Why Slow-Selling Vehicles Have Better Discounts

Very seldom do buyers seek out the slow-selling vehicles on dealership lots. But now as the microchip shortage has limited the supply of top models, it’s become apparent which vehicles are lingering and which have become a rarity. See what are the top 5 slowest-selling cars on the automotive market and why selling rates influence car buying decisions.

What slow-selling vehicles are most available?

In a study performed by iSeeCars, it took 42.8 days for the average new vehicle to sell in Q4 of 2021. The longer selling time mimics the stark reality of the current automotive industry. Buyers just aren’t purchasing new cars like they used to. And now that new cars sales are officially on the decline, it’s time to reevaluate what models are both available and decently priced. Luckily, data shows there are several options to choose from that haven’t totally vanished from dealerships across the nation.

Top 5 slowest-selling cars

All data is acquired from iSeeCars.com. 

Before you set out on your next car search in 2022, take a look at some of the slowest-selling models to date. Who knows, you just might get a better discount if you take interest in one of the following vehicles:

1. Kia Rio
2. Mitsubishi Outlander
3. Acura TLX
4. Nissan Murano
5. Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Kia Rio ranks at the top of the list with an average of 219 days to sell per unit. Perhaps the Rio’s small size and unpretentious interior lacks in appeal to consumer interests, but for an MSRP of $16,557, this model is still attractive. Following in second place, the Mitsubishi Outlander is not a compact SUV that most would rave about in the past. In fact, it rarely stands out from the competition, however, its 2022 model is finally worth talking about.

The thing about slow-selling vehicles is they aren’t necessarily run-of-the-mill models, but they simply can’t keep up with their high volume counterparts. Take the Nissan Murano, for example. This mid-size SUV upholds the same quality of Nissan manufacturing, but has gotten outshined by the slightly smaller and more affordable, Nissan Rogue. All it takes is one better option to enter the lineup for another to become out shadowed.

Catch 22 with slow-selling vehicles

Although slow-selling vehicles might offer a better deal, remember there is still some reason select models fall so low on the popularity list. For instance, the Kia Rio hasn’t earn spectacular safety ratings as of lately, dropping from a Top Safety Pick to no award at all by the IIHS. On top of that, luxury models that retail at lower price points still often come with extensive repairs. Therefore, your long-term costs will surely outweigh the lower buy-in.

All in all, it is up to the buyer to decide which make or model falls into the “acceptable” category. While some drivers are okay with settling for less than swanky interiors, others are not. We compiled this list to help struggling car buyers see the market from a different viewpoint in 2022. As you seek out your next investment, consider comparing the slowest-selling vehicles before ruling out your options.