A Complex Timing Choice for Buying
Determining the perfect moment to buy a new car is rarely simple. The best time often depends on manufacturer promotions or even a specific model. However, if your finances are in order, buying before a model year refresh can be advantageous.
Dealers are usually motivated to sell off outdated inventory, which can mean significant discounts. Currently, the volume of unsold 2024 and 2025 models in the US remains unusually high.
As we reported in early December, many dealerships across the United States are facing a surplus of inventory, with 2024 and 2025 models piling up on lots and selling poorly.
Market Statistics
Recent market data shows that as of the end of November, dealerships nationwide had 3,010,839 vehicles in stock. While 60.3% of them are 2026 models, there is still a large number of available 2024 and 2025 model year cars.
Inventory hasn’t been this high since November 2024, when it reached 3,206,209 units. Throughout each of the first 10 months of 2025, inventory was below 3 million, dropping to a low of 2,503,529 in May.
High Prices Despite Surplus
Despite this surplus, prices are hardly dropping. The average listing price in November was $49,422, slightly above the previous peak of $48,843 in December 2024. For most of 2025, prices fluctuated between $47,000 and $49,000, making this period challenging for value-oriented buyers.
“New car prices remain near record highs, which is a challenge for buyers looking for a good deal on a new car,” said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars. “But if dealers are trying to sell off remaining older 2024 or 2025 models, it could be an opportunity for buyers who want the peace of mind of a new car and warranty coverage at a reduced price.”
Who Still Holds 2024 Inventory?
No automaker is struggling with excess inventory like Stellantis. As of early December, Dodge dealers still held 82.1% of the total 2024 inventory for the plug-in hybrid Hornet. This is a staggering figure, considering the industry average for leftover 2024 inventory is only 0.4%.
Jeep and Alfa Romeo are also facing noticeable leftovers. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee still had 70.8% of its inventory unsold, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrid had 46.8%. This shows how uneven the sales pace has been across different brands and models.
Among other notable models, the discontinued Chevrolet Malibu ranks fourth on the 2024 list, with 31% of its inventory still sitting on dealer lots. This is an unusually high figure for a midsize sedan priced under $27,000.
Which 2025 Cars Aren’t Selling?
The numbers for 2025 aren’t much better. The BMW i4 leads the list with 89% of its inventory unsold at an average price of $67,745. Lexus follows closely, with 88% of GX 550 and 84% of LX 600 still on dealer lots. The Subaru BRZ isn’t far behind with 87% at an average price of $38,516.
High-profile newcomers like the Toyota GR Corolla (83%) and Ford Maverick (79% for gas and hybrid versions) also show unexpectedly slow turnover. Even Toyota, a brand known for fast sales, appears four times in the top 10 for 2025, including the 4Runner Hybrid and Tacoma Hybrid. The brand’s wide presence on the list suggests that strong name recognition alone isn’t enough to keep inventory moving in today’s market.
For comparison, the industry average for leftover 2025 inventory is only 21%, making these figures particularly high.
Cars with the Largest 2024 Leftovers
Here is the detailed breakdown by model:
- Dodge Hornet (plug-in hybrid) – 82.1% inventory, average price $41,166
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – 70.8%, $64,014
- Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid – 46.8%, $51,917
- Chevrolet Malibu – 31.0%, $26,760
- Dodge Hornet – 26.3%, $31,799
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer L – 24.1%, $92,497
- Genesis GV60 – 21.8%, $57,764
- Dodge Charger – 20.9%, $59,388
- Nissan Z – 18.8%, $53,289
- Jeep Wrangler (plug-in hybrid) – 18.2%, $60,740
The overall average for 2024 leftovers is only 0.4% at an average price of $47,256.
Cars with the Largest 2025 Leftovers
The situation is also tense among 2025 model year vehicles:
- BMW i4 – 89% inventory, average price $67,745
- Lexus GX 550 – 88%, $81,291
- Subaru BRZ – 87%, $38,516
- Lexus LX 600 – 84%, $117,757
- Toyota GR Corolla – 83%, $46,015
- Kia Niro – 81%, $31,914
- Volkswagen Taos – 81%, $30,796
- Toyota 4Runner (hybrid) – 80%, $64,276
- Ford Maverick (gas and hybrid) – 79%, $34,549
- Toyota 4Runner – 79%, $54,534
The overall average for 2025 leftovers is 21% at an average price of $47,767.
This new car market situation points to a deeper imbalance between supply and demand, especially for certain types of vehicles. High leftovers of hybrid and electric models, as well as some traditional SUVs, may indicate a shift in buyer priorities or that manufacturers overestimated demand for these categories. Despite dealers’ activity trying to sell off older models, the overall high cost of new cars continues to be a major barrier for many households. This creates a unique, albeit challenging, window of opportunity for informed buyers who are willing to negotiate and seek out specific models with the greatest surplus.