Cars / Lexus ES
Lexus ES depreciation in USA
A Lexus ES loses about 13.7% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $43,500 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $27,960 (64% retained); after 5 years, about $20,825 (48%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Lexus ES depreciates at a moderate, mainstream rate, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $912/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $912/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $32,833 total
| Down payment / cash price | $43,500 |
| Sales tax | $3,045 |
| Insurance | $5,147 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,734 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $5,220 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$26,562 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $26,562 (range $22,979 to $30,204)
If you rent: $43,560 total
| Rental payments | $43,560 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Lexus ES depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $43,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 13.7% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $37,541 (86% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $32,398 (74% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $27,960 (64% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $20,825 (48% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $24,189 to $31,794 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $912/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 126 data points · R² 0.93 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Lexus ES depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 13.7% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Lexus ES be worth after 3 years?
Around 64% of what you paid, about $27,960 on a $43,500 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Lexus ES in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $912/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 126 · R² = 0.93 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology