Find the depreciation rate of your Chevrolet Trailblazer in the graph below.
Different makes, models, and model years tend to have varying rates of depreciation. By knowing the depreciation rate of your Chevrolet Trailblazer, as well as the factors that influence it, you can come to get a sense of its long-term value and the total cost of owning it.
Of course, every vehicle depreciates from the moment it leaves the lot. The most drastic dip in value normally occurs within the first 12 months of new-vehicle ownership, and then the annual depreciation rate gradually slows. The data we have on the Chevrolet Trailblazer, fragmented though it may be, shows that it depreciates in line with the ordinary trend.
Keep in mind that just because the vehicle costs the least to own in the sweet spot we have outlined here, you still may not want to own the vehicle during these depreciation sweet spot years. Although vehicles depreciate less as they get older, they have more repairs. Duh right? However, keep in mind that repairs don’t just cost you money, they cost you time. Reliability is the difference between being able to make it to your destination on time or missing an opportunity because the car broke down.
Check out our article on the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer to see our reliability ratings for all years of the Trailblazer between 2002-2022. We also cover MPG, safety ratings, and a number of other factors. We pulled data from Trailblazers registered in our app and surveyed owners to get you data-backed answers on just how good or bad each year of the Trailblazer is.
If you want to know the depreciation and maintenance costs for your particular vehicle, use our free “Total Cost of Ownership” tool available in the FIXD App – Android or IOS.
If you like our online tools and articles consider purchasing our FIXD sensor for $19.99 (this is 67% OFF). It’s our flagship product. With it, you scan your car for common engine problems.
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Chevrolet Trailblazer Depreciation
| Model Years | Mileage | Amount Depreciated | Residual Value Percentage | Resale Value |
| 2001 | 264,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2002 | 252,000 | $ 32,414.68 | 1.1% | $346 |
| 2003 | 240,000 | $ 34,974.65 | 1.9% | $674 |
| 2004 | 228,000 | $ 34,849.87 | 1.2% | $420 |
| 2005 | 216,000 | $ 35,138.98 | 1.8% | $656 |
| 2006 | 204,000 | $ 33,622.29 | 2.7% | $937 |
| 2007 | 192,000 | $ 31,547.31 | 3.6% | $1,186 |
| 2008 | 180,000 | $ 35,126.01 | 4.6% | $1,693 |
| 2009 | 168,000 | $ 36,127.28 | 5.6% | $2,155 |
| 2010 | 156,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2011 | 144,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2012 | 132,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2013 | 120,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2014 | 108,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2015 | 96,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2016 | 84,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2017 | 72,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2018 | 60,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2019 | 48,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2020 | 36,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | 24,000 | $ 3,311.53 | 86.5% | $21,308 |
| 2022 | 12,000 | $ 1,949.31 | 91.7% | $21,586 |
| 2023 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The above chart displays depreciation data for a Chevrolet Trailblazer. The figures, which are based on Kelley Blue Book data beginning in 2002, assume a Trailblazer in a generic color, such as black or white, in a standard trim, and with a mileage of 12,000 per year. You’ll notice that many of the fields in the table read “N/A”. That’s due to the unavailability of relevant data, largely owing to the model’s discontinuation after 2009. It wasn’t until 2021 that Chevrolet revived the line.
Keep in mind that the auto market was heavily affected in 2020 and beyond. Automakers selling new cars during the COVID pandemic raised prices which caused a spike in demand in the used car market as people tried to save money. Many automakers, however, did not drop prices after the pandemic, they kept them so they could make a larger profit.
This is why the most recent years of many vehicles have seemingly experienced less depreciation. Some may have even appreciated due to the heightened levels of inflation created.
Factors That Impact the Chevrolet Trailblazer Depreciation Rate
Brand reputation plays a part in determining the depreciation rate of a vehicle. Typically, the more reputable the make and model, the slower the rate of depreciation. Though it once put out some of the most revered names in automotive history — Corvette, Camaro, Impala, Nova — Chevy is now considered to be “among the less reliable brands,” per Consumer Reports.
Yet, an automaker’s reputation doesn’t always extend to its entire lineup of vehicles. Consumer Reports states that the revamped Trailblazer is above average, so it could reasonably yield a slower rate of depreciation compared to other models in the Chevy lineup.
Reputation aside, other variables contribute to a vehicle’s depreciation, namely:
Age
A vehicle’s age refers to how long it has been available on the market. That’s determined by the model year, a designation that denotes a particular version of a vehicle regardless of the calendar year of its release. In fact, an automaker can officially release a vehicle to market up to two years before its designated model year. Such was the case with the 2021 Trailblazer, which was first announced in 2019 and went on sale in mid-2020.
When it comes to depreciation, the current model year generally holds more value than previous models (notwithstanding high-value classics, collectibles, and rare models). That’s because the latest in a lineup is more likely to have newer technologies, comfort options, and safety features, all of which increase value. Plus, newness appeals to consumers, which explains why even a brand-new Trailblazer could drastically lose value the moment that the manufacturer announces a newer model.
Body Type
A vehicle’s body type is its classification in terms of shape and size. You’re probably familiar with the primary body types for consumer vehicles:
- Sedan
- Hatchback
- Coupe
- Station wagon
- Sports car
- Convertible
- Minivan
- Sport-utility vehicle (SUV)
- Pickup truck
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is an SUV, which means it belongs to the class of vehicles that makes up almost 53% of the North American automotive market. This popularity of SUVs places the Trailblazer among the more desirable vehicle types in the United States, and long-term consumer preferences contribute significantly to resale value.
Mileage
Mileage measures how far a vehicle has traveled. Usually, a high-mileage vehicle shows more signs of wear and tear than a low-mileage one.
But the number on an odometer doesn’t tell you everything, as mileage per year is probably a more accurate indicator of a vehicle’s condition. American drivers clock 12,000 miles per year on average, so you can determine whether your Trailblazer is low- or high-mileage by measuring its odometer figure against its age and comparing the result to the average. For example, if you have a 15-year-old Trailblazer with 150,000 miles on the clock, this equates to around 10,000 miles per year, which is below the average. Therefore, the vehicle may have a higher resale value compared to a 15-year-old Trailblazer that’s covered more miles.
Overall Condition
A vehicle’s overall condition relates to how good it looks and how well it runs. Trailblazers in the best overall condition are those that have been in no accidents, exhibit no mechanical issues, and have few to no cosmetic defects inside or outside.
If you own a Trailblazer, there are things you can do to improve or maintain its condition. Make sure to stay up to date on maintenance, which helps to prevent failures and mechanical damage. Refer to the maintenance schedule to see when you should book oil changes, tire rotations, and other major checkups or repairs. Also, drive carefully. Avoiding collisions and problematic road conditions (potholes, for example) makes sure that your Trailblazer has a clean accident record and steers clear of variables that can cause damage.
Note that you may need to fix your Trailblazer along the way. But if it’s going to cost as much or more than buying a new model, it might be wise to simply get a new car.
Color
Many people consider their vehicles to be an extension of themselves, often using their color to express their personalities. That’s essentially why vehicle color has such a bearing on its resale value and why some colors foster slower depreciation rates than others. A 2023 study by iSeeCars found that yellow, beige, orange, and green vehicles yield the slowest rates of depreciation, possibly owing to a combination of high demand and low supply. In contrast, gold and brown vehicles yield the fastest rates of depreciation, as the supply of those colors happens to outweigh the demand.
Therefore, you could improve your Chevrolet Trailblazer’s resale value by getting one in a color that is likely to come with a slower depreciation rate.
Other Costs of Chevrolet Trailblazer Ownership
Aside from depreciation, there are at least two other major costs of owning a vehicle. They are:
Insurance
Auto insurance rates can vary depending on the make, model, price, average repair costs, and safety status of your vehicle. Depending on where you live, the Chevrolet Trailblazer can be quite an affordable vehicle regarding insurance costs. In Florida, for example, full-coverage auto insurance for a Trailblazer costs just $58.32 per month, or $699.84 per year. That is remarkably lower than the $136 per month ($1,630 per year) average for all vehicles across the United States. Other states where the Trailblazer comes with low-cost auto insurance are:
- Kansas: $89 per month, or $1,068 per year
- Delaware: $99.33 per month, or $1,191.96 per year
- Missouri: $99.96, or $1,199.52 per year
Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for ensuring a vehicle’s high operability and value retention. The average annual maintenance cost for compact SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, is between $550 and $650. For the Trailblazer itself, the average cost per year is $657, so it’s on par with the high end of the norm.
Not all model years are made the same, though, and some yield significantly higher maintenance costs. In the best and worst years article for the Trailblazer, we provide a graph that compares the current market value with the cost of repair. You may want to avoid the following model years due to their higher-than-usual repair costs:
- 2002-2004
The Best Model Year To Buy a Chevrolet Trailblazer
Based on factors including price and reliability (but not depreciation), our choice for the best Chevrolet Trailblazer model years are the 2007, 2008, and 2009, but check out our article on the best and worst years of the Trailblazer to get the whole story.
The 2007 Trailblazer has great safety scores, the 2008 also has premier safety ratings, and the 2009 has low repair costs.
Buying a Chevrolet Trailblazer New Vs. Used
| 20-Year Projection | ||
| Years Since Purchased | Depreciated Value | With Inflation |
| 1 | $21,962 | $24,245 |
| 2 | $20,429 | $23,873 |
| 3 | $17,908 | $21,036 |
| 4 | $16,925 | $19,955 |
| 5 | $16,718 | $19,616 |
| 6 | $15,306 | $17,916 |
| 7 | $12,080 | $14,161 |
| 8 | $10,048 | $11,849 |
| 9 | $8,634 | $10,215 |
| 10 | $7,469 | $8,932 |
| 11 | $6,632 | $8,062 |
| 12 | $4,730 | $5,911 |
| 13 | $4,006 | $5,094 |
| 14 | $3,439 | $4,421 |
| 15 | $2,981 | $3,773 |
| 16 | $2,901 | $3,636 |
| 17 | $1,932 | $2,416 |
| 18 | $1,663 | $2,092 |
| 19 | $1,804 | $2,258 |
| 20 | $1,662 | $2,048 |
A brand-new 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts at a suggested retail price of $22,100. In three years, with 12,000 miles per year on the odometer, its estimated resale value would be $17,653, which equals an accumulated depreciation of $4,447. Compare that with a two-year-old Trailblazer, which has an inflation-adjusted original MSRP of $24,613.53 and a 2023 value of $21,308, amounting to an accumulated depreciation of $3,305.53.
To make sure you’re getting the best value from a used vehicle, we suggest being comprehensive in your research on the depreciation rates of the vehicle you want. The My Car’s Value tool by Kelley Blue Book is a useful tool for gauging a vehicle’s resale value. Aside from that, factor in the costs of ownership when you’re ready to make a final decision on the vehicle you buy.
Methodology
The data in this article applies to the base-level trim of the Chevrolet Trailblazer for every model year. Higher-trim vehicles tend to hold on to their value better because they come with higher-quality materials and more desirable features, which buyers are willing to spend more money on to acquire. Also, it’s important to consider that where you sell your Trailblazer will make a difference in the resale value, as will the mode of sale you choose (dealer or private party).
Keep in mind, there are large economic factors at play here too and the sale of new cars has caused shifts in the used market too. There is a stark difference in the cost of vehicles due to car manufacturers seeking higher profit margins after COVID as detailed by CNN and posted by CBS channel 58:
“… (T)he auto industry saw sky-high profits even as sales plummeted. Domestic manufacturers of cars and car parts saw a profit of $32 billion through the third quarter of 2022 (the latest data available) — their largest profit since 2016. Car dealerships also reported record-breaking profits through Q3, according to auto-retail advisers Haig Partners.
That’s because pandemic-era pent-up consumer demand remained strong as supply shifted, allowing automakers to increase their prices and their profit margins. Cars and trucks were sold nearly as soon as they hit dealership lots, and the average price paid for a vehicle in December soared to a near-record high of $46,382, according to J.D. Power.
Data from the Labor Department’s November Consumer Price Index shows American consumers are paying about 20% more for cars than they were in 2019.
The trend could continue into next year — research website Edmunds expects new-car sales to hit 14.8 million in 2023, a marginal increase from last year but well below pre-pandemic levels.
The auto industry has entered a new era: Less choice, higher prices and larger profit margins. So far it seems to be working for them.”
This shift by car companies to create higher profit margins by taking advantage of the heavily-reported-on chip shortage panic of COVID has had rebounding effects upon the value of used cars.
Be aware that newer years (the latest 3-4 model years) may be inflated in price because of this and depending on how big this problem is for the model you are considering – it may even be inflating the price of the older model years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Depreciation
Do Chevrolet Trailblazers Hold Their Value?
Chevrolet Trailblazers do seem to hold their value well, retaining 86.5% in the first two years of ownership. Consider, though, that the data on the Trailblazer is somewhat limited due to its long discontinuation and only recent reentry into the North American market.
Also, aside from color, condition, and mileage, the location and mode of a sale make a big impact on resale value. If you’re in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for example, a silver 2009 Trailblazer LT in good condition with 168,000 miles on the clock and standard options may get you $1,456-$2,053 in a dealer trade-in and $3,637-$4,942 in a private sale. But in Butte, Montana, that same vehicle may net a higher price, at $1,685-$2,282 in a trade-in and $3,926-$5,231 in a private sale.
What Are the Best Years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer To Buy, and Which Ones Should You Avoid?
With depreciation and the costs of ownership factored in, we’d say the best years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer are 2005 and 2007, which fall within the ownership sweet spot and boast good reliability scores.
You may want to avoid the following model years of the Trailblazer owing to recalls, high repair costs, or safety concerns:
- 2002-2004
- 2006
What's High Mileage For a Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Our surveys show that Trailblazer owners run their vehicles for 126,412 miles on average. The figure, though, includes the new, revamped generation of Trailblazers. If we look at just the first generation, which lasted from 2002-2009, the average is more than 150,000 miles. Altogether, then, we’d say that high mileage for a Trailblazer is over 175,000 miles overall.
Of course, numbers tell just a part of the story. For the most accurate determination of high or low mileage, we recommend an expert inspection.
How Old of a Chevrolet Trailblazer Should You Buy to Avoid Most of the Depreciation?
A 16-19-year-old Chevrolet Trailblazer should help you avoid most of the depreciation while landing you in the ownership sweet spot. That would correspond with the 2004-2007 model years.
References
(2023). Chevrolet. Consumer Reports. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet
(2020). 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. GM Authority. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/trailblazer/2021-chevrolet-trailblazer
(2022). SUV Vs. Crossover: What’s the Difference? Autotrader. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/suv-vs-crossover-whats-difference-215843
(2023). The Best and Worst Car Colors for Resale Value. iSeeCars. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from https://www.iseecars.com/car-color-study
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