Most car buyers plan to hold onto their vehicles for years, but a surprising number of owners part ways with their new cars within just 12 months. According to a new iSeeCars study analyzing more than 18.5 million transactions from 2023–2024, some luxury cars are being resold at rates up to eight times higher than average.
The average first-year resale rate across all new cars is 3.6%, but for certain luxury brands, it’s more than 20%. Analysts suggest reasons range from buyer dissatisfaction and financial strain to dealership practices that register demo vehicles as “sold” before quickly reselling them.
Luxury automakers dominate the list, led by Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, which together account for seven of the top eight vehicles. Porsche, BMW, and Jaguar round out the top 10.
Let’s take a closer look at the new cars owners are most likely to resell within a year.
Luxury automakers dominate the list, led by Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, which together account for seven of the top eight vehicles. Porsche, BMW, and Jaguar round out the top 10.
Let’s take a closer look at the new cars owners are most likely to resell within a year.
The F-PACE delivers strong performance and luxury appeal, but like many Jaguars, it faces steep depreciation and ownership costs that may drive quick resales.
The F-PACE delivers strong performance and luxury appeal, but like many Jaguars, it faces steep depreciation and ownership costs that may drive quick resales.
A classic executive sedan, the 5 Series blends performance and refinement. Yet some buyers are trading them early, possibly for the newer i5 electric variant or higher trims with updated tech.
A classic executive sedan, the 5 Series blends performance and refinement. Yet some buyers are trading them early, possibly for the newer i5 electric variant or higher trims with updated tech.
The larger Discovery offers an off-road pedigree and family utility. However, ownership costs and complexity might contribute to its early resale rate.
The larger Discovery offers an off-road pedigree and family utility. However, ownership costs and complexity might contribute to its early resale rate.
The C-Class remains a benchmark among luxury sedans, though its early resale rate implies that some owners quickly jump to higher trims—or newer models like the all-electric EQE.
The C-Class remains a benchmark among luxury sedans, though its early resale rate implies that some owners quickly jump to higher trims—or newer models like the all-electric EQE.
Stylish and compact, the Evoque remains one of Land Rover’s most design-forward offerings. Its high resale rate echoes its siblings, the Discovery and Discovery Sport, in attracting fashion-conscious but short-term buyers.
Stylish and compact, the Evoque remains one of Land Rover’s most design-forward offerings. Its high resale rate echoes its siblings, the Discovery and Discovery Sport, in attracting fashion-conscious but short-term buyers.
Multiple small Benz crossovers make this list. The GLA’s resale rate suggests that some buyers trade up within a year—perhaps seeking more space or performance.
Multiple small Benz crossovers make this list. The GLA’s resale rate suggests that some buyers trade up within a year—perhaps seeking more space or performance.
The stylish CLA coupe-sedan with its compact size and firm ride, may not suit long-term ownership. Many are turned in early, a trend common with entry-level luxury models.
The stylish CLA coupe-sedan with its compact size and firm ride, may not suit long-term ownership. Many are turned in early, a trend common with entry-level luxury models.
Compact yet practical. Despite the GLB's flexible three-row option, many buyers appear to part ways quickly, likely drawn away by newer tech or competing models within Mercedes’ own lineup.
Compact yet practical. Despite the GLB's flexible three-row option, many buyers appear to part ways quickly, likely drawn away by newer tech or competing models within Mercedes’ own lineup.
The Macan’s sharp handling and brand appeal can’t stop it from second place on the early resale list. Porsche’s small crossover sees many quick flips—possibly due to high lease penetration and expensive options that push prices past expectations.
The Macan’s sharp handling and brand appeal can’t stop it from second place on the early resale list. Porsche’s small crossover sees many quick flips—possibly due to high lease penetration and expensive options that push prices past expectations.
Topping the list, nearly three in ten new Discovery Sports are resold within 12 months. The compact luxury SUV’s high resale rate suggests owners may be moving on due to reliability issues, ownership costs, or super quick lease turnovers.
Topping the list, nearly three in ten new Discovery Sports are resold within 12 months. The compact luxury SUV’s high resale rate suggests owners may be moving on due to reliability issues, ownership costs, or super quick lease turnovers.
