If you want a deal on a car right now, you must buy the car no one else wants. Specifically, look for vehicles that have sat on the lot forever. Dealers will do almost anything to get rid of this stagnant inventory. Recently, iSeeCars conducted research on 2.6 million cars currently sitting on lots. They analyzed this massive dataset to figure out exactly which models are still rotting.
Basically, these are the cars no one wanted to buy. As a result, we saw a major shift happen in 2025. Stellantis started drying up inventory on unwanted products because they simply could not sell the 2024 stock. When you watch this happen, you gain insight into the big business struggles at Stellantis. Consequently, the company had to adjust its strategy significantly.
The 2024 Inventory Disaster
Sometimes these adjustments are quiet, while other times they are very loud. However, automakers sometimes execute them in sneaky, clandestine ways. For example, look at what Stellantis did with the Jeep Wagoneer. They changed the branding to the Grand Wagoneer and claimed they discontinued the Jeep Wagoneer. In reality, the Grand Wagoneer is essentially the same vehicle. Now, dealers have a bunch of “discontinued” Jeep Wagoneers sitting on lots. Therefore, you can get screaming deals on them.
If you are looking for a car in January, these are the vehicles nobody wants to buy. Following the tenure of Carlos Tavares, whom many consider a failed CEO, Stellantis brands topped the 2024 leftover inventory list. The data is shocking. For instance, the Dodge Hornet is number one on the list. Immediately following it, the Jeep Grand Cherokee sits at number two.
Next on the list is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid, another Stellantis vehicle. The Chevy Malibu comes in at number four. However, the list goes right back to Stellantis again. The plug-in and standard Dodge Hornet appear again. Furthermore, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L makes the list. Eventually, you get into the Genesis GV60. Of course, the Dodge Charger is also present. Finally, the Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid rounds out the bottom of the list.
Stellantis Dominates the “Worst” List
Check this statistic out carefully. Out of the top 10 vehicles with the most leftover inventory, seven were Stellantis models. This screams that the brand needs to bring back the Hemi. However, if you looked at this list three years ago, you would see almost zero leftover inventory. In fact, leftover stock existed back then only because dealers were hoarding them. Dealers put humongous markups on those cars. That was the reality for 2024.
However, watch how Stellantis adjusted for the 2025 model year. We can look at the EVs that were the worst selling. Of course, we know the Dodge Charger was there. But looking at the 2025 data, you notice much less Stellantis product. This happened because they tightened inventory. In addition, they stopped shipping as many cars.
For example, they paused the R/T Daytona. They also cancelled the Hornet. Furthermore, they cancelled the Jeep Wagoneer. Chrysler had nothing on the list. This did not happen because their cars were suddenly great. Rather, they simply didn’t have anything left to ship. They had so much sitting inventory that dealers had no reason to continue ordering vehicles. Consequently, this drastically changed the list for 2025.
The New Opportunities for 2025
This shift left the BMW i4 exposed on the list. Therefore, if you want to steal a BMW, go get an i4. After browsing the BMW website recently, the deals are blowing people away. It almost feels like the car comes with a free Dodge Charger. It is insane that you can get such a deal if you want one. Meanwhile, the Lexus GX 550 also appears on the list. A year ago, no one would have predicted this vehicle would fail to sell.
Currently, looking at SUVs, the price is a major factor. The Lexus sits at $81,000. That inventory likely won’t move quickly. If you want a steal on those, there is plenty of leftover stock. Additionally, the Subaru BRZ is sitting. This likely happens only because it is a Subaru. It is the same car as the GR86. However, $40,000 for a car the size of a shoe is a hard sell.
Furthermore, look at the Lexus LX 600. With 83% inventory, you face a price of $117,757. No thank you. If you want a deal on a high-end luxury SUV, go get one of those. Moving on, number five for 2025 is the Toyota GR Corolla. This is probably one of the coolest little cars you can buy. Yet, they did not sell well. Frankly, the price remains too high. Somebody shopping for a Corolla isn’t looking to spend almost $50,000. That is a hard stretch for most buyers. However, if you can buy these used later, they are really cool rally-style cars.
Pricing is Killing Sales
Other vehicles are also struggling to move. For instance, tons of Kia Niros aren’t selling. The Volkswagen Taos is also sitting. Another likely struggling vehicle is the Toyota 4Runner Hybrid. The main issue here is their pricing. You cannot find them anywhere for less than $75,000. Consequently, these SUVs are outrageously priced. They are awesome vehicles, but they are ridiculously priced for the market.
Similarly, the Ford Maverick started by angering everybody with ridiculous markups at launch. Dealers likely spoiled the market a little bit. Then, Ford tried to flood the market with these trucks. This move was good for the manufacturer. However, because demand was initially high and inventory is now flooding in, dealers are getting stuck with these trucks. So, if you want a deal on a Maverick, now is the time to buy.
Finally, the regular Toyota 4Runner comes in at number 10. Again, it carries a big price tag. If you want any options, you will be back in that $60,000 plus range. This pricing gets you close to Land Rovers and similar luxury vehicles.
Discontinued Models and Future Outlook
It is important to look at the cars Stellantis discontinued. For example, the list includes the Dodge Hornet and the Jeep Wagoneer L. Even for someone who pays close attention to Mopar, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram, some news slipped by. Upon research, it looks like they are just changing the nameplate. You can clearly see the pain Stellantis suffered. Nobody wanted any of their inventory.
Overall, that situation was brutal. As we move forward into 2026, things should start looking better for Stellantis. Hopefully, they will bring out more gas engines. In addition, we hope to see some hybrid options. Ideally, they will start pulling away from this EV focus and deliver vehicles people actually want. Nobody wanted that Hornet, yet Stellantis tried to force it down our throats. It turned out to be an Alfa Romeo, and even the Alfa Romeo couldn’t sell.
