To determine the value of the car after 5 years using the given function \( f(x) = 35,000(0.85)^x \), we can substitute \( x = 5 \) into the function:
\[ f(5) = 35,000(0.85)^5 \]
Now we will calculate \( (0.85)^5 \):
\[ (0.85)^5 \approx 0.4437 \]
Next, we multiply this result by 35,000:
\[ f(5) = 35,000 \times 0.4437 \approx 15529.5 \]
Thus, the value of the car after 5 years is approximately \( 15529.5 \).
Rounding to the nearest cent, the final answer is:
\[ \boxed{15529.50} \]