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There are RRP new car prices and Discounted prices. Is there a 'general rule of thumb' depreciation percentage that one might expect for a 1 to 2 year old car? Should the percentage depreciation be measured against the recommended new price or a commonly accepted discounted price? Which I suppose begs the question, How does one determine a universally applied discounted price? Thanks, Baz

There is no hard and fast rule on depreciation or a universally accepted discount off the new price.
However, for used car values, as a rule of thumb in todays economic climate, small cars do not suffer as heavy depreciation as large, uneconomic models.
For examples, assuming NZ's average mileage of 14,000km per year, a 2010 Suzuki Swift GLX travelled 28,000km would have a retail value today of around $18k, against a new value of $24k. A similar age and mileage Holden Commodors SV6 would have a current value of around $35k, compared against a new price of approx $55k.
As you can see, the small car has depreciated around 25% in 2 years but the large car has fallen around 36%.
When negotiating for a new car, some brands apply different pricing regimes than others. Generally speaking, the brands fighting it out for volume sales will be more flexible than the niche brands which are aimed at private buyers rather than fleet operators.