Top 10 New Cars Owners Most Often Resell Within a Year
In a new study, U.S. automotive research firm iSeeCars.com analyzed over 46 million individual new car sales from model years 2014-2017 and, using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), determined how many of them were resold as used within the first year with at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) on the odometer.
The results show that the top 10 models are given up more than 2.5 times the average vehicle. And surprisingly, eight come from luxury brands. It could be that they fail to meet high expectations… or that their owners can afford to switch to a brand new vehicle every year or so.
Whatever the reasons are, here are the top 10 new cars owners are most likely to get rid of within the first year.
10. Nissan Versa (8.7% resold as used within the first year)
The four-door variant of Nissan’s sub-compact car is still sold in the U.S., but it was dropped from the Canadian lineup after the 2014 model year.
9. Jaguar XF (8.8% resold as used within the first year)
Jaguar’s midsize sedan offers three different engine options including a four-cylinder diesel. It’s just not the same as driving a BMW or Audi.
8. Nissan Versa Note (9.0% resold as used within the first year)
This small car is praised for its spacious interior, yet a greater number of Nissan customers prefer the cheaper Micra or the more versatile and colourful Kicks crossover. The Versa Note therefore won’t return for 2020.
7. BMW X3 (9.0% resold as used within the first year)
The X3 is a popular choice among compact luxury crossovers. The current generation was introduced for 2018, just after the timeframe for the iSeeCars.com study.
6. BMW X1 (10.4% resold as used within the first year)
BMW’s smallest and most affordable crossover has many solid attributes, but we’re eagerly awaiting an upgrade.
5. MINI Clubman (10.7% resold as used within the first year)
Slotting between the MINI 5 Door and Countryman in terms of space, the Clubman is the only MINI to have split rear doors instead of a traditional liftgate. Is that a reason to give up on it?
4. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (10.9% resold as used within the first year)
Is the little Evoque a true Range Rover? Maybe some owners were disenchanted after spending more time behind the wheel. A completely redesigned Evoque was just introduced for 2020.
3. Land Rover Discovery Sport (11.8% resold as used within the first year)
The Discovery Sport shines off the road almost as much as the larger Land Rover models, which gives it a definite edge over traditional compact luxury SUVs. However, reliability is still a major issue.
2. BMW 3 Series (11.8% resold as used within the first year)
The ultimate driving machine? While the 3 Series is still a benchmark in terms of sporty performance and driving, it looks like many owners are disappointed enough to resell the car within the first year. The 2019 is subtly better.
1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (12.4% resold as used within the first year)
The best-selling Mercedes-Benz model continues to attract many customers by offering sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet variants. Hopefully the numerous updates for 2019 will make them want to keep it longer.