigh the financial hit it takes over time?
7. Cadillac CT6
The CT6 was Cadillac’s answer to the German big boys, blending American comfort with tech-heavy ambition.
It had optional Super Cruise, lightweight construction, and even a twin-turbo V8 in the CT6-V. But it never quite found its footing in the luxury market.
Sales were slow, the badge lacked global cachet, and resale values sank like a stone. Cadillac gave it a solid shot, but the CT6 now feels more like a “what could’ve been” than a success story.
8. Genesis G90
As a luxury flagship, the Genesis G90 delivers a ton of value — smooth ride, quiet cabin, and a long list of standard features. But that value comes at the cost of resale.
Despite its impressive spec sheet, it just doesn’t have the brand recognition to compete with Mercedes or BMW when it comes time to sell. Buyers love it new, but the used market treats it like a luxury oddity.
9. Land Rover Range Rover
There’s no denying the Range Rover is a status symbol — it looks like wealth and rides like a dream. But it’s also infamous for reliability issues and repair costs that rival exotic cars.
After five years, many owners are ready to move on, and the market reflects that. Depreciation hits hard, making used Range Rovers temptingly cheap — until you factor in the maintenance.
10. Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery promises adventure with a touch of class, but its reputation doesn’t hold up over time. Like its Range Rover sibling, it’s known for electronic gremlins and costly repairs.
That’s why five-year-old Discoveries lose value fast, often ending up on used car lots at half — or less — of their original sticker.
11. Bentley Flying Spur
A Bentley at used BMW prices? That’s the Flying Spur after a few years. These luxury sedans are stunning and powerful, but they depreciate dramatically.
Part of that is due to high upkeep costs — brakes, tires, oil changes, even basic service can drain a bank account. If you’re not ready for ultra-premium maintenance, it’s best to admire from afar.
12. Porsche Panamera
The Panamera brings Porsche performance to a four-door format, but it hasn’t held its value like the 911. Early models in particular suffered from controversial styling and clunky infotainment systems.
Add in high costs for parts and service, and the resale market hasn’t been kind. Enthusiasts love it, but used buyers tread carefully.
13. BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
I recall a serene drive in a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the comfort was unparalleled, and the design was eye-catching.
However, this coupe depreciates faster than many realize. Did you know that its value drops significantly after a few years?
Why do we choose luxury that only lasts for a short while? Is the initial allure of the Gran Coupe worth the inevitable financial loss?
14. Lexus LS
The Lexus LS presents a blend of luxury and reliability. It’s akin to a well-tailored suit, exuding sophistication and style. However, its value doesn’t stand tall over time.
Does its impressive build justify the inevitable depreciation?
While it offers a plush ride, does it hold up financially? Is the Lexus LS a wise choice for the discerning driver seeking value?
15. Infiniti Q70
From its elegant curves to its luxurious interior, the Infiniti Q70 was once a marvel. However, the legacy it carries is overshadowed by its depreciation.
Why invest in a car that loses so much value? Is the charm of the Q70 enough to overlook its financial pitfalls? With such design and performance, should value retention matter?
16. Acura RLX
Similar to other luxury sedans, the Acura RLX offers a refined ride and modern technology. Its design speaks of understated elegance.
However, its value declines faster than expected. Is the RLX worth the investment despite its rapid depreciation?
Without the brand power of others, does it justify its price? What does it offer that others don’t in terms of lasting value?
17. Tesla Model S
When the Tesla Model S first launched, it was a game-changer. Fast, futuristic, and packed with innovation, it felt like the future had arrived early.
But over time, early versions became outdated quickly as Tesla constantly pushed over-the-air updates and refreshed hardware.
Battery degradation, spotty build quality, and rapidly evolving tech make five-year-old models feel ancient — especially considering the price tag they once carried.
18. Lincoln Continental
The return of the Lincoln Continental was supposed to be big — a revival of American luxury with bold design and soft, effortless power.
While it delivered a smooth ride and premium features, it never truly caught on with luxury buyers. It lacked the prestige and brand pull of its European competition.
As a result, depreciation was steep, and within just a few years, lightly used Continentals were going for a fraction of their original MSRP.
It’s the kind of car that looked great on paper but never managed to hold its ground.
19. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is a car that pulls at the heartstrings. It’s fast, gorgeous, and brimming with character — but that passion comes at a price.
Reliability issues, expensive parts, and limited dealer networks make long-term ownership a gamble. Enthusiasts adore it, but the average buyer often runs the other way.
That’s why values tank hard after just a few years. It’s the kind of car you fall in love with, but might regret if you’re not ready for the commitment.
20. Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Much like other luxury coupes, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class offers a blend of elegance and performance. Its design is sleek and appealing, yet its depreciation is significant.
Is the CLS-Class worth the investment despite its rapid value drop? Without the robustness of others, does it justify the price? What makes it stand out if it loses financial ground so quickly?
21. Jaguar F-Type
There’s no question the Jaguar F-Type is a head-turner. Its seductive curves and snarling exhaust note are enough to stir emotion in any gearhead.
But emotional appeal doesn’t protect it from brutal resale trends. High insurance costs, steep maintenance, and Jaguar’s inconsistent reliability track record have all played a role in driving down its used value.
What was once a six-figure coupe or roadster can now be found for half that in just a few years — sometimes even less.
22. BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series has long been a staple in the midsize luxury sedan world, balancing performance and comfort with German precision.
But in today’s SUV-hungry market, used sedans like the 5 Series face heavy depreciation. Combine that with the high cost of maintenance and ever-changing tech, and even well-optioned models lose value fast.
It’s still a fantastic car — but unless you’re buying used, you’re going to watch the numbers drop quicker than you’d expect.
23. Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade has massive presence — literally and figuratively. It’s a symbol of American luxury with truck-like capabilities. But despite its popularity, it loses a ton of value in just a few years.
That’s partly due to fleet sales, leasing, and the quick evolution of tech in newer models.
A five-year-old Escalade might still look imposing, but it’s often worth thousands less than expected. For a vehicle meant to project success, its resale story is a bit more humbling.
24. Volvo S90
In the world of luxury sedans, the Volvo S90 stands out with its focus on safety and Scandinavian design. Its interiors are a blend of comfort and technology.
However, it depreciates considerably. Is the S90 worth the cost despite its rapid depreciation? Without the brand allure of its competitors, does it justify the price?
25. Nissan GT-R
The GT-R was once called a “supercar killer,” and for good reason. With insane acceleration, all-wheel drive, and video game-like tech, it stunned the world.
But Nissan held onto the same generation for over a decade, and what was once cutting-edge has now started to feel old.
The price crept higher while the car stayed mostly the same. That’s why older GT-Rs, even with low mileage, have seen steep drops in value.
They’re still fast — but in today’s market, fast isn’t always enough to hold value.
26. Audi S8
The Audi S8 is a blend of performance and luxury. It’s akin to a finely crafted watch, ticking with elegance and precision.
However, it depreciates faster than one might expect. Does its impressive build justify the rapid depreciation? While it offers a thrilling ride, does it hold value?
Is the Audi S8 a wise choice for those who seek both performance and luxury?
27. Chrysler 300C SRT
The 300C SRT was a muscle car in a tuxedo — loud, fast, and surprisingly refined for a Chrysler. It had serious V8 performance and a road presence that few sedans could match.
But time hasn’t been kind to it. With the SRT brand pulled back from the lineup and newer Dodge models overshadowing it, the 300C SRT became something of a relic.
Despite its charm, it lost resale value quickly and quietly disappeared from the spotlight.
28. Hyundai Equus
In the realm of luxury sedans, the Hyundai Equus offers a refined ride with advanced features. Its design speaks of understated elegance.
Yet, it depreciates faster than expected. Buyers never fully embraced the idea of a six-figure Hyundai, and that made resale a nightmare.
Is the Equus worth the investment despite rapid depreciation? Without the brand prestige of others, does it justify its price?