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Do Rolls-Royce hold their value?

Published in Luxury Car Depreciation 2 mins read

No, Rolls-Royce vehicles, like most ultra-luxury cars, generally do not hold their value well over time and experience significant depreciation from their initial purchase price.

As a high-value asset, a Rolls-Royce, similar to other automobiles, will inherently become worth less as it ages, regardless of how meticulously it's maintained or how few miles it accrues. While the brand signifies unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship, the depreciation curve for such vehicles can be steep.

Understanding Rolls-Royce Depreciation

Depreciation is the difference between a vehicle's purchase price and its current market value. For Rolls-Royce models, several factors contribute to this decline in value:

  • Exclusivity and Niche Market: The limited market for ultra-luxury pre-owned vehicles means fewer potential buyers, which can drive down prices.
  • High Original Price: With new models often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, there's more room for dollar-value depreciation, even if the percentage seems similar to less expensive cars.
  • Maintenance and Running Costs: The specialized and often expensive parts and labor required for servicing a Rolls-Royce can be a deterrent for second-hand buyers.
  • Technological Advancements and New Models: As new models are introduced with updated technology, features, and designs, older models naturally lose desirability and, consequently, value.

While depreciation is a given, some model years may retain value relatively better than others. For instance, the 2021 model year for Rolls-Royce vehicles has been noted as a comparatively better performer in terms of value retention. On average, a 2021 model might be acquired for approximately 61% of its original new price, with a considerable 75% of its estimated useful life still remaining.

Here's an illustrative example based on this observation:

Parameter 2021 Rolls-Royce Model (Average)
Purchase Price as % of New 61%
Useful Life Remaining 75%

This indicates that while the car loses a substantial portion of its value from new, certain models or years might offer a more appealing proposition in the pre-owned market for buyers seeking a luxury vehicle at a significant discount from its original MSRP.

For more general information on how car values are determined, you can explore resources on vehicle depreciation.