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Volkswagen Beetle Depreciation & Resale Value

Volkswagen Beetle keeps an estimated 78% of its original MSRP after 5 years — #20 of 530 cars VINdown tracks. See the full depreciation curve.

Per VINdown's modeling, the Volkswagen Beetle retains an estimated 78% of its original MSRP after five years, ranking #20 of 530 cars we track. That is 18 points above the 60% five-year average for Sedan in its class, so it holds value better than most rivals.

The loss does not land all at once here: the Volkswagen Beetle sheds about 4% in year one and keeps going at much the same rate. From roughly $20,895 it falls to around $16,381 by year five — a five-year loss near $4,514, about $2.47 a day in depreciation.

There is no single sweet spot on the Volkswagen Beetle: it gives up a similar share of its value every year rather than falling off a cliff, so how long you keep it matters more than what age you buy it at. Explore the full year-by-year curve, trims, and true cost of ownership in the Model Lab above.

Volkswagen Beetle depreciation FAQ

Does the Volkswagen Beetle hold its value?

It keeps an estimated 78% of its original MSRP after five years — better than most among the 530 cars VINdown tracks (ranked #20).

How much does a Volkswagen Beetle depreciate in 5 years?

From about $20,895 when new it drops to roughly $16,381 after five years — a loss near $4,514 (78% of its original MSRP retained).

When is the best time to buy a used Volkswagen Beetle?

There is no sweet spot to wait for on this one — it sheds a similar share of its value every year for the first five rather than dropping sharply and then levelling off, so the age that suits you depends on how long you plan to keep it. Age 3 is where the single steepest year falls.