Some factors that contribute to this include:
-Lack of maintenance records: A car with multiple owners may have incomplete or missing maintenance records, making it difficult for potential buyers to assess the vehicle's condition.
-Potential for hidden problems: Multiple owners may have different driving styles and habits, leading to potential undisclosed issues or repairs that may not be immediately visible.
-Less traceability: A car with a long ownership history may have been bought and sold multiple times through private channels, making it difficult to trace its complete history.
-Higher wear and tear: Cars that have had several owners are more likely to experience wear and tear, both interior and exterior, reducing their perceived value.
-Stigma: Some buyers may associate a high number of previous owners with a vehicle's unwanted or problematic past.
However it's important to note that not all cars with a high number of owners depreciate in value. Well-maintained vehicles with clear maintenance history, transparent documentation, and identifiable previous owners may retain their value better compared to those with unknown ownership history or lack information.
Additionally a vehicle's make model, overall condition, mileage and other relevant factors can also impact its value independent of the number of owners.