I got that from the NADA Guide. High retail was around $25,000.00, average around $18,000 and low at $16,000. Market value could be different based on where the car is. You said that he probably had $1,000.00 - $5,000.00 in annual maintenance costs, right? Take $2,000.00 per year for 5 years, and you get $10,000.00. Add that to the $13,000.00 original purchase price and you've got $23,000.00. I have NO idea what insurance would cost over the 5 years, but add that in and I'm guessing you've got to sell it for at least $25,000 to break even. I don't want to do that either. I just wanted to point out that something can't depreciate AND gain value.