India, Oct. 1 -- A new car begins to lose value as it ages, but depreciation is rarely as simple as subtracting the same amount each year. Age is only one part of the equation. Kilometres driven, condition, maintenance, exact variant and market demand can all influence what a car may be worth at a particular point in its life.

The Kia Sonet is a useful example because it is available with multiple engines, transmissions and equipment levels. As a Sonet gets older, these details can become increasingly relevant when its value is assessed.

Depreciation Doesn't Follow a Straight Line

Cars generally lose value over time, but not necessarily at a uniform rate. A relatively new vehicle and an older one may experience different patterns of de...