Unsold inventory: The U.S. vehicles lingering longest on dealership lots

A revealing study has shed light on the vehicles experiencing the slowest sales turnover across American dealerships, offering valuable insights for both industry observers and potential car purchasers. This comprehensive analysis pinpoints specific models that are accumulating significant time on lots, contrasted with those that are quickly finding new homes. Understanding these market dynamics can provide a strategic advantage in the car-buying process, particularly when aiming to secure a more favorable deal.

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Luxury Sedans and EVs Lagging in Sales, While Popular Brands Dominate Quick Sales

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In a detailed report released on July 26, 2025, by CarEdge, a prominent automotive data firm, a compelling picture of the current U.S. car market emerged, highlighting the vehicles with the longest sales cycles. At the forefront of this list were two luxurious Audi models: the S6 and its counterpart, the A6. The S6, a high-performance executive sedan, recorded an average of 482 days from arrival at the dealership to final sale. Its slightly less opulent sibling, the A6, also showed a significant lag, requiring an average of 409 days to move off the lot. These figures are particularly striking, indicating that these premium sedans are spending well over a year awaiting new owners.

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Following closely behind these Audi stalwarts, the list of slow-moving vehicles also included a mix of electric vehicles and other market segments. The Volkswagen ID.4, an electric SUV, averaged 297 days to sell, suggesting potential challenges in the burgeoning EV market for some brands. The Audi Q4 e-tron, another electric offering from the German luxury automaker, registered 271 days. Rounding out the top slowest sellers were the Jaguar F-Pace (239 days), a luxury SUV; the Nissan Murano (234 days), a mid-size crossover; the robust Ram 2500 (233 days); the high-performance electric Porsche Taycan (229 days); the futuristic Kia EV6 (217 days); and the adventurous Land Rover Discovery (216 days).

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A key factor contributing to the extended dwell times for the Audi S6 and A6 is their substantial average transaction prices, with the S6 commanding nearly $90,000 and the A6 approaching $70,000. Such high price points naturally narrow the pool of potential buyers, leading to slower sales. This phenomenon underscores the intricate relationship between vehicle segment, pricing, and market demand.

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Conversely, the report also identified the swift movers in the market. Vehicles from Toyota and Lexus, known for their reliability and strong resale values, dominated the fastest-selling list. The Toyota Sienna minivan, the Toyota Highlander SUV, and the Lexus RX Hybrid luxury SUV all averaged a mere 20 days on the lot. This rapid turnover highlights robust consumer demand for these brands, with only the Cadillac Escalade and the ever-popular Ford F-150 managing to break into the top ten fastest sellers alongside the Japanese automotive giants.

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From a consumer's standpoint, this data offers a powerful tool. Dealers incur costs for every day a vehicle sits on their lot, particularly for higher-priced models that require significant financing. This financial pressure can make them more amenable to price negotiations, especially for cars identified as slow sellers. Thus, armed with this knowledge, an astute buyer can leverage a vehicle's extended time on the market to secure a more attractive deal. This dynamic transforms what might seem like a negative for dealerships into a potential boon for the discerning purchaser.