PAYING for servicing and replacing worn out car tyres may seem expensive, but the biggest single cost associated with the ownership of any new car is depreciation.

Whether buying a supermini or a supercar, the value of a chosen model will fall. After three years and 36,000 miles, the average volume car is worth £5,370, retaining just 41 per cent of its original £13,100 list price. The remaining £7,730 is depreciation.

If you are thinking about buying a new car, valuation expert Glass’s Information Services offers guidance on how to minimise the loss of value during your ownership:

1. Consider niche models. Consider less conventional models such as cabriolets, compact MPVs and off-roaders, which often rival or beat the residuals available on prestige marques.

2. Think about fuel efficiency and emissions. Pressure from governments and consumers has encouraged improved fuel efficiency and reduction of engine emissions.

3 Colour is crucial. Metallic paint continues to be popular on almost all cars, typically adding between £150 and £600 to a car’s used value.

4. Considering your options. There are certain inevitable ‘must haves’ on any car options list, but yesterday’s best-selling option is today’s standard fit item.

5. Do not spend excessively on extras. Many dealers will typically take into account the first two or three most expensive options, paying significantly less for the remainder.

6. Be careful about options, such as satellite navigation, that lose their value in the second-hand market.

Interestingly, safety features and driver aids such as electronic stability systems also appear to have limited perceived value in the used market, probably because they are less tangible to the buyer. Equipment upgrades do not keep their original cost. For example, a wheel upgrade will normally retain little of its value in the longer term.