if u consider resale value most important then go in for a 2nd hand car thats in mint condition - best bought from approved used car dealers, coz on these a first hit of depreciation allows u to pick a car almost brand new for like 10% below showroom price.

to answer ure question about depreciation on cars, usually how u calcualte is 10-15% max depreciation for toyotas & nissans. But u must also consider factors like change is shape or design/options in newer models of the same car.

Also if some car hasn't really hit it off well in the market there r naturally less takers for it when u try to sell it off. i think the new pathfinder is one such. compared to it the older one is so much more in demand!!