Lord percy I really dont think you are being completely correct, I lived in the UK and know that a great many cars are sold for 50% of their retail value often.. let me see now the Banks buy there cars with a 40% discount to start with and then sell them after 6 months.. the hire fleets dont allow cars over 13k miles... sure the sticker price may have fallen, its not going to affect you unless you sell.. when you will surely lose.. for now.. enjoy the car, use it.. like a house its not really an investment..