The story behind the Chevrolet Corvette is well known. It is one of the most famous and longest running car nameplates in the world, having been available since 1953. In that time, it has received a lot of respect from a large majority of the mainstream public for its strong performance, excellent handling and head-turning style. The current-generation C8 Corvette, built since 2020, accentuates these inherent traits with added technology and the nameplate’s first mid-engine look. However, as desirable as exotic sports cars are, the Corvette still faces depreciation.
CarEdge data suggests that a new Corvette Stingray will lose up to 44% of its original value after five years of regular ownership. That projection is based on an estimated selling price of $82,220 for a new ‘Vette and the car averaging about 13,500 miles per year. But as any appraisal expert will tell you, depreciation isn’t an exact science, and in stark contrast are iSeeCars’ estimates, which indicate that the Corvette suffers a much more modest depreciation. According to the data, the depreciation rate for a traditional gasoline Corvette coupe is about 26% over five years, with a hybrid coupe estimated to lose around 28% of its value after five years.
Hybrid and non-hybrid convertibles are said to lose 36 percent and 33 percent, respectively. As for the 2021 Chevy Corvette, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) analysis suggested that its January 2026 resale value was $53,600. Given that the model arrived with a base price of $60,995, that means the 2021 Corvette’s five-year depreciation is 12 percent. Here’s a look at how the supercar is doing on the market, as well as how its depreciation compares to that of its biggest rivals.
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Five Year Depreciation on 2021 Chevrolet Corvette
Front Right Action Shot of a Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray – Chevrolet
A close look at Classic.com shows that 2021 Corvettes are indeed listed over $53,000 five years after they first appeared on the scene brand new. The lowest sale for a 2021 Corvette recorded on the site is $54,000, with top-of-the-line used examples topping out at $101,908.
Classic.com data also shows 2021 Corvettes averaging as high as $69,359, though CarGurus Price Trends shows the sports cars had an average sale price of $65,530 at the time of writing. Both indicate excellent value retention, especially when you consider that the six Chevrolet Corvette models on offer for 2021 averaged $70,995 before options.
Further supporting the impressive resale hold, KBB puts the correct purchase price of a 2021 Corvette Stingray Coupe at $56,000, while Stingray Convertibles are pegged at $60,100, down from a starting price of $68,495. When you do the math, the depreciation rate comes out to about 8 percent for the coupe (given its $60,995 starting price) and 12 percent for the convertible.
How 2021 Chevy Corvette Depreciation Compares to Other Luxury Sports Cars
Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray driving around a corner – Chevrolet
The Chevy Corvette enters a hallowed segment with rivals like the venerable Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG GT, Lexus LC, Audi R8 and more. However, despite going up against some of the most admired opponents in the automotive world, a depreciation rate of 12% places the ‘2021 Vette firmly among the top performers in its class. However, the 2021 Porsche 911 is the best that holds its value. KBB lists the 911 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe as having a resale value of $102,000. When you factor in the $102,150 Porsche charged for a new model when it first came out, you get a small depreciation of 0.15%.
Perhaps that’s no surprise, given that 992-generation 911s have a reputation for holding their value very well. Even more interestingly, KBB listed the base model 911’s fair market value at $110,000, suggesting that the car may have actually increased in value over time. Another sports car you’d expect to do well is the Lexus LC. But some might consider its performance underwhelming, at least by Corvette and 911 standards. That’s because five-year depreciation works out to about 37 percent, thanks to its starting price of $94,075 and current resale value of $59,700.
One rival that seems to hold its value exceptionally well by all measures is the Audi R8. Its original price of $145,895 and resale value of $123,000 brings its depreciation to an impressive 16%. However, the Corvette is still one of the best in the business in this regard, and that’s one more reason for Chevrolet to be proud of its wonderful mid-engine coupe.
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