Find the depreciation rate of your Nissan Frontier in the graph below.
One thing that all new vehicles have in common is that they depreciate over time. By knowing the rate at which your vehicle depreciates, you can better understand its long-term value and the total cost of owning it. Typically, the greatest amount of depreciation occurs during the first year of ownership. From there, it gradually slows and then steadies after the fifth year. The Nissan Frontier mostly follows this pattern, except the five-year depreciation is markedly slower than average, and there are some deviations after the five-year window.
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 Nissan Frontier to see our reliability ratings for all years of the Frontier between 2001-2022. We also cover MPG, safety ratings, and a number of other factors. We pulled data from frontiers registered in our app and surveyed owners to get you data-backed answers on just how good or bad each year of the Frontier 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.
If our sensor detects any problems with the engine, our app will clearly explain:
- What could have caused it and
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If you’d like, we’ll even show you trusted repair shops in your area where you can get your ride fixed through RepairPal. The total cost of ownership feature within the app totals your maintenance costs, repairs, and depreciation (Sensor + App). This is free on the app.
Nissan Frontier Depreciation
| Model Years | Mileage | Amount Depreciated | Residual Value Percentage | Resale Value |
| 2001 | 264,000 | $ 13,299.15 | 9.7% | $1,424 |
| 2002 | 252,000 | $ 14,663.49 | 9.9% | $1,617 |
| 2003 | 240,000 | $ 15,045.56 | 11.4% | $1,941 |
| 2004 | 228,000 | $ 16,839.02 | 10.9% | $2,053 |
| 2005 | 216,000 | $ 17,682.23 | 11.7% | $2,333 |
| 2006 | 204,000 | $ 17,667.95 | 12.5% | $2,524 |
| 2007 | 192,000 | $ 18,163.02 | 13.4% | $2,814 |
| 2008 | 180,000 | $ 18,561.14 | 15.4% | $3,375 |
| 2009 | 168,000 | $ 19,377.04 | 15.5% | $3,549 |
| 2010 | 156,000 | $ 18,786.55 | 17.0% | $3,847 |
| 2011 | 144,000 | $ 17,906.32 | 21.6% | $4,937 |
| 2012 | 132,000 | $ 20,320.23 | 27.0% | $7,522 |
| 2013 | 120,000 | $ 18,083.19 | 30.8% | $8,058 |
| 2014 | 108,000 | $ 17,640.33 | 33.5% | $8,900 |
| 2015 | 96,000 | $ 15,234.93 | 42.7% | $11,356 |
| 2016 | 84,000 | $ 14,893.81 | 45.7% | $12,515 |
| 2017 | 72,000 | $ 14,952.14 | 46.2% | $12,864 |
| 2018 | 60,000 | $ 7,637.43 | 67.0% | $15,480 |
| 2019 | 48,000 | $ 6,251.26 | 72.9% | $16,780 |
| 2020 | 36,000 | $ 12,840.51 | 60.3% | $19,482 |
| 2021 | 24,000 | $ 8,859.97 | 71.4% | $22,131 |
| 2022 | 12,000 | $ 4,880.76 | 83.5% | $24,741 |
| 2023 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The chart above conveys the approximate depreciation for a Nissan Frontier. It is based on Kelley Blue Book data since 2001, assuming a vehicle in standard trim, a generic color such as black or white, and a mileage of 12,000 per year.
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, such as 2015 and 2018, may have even appreciated due to the heightened levels of inflation created.
Factors That Impact the Nissan Frontier Depreciation Rate
Consumer Reports describes the Nissan product line as “the most inconsistent … of the major Japanese brands” and notes that some Nissan models are better than others. The most recent releases of the Frontier (i.e., starting with the redesigned 2022 model year) seem to fall on the better end of the spectrum with their “smooth and punchy” engines, “slick” transmissions,” and “responsive and secure” handling. These qualities may be why the Frontier is relatively slow to depreciate.
Aside from brand and model reputation, the following factors also affect a vehicle’s depreciation rate.
Age
A vehicle’s model year is what determines its age. The model year is a designation that denotes a particular release version, but it’s not always the same as the calendar year of release. Many model years hit the market before the calendar years they indicate. The 2023 Nissan Frontier, for example, came out in the fall of 2022.
In most cases, the current model year of any vehicle is the most valuable. One reason for this is that the latest in the line tends to feature the newest and best features. The technology is more advanced, and what had been optional in the previous year might be standard in the new one. Another reason is that novelty appeals to consumers. People generally gravitate to new products, and that drives down the value of the preceding release versions.
However, with vehicles especially, some model years are better than others, so certain older models may outvalue newer ones.
Body Type
Body type refers to a vehicle’s size and shape. Most consumer vehicles available in the United States fall under the following categories:
- Sedans
- Coupes
- Sports cars
- Hatchbacks
- Station wagons
- Sport utility vehicles
- Pickup trucks
- Minivans
The Nissan Frontier is a pickup truck, which means it consists of an enclosed cabin and a partially enclosed cargo bed. Broadly speaking, pickup trucks hold their value quite well on the U.S. market, especially compared to smaller passenger cars. This is likely because pickups appeal to a large population of Americans, and a good pickup maintains its utility through the years, so there’s a relatively large number of people who are willing to pay good money for a used one.
Mileage
Mileage matters because it represents the amount of wear and tear that one can expect from a used vehicle. A vehicle with higher mileage is likely to have more wear and tear simply because it has seen more use. With that in mind, a secondhand buyer may not be willing to pay a high price given the vehicle’s chances of needing vital replacements and repairs.
On average, North American drivers clock 12,000 miles on their vehicles every year. Driving more than the average is likely to cause faster depreciation, while less annual mileage may correlate with slower depreciation.
Overall Condition
Your vehicle’s overall condition refers to how it runs and looks, inside and out. Vehicles in good overall condition tend to boast higher values because they’re less likely to need repairs and restorative services. If you plan on selling your vehicle down the line, you can preserve its condition by following its maintenance schedule and resolving mechanical issues as they arise. There are also proactive measures you can take, such as driving safely to avoid accidents, keeping the vehicle sheltered from the elements, and cleaning the body and interior regularly.
Color
Color affects a vehicle’s value because of its relationship to supply and demand. Some colors are broadly attractive to consumers but aren’t well represented on the used market. That’s often because certain paints are considered premium, so most buyers opt for a standard paint option. The result is that some colors are high in demand and low in supply, which drives up their value. Most standard-option paints are also well-liked, but their overrepresentation means their supply and demand are roughly equal. Other colors attract only a small population of buyers, so their low demand drives down their value.
If you’re interested in knowing what colors tend to yield the slowest depreciation rates, consider a 2023 study by iSeeCars. According to the study, the colors that correlated with the slowest three-year depreciation rates, relative to an average of 22.5%, were yellow, beige, orange, green, and red. White, blue, gray, purple, and silver hovered around the average, while black, brown, and gold cars depreciated the fastest.
Other Costs of Nissan Frontier Ownership
Depreciation isn’t the only cost of owning a vehicle. Here are two other costs of ownership to think about.
Insurance
Insurance companies consider the type of vehicle you drive to calculate your monthly rate. In general, pickup trucks cost more to insure than smaller passenger vehicles because they’re usually more expensive, capable of causing more damage to people and property, more challenging to maneuver, and susceptible to more risks because of their off-road capability. The Nissan Frontier, however, seems to defy the status quo. According to our findings, the average cost to insure a Frontier is “,486 per year, which is notably less than the “,630 average for all vehicles.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the ongoing practice of keeping a vehicle in good condition. For most vehicle owners, that entails taking their vehicle into a shop for repairs, preventive services, and routine services such as oil changes and tire rotations. This helps ensure their vehicle runs optimally for as long as possible.
We found that the average cost of maintaining a vehicle is $694 per year, but pickup trucks can range upwards of $800 per year. The average for the Frontier is significantly below either figure, with an annual maintenance cost of $637. Not all model years are so affordable, however. Our article on the best and worst years for the Frontier illustrates the current market values and repair costs for Frontiers from 2001 to 2021, the summary of which is that you should avoid the following model years for their much-higher-than-average maintenance costs:
- 2001-2004
- 2007-2008
- 2010-2011
- 2014-2017
- 2019
The Best Model Years To Buy a Nissan Frontier
Based on factors including price and reliability (but not depreciation), our choice for the best Nissan Frontier model years to buy are the 2006, 2009, 2012-2013, 2018, and 2020, but check out our article on the best and worst years of the Frontier to get the whole story.
We single out the above model years because most of them boast high reliability ratings and low maintenance costs. In fact, the highest average maintenance cost among our recommended model years is just $607 for the 2012 Frontier, while the lowest is $333 for the 2018 release.
Buying a Nissan Frontier New vs. Used
| 20-Year Projection | ||
| Years Since Purchased | Depreciated Value | With Inflation |
| 1 | $24,374 | $26,907 |
| 2 | $20,842 | $24,355 |
| 3 | $17,602 | $20,676 |
| 4 | $21,280 | $25,090 |
| 5 | $19,557 | $22,948 |
| 6 | $13,486 | $15,785 |
| 7 | $13,340 | $15,638 |
| 8 | $12,464 | $14,697 |
| 9 | $9,779 | $11,569 |
| 10 | $8,991 | $10,751 |
| 11 | $7,881 | $9,581 |
| 12 | $6,305 | $7,880 |
| 13 | $4,962 | $6,311 |
| 14 | $4,524 | $5,815 |
| 15 | $4,495 | $5,690 |
| 16 | $3,911 | $4,904 |
| 17 | $3,649 | $4,563 |
| 18 | $3,415 | $4,298 |
| 19 | $3,182 | $3,981 |
| 20 | $3,328 | $4,100 |
A new 2023 Nissan Frontier has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29,190. In three years, with an average annual mileage of 12,000, we estimate that this vehicle will have a value of $17,602, which amounts to an accumulated depreciation of $11,588. In comparison, a used Nissan Frontier from 2020 has an inflation-adjusted original MSRP of $32,322.51 and a 2023 value of $19,482, which equals an accumulated depreciation of $12,840.51.
These figures don’t account for individual variables, so we recommend using a resource such as Kelley Blue Book’s My Car’s Value tool to calculate the approximate value of your Nissan Frontier. And if you’re looking to buy a used vehicle, consult our buying checklist so you don’t overlook important details in your purchase.
Methodology
To gather the data presented in this article, we referred to costs associated with the base-level trim for every Nissan Frontier from 2001 to 2023. This is because base-level trims come with standard features, removing factors that may elevate value independent of the vehicle itself. To account for variables such as high-end audio systems and leather upholstery would only skew our data and create an inaccurate view of the Frontier’s long-term value. Your Frontier’s resale value may also depend on its condition, the COVID-era chip shortage, and your chosen mode of sale.
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 Nissan Frontiers hold their value?
Based on our findings, we’d say the Nissan Frontier holds its value rather well. Whereas most vehicles lose around 60% of their value in the first five years, the Frontier only loses around 33% in the same time frame. But remember that a host of individual factors will determine whether a particular Frontier depreciates faster or slower. Aside from reputation, age, body type, mileage, condition, and color, you must also consider your location and mode of sale.
To illustrate, we’ll use the My Car’s Value tool to look up the approximate value of a silver 2018 Nissan Frontier S crew cab in good condition with 60,000 miles and standard options. If we set our location as Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, we’re looking at up to $16,977 in a dealer trade-in or $19,782 in a private sale. Now, if we move the location to Habersham County, Georgia, the value goes up to $17,866 in a dealer trade-in and $20,808 in a private sale.
What are the best years of the Nissan Frontier to buy, and which ones should I avoid?
When factoring in depreciation along with other costs of ownership, we’d say that the 2003 and 2006 Nissan Frontiers are the best ones to buy. Both have very low average maintenance costs ($417 and $375, respectively), and both fall within the ownership sweet spot.
On the other hand, because of high maintenance costs and poor reliability, we advise against buying the following model years:
- 2001-2004
- 2007-2008
- 2010-2011
- 2014-2017
- 2019
What's high mileage for a Nissan Frontier?
The definition of “high mileage” isn’t the same for every vehicle, as some models are designed for heavier use and can rack up a high figure on the odometer. To understand what qualifies as high mileage for the Frontier, we looked at our owner surveys and found that the average mileage for all model years since 2001 is 129,387 miles, with an upper threshold in the 190,000s. With that in mind, we’d say that anything above 150,000 miles would be a high-mileage Frontier.
Which Nissan Frontier should I buy to avoid most of the depreciation?
To avoid the most depreciation, go for the 2003 or 2006 Nissan Frontier. With either one, you get a vehicle that not only falls in the ownership sweet spot but also offers strong reliability with low maintenance costs. The other vehicles in the ownership sweet spot are the 2004 and 2005 Frontiers, but those are reputed to have reliability issues, and the 2004 model can be especially expensive with its $1,208 average annual maintenance cost.
References
1. (2023). Nissan. Consumer Reports. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan
2. (2023). Nissan Frontier. Consumer Reports. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/frontier
3. (2023). The Best and Worst Car Colors for Resale Value. iSeeCars. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.iseecars.com/car-color-study
4. (2023). Car Depreciation: How Much Is Your Car Worth? Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/car-depreciation
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