Maybe, but I'd argue that the primary reason for high depreciation is ridiculous MSRPs from the MNFR to begin with - and of course incentives have to follow that. Incentives, rather than being used to clear out old/unpopular models, are now used on seemingly all models to trick consumers into thinking they got a "good deal".
I disagree, there are many popular models out there that get amazing incentives throughout the year.
And depreciation isn't solely due to incentives...Toyota had $2500 on the hood for the Camry last year, but that car didn't depreciate nearly as fast as some of the competitors - there are many other examples out there.
of course it's not the only thing... my bad if i worded it that way, not what i meant... it is just a big contributor to the resale...
i find the actual biggest one factor is the highest available discount (so, similar to incentive)... like a fleet. many cars get special fleet prices and they get scooped up in droves. so if say the farmers association gets double the rebate on an escape... or rental fleets get an extra 3 grand off a van... or factory employees get an extra 5% off a malibu.
basically whatever car has the biggest discrepancy between an average retail selling price new and the absolute lowest that ANYONE could buy it for; is a hard amortization hit... because a dealer is aware of those sales and knows the cheapest they technically *could* get that car for new, so that gets taken into consideration when looking at trade in/auction prices...
man, i just get typing and never stop... i have text diarrhea
