1. So you want a mid-engine sports car but don’t want to lose a fortune to depreciation?

2. Lamborghini: Surprisingly resilient

3. McLaren: A steep decline for some models

4. Porsche Cayman and Boxster: Mid-engine stars

5. Chevrolet Corvette Z06: A volatile ride

6. Maserati MC20: A steep fall

7. Audi R8: Stable but slipping

8. Final thoughts: Buy smart, avoid big losses

So you want a mid-engine sports car but don’t want to lose a fortune to depreciation?

If you’re dreaming of owning a mid-engine sports car, you’re probably chasing that exhilarating driving experience. Few things compare to the balance, agility, and power that a mid-engine layout offers. But while the thrill is undeniable, the financial hit can be just as substantial, especially when it comes to depreciation. Fear not—I’ll guide you through which models to avoid if you care about resale value, and which should be on your shortlist for minimizing depreciation risk.

Buying a mid-engine sports car can be financially dangerous, as some models lose up to 30% of their value quickly, while others hold steady or even appreciate slightly. Let’s explore how different mid-engine sports cars and supercars perform in terms of depreciation, so you can make a more informed decision.

Lamborghini: Surprisingly resilient

The depreciation in the Lamborghini Huracán market has actually slowed down, with rates improving from 8% to 6.6%. While Tecnicas and STOs are still losing value, the decline is becoming less pronounced. Meanwhile, the Huracán Performante has held up incredibly well, with depreciation rates as low as 0.8%. However, other Lamborghini models like the Aventador still need more data to paint a clear picture, though early indications suggest relatively stable prices.

McLaren: A steep decline for some models

In the McLaren world, the Artura is one to avoid if depreciation concerns you—it has been dropping like a rock, with a 13.7% decrease last year. McLaren GTs also depreciated quickly, at around 10.6%. At the other end of the spectrum, the 12C and 675LT are holding steady, losing only 3-5%. While newer McLarens tend to depreciate faster, older models appear to be leveling out, making them potentially safer bets.

Porsche Cayman and Boxster: Mid-engine stars

The Porsche Cayman and Boxster models have been some of the best-performing in terms of depreciation. Over the last year, the Cayman saw an average depreciation of just 3.8%, with the GT4 models being standout performers. The Porsche Boxster market also remained strong, with a minimal depreciation rate of just 0.13%, making these some of the best buys for those looking to minimize losses.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06: A volatile ride

The mid-engine Corvette Z06 has seen one of the most dramatic price drops. From a high of $229,000, prices have fallen to around $156,000—a staggering 31.9% drop. However, this is largely due to the inflated premiums people paid early on. If you bought one at MSRP, the situation is much less dire, but still worth considering.

Maserati MC20: A steep fall

The Maserati MC20 is another cautionary tale, with prices dropping by 26%—roughly $70,000—over the past year. This makes the MC20 one of the worst performers in terms of resale value, and also one of the slowest sellers on the market. If you’re looking for a Maserati, you might want to wait until prices stabilize before pulling the trigger.

Audi R8: Stable but slipping

The Audi R8 has been steadily depreciating across the board, with drops between 6.5% and 7.8%. Whether you’re looking at first-generation models or the newer second-gen R8, expect some losses but nothing extreme compared to the competition.

Final thoughts: Buy smart, avoid big losses

When it comes to mid-engine sports cars, depreciation is inevitable, but you can still make a smart purchase that minimizes your financial risk. Models like the Porsche Cayman GT4, Ferrari 458, and Lamborghini Huracán Performante are holding up well in the resale market, while newer models like the McLaren Artura and Maserati MC20 are best avoided for now if you’re trying to preserve value.

At the end of the day, buying at or near the inflection point—where the steepest depreciation has already occurred—can save you a significant amount of money. Choose wisely, and you can enjoy the thrill of a mid-engine sports car without the sting of heavy depreciation.

Inspired by the analysis of our friend @fourwheeltrader. Make sure you check his other videos https://www.youtube.com/@fourwheeltrader/featured.

Are you already a proud owner of a Lamborghini, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette, Maserati and Audi ? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

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Photo sources: Pinterest, What Car?, Porsche Boxster, bringatrailer.com, uk.motor1.com, classic.com, Webcg.net