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Why do Lexus SUVs depreciate so much?

The Lexus RX range is listed as one of the most reliable SUV models by Which. However the depreciation is shown at around 68 per cent over four years which is far more than other marques which are listed as having only average reliability. Why do Lexus SUVs depreciate so much and so fast if they are a 'good' vehicle to consider a a used car?

Asked on 9 March 2015 by wordweaver

Answered by Honest John
Depreciation percentages depend on the starting point. They are all based on the list price of the car. But some cars are heavily discounted from new. And other are heavily accessorised from new. Big discounts pull down their average residual percentages. And the fact that some cars are accessorised by as much as £30,000 pulls up their average residual percentage.

There's also a worry in the backs of people's minds about the cost of replacing the hybrid battery pack that can work out at around £2000, which is actually less than the effect on its depreciation.

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