Dealerships dread vehicles that linger on their lots. Unsold cars tie up capital and occupy valuable space. When a car sits too long without a buyer, dealers get antsy to sell, often offering discounts and special financing to move the inventory. For savvy shoppers, these slow-selling models present an opportunity to negotiate substantial savings.

Why slow-selling cars are a bargain

Cars that don’t sell quickly become a big drag for dealerships. The longer a vehicle remains unsold, the more it depreciates, and the more overhead the dealer faces to keep it on the lot. They have to store, clean, and maintain them. They also likely have to keep up their own financing terms with an inventory lender or the manufacturer. To minimize these losses, dealers are often willing to negotiate lower prices or offer attractive terms on these models. This situation creates a prime opportunity for buyers to secure a great deal.

10 slowest-selling cars of 2025

Based on year-to-date sales data from CarEdge, the following models were among the slowest-selling, making them excellent candidates for negotiation. For perspective, the 10 fastest-selling cars in 2025 tout a 33-day or less Market Supply. The Lexus GX, for example, only has a 24-day Market Supply.

Dodge Charger

Market Day Supply: 312

This muscle car, despite its power and style, has seen slow turnover on dealer lots.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Market Day Supply: 284

A fun, sporty roadster that hasn’t been flying off the lots as expected.

Audi A3

Market Day Supply: 275

This entry-level luxury sedan has been lingering in dealerships longer than usual.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Market Day Supply: 254

A stylish and performance-oriented sedan, yet it struggles with sales.

Cadillac CT4

Market Day Supply: 234

A compact luxury car that has seen slower demand.

Chrysler Voyager

Market Day Supply: 229

A minivan that offers practicality but hasn’t been a hot seller.

Maserati Grecale

Market Day Supply: 222

This luxury SUV isn’t moving as quickly as competitors in its class.

Porsche Taycan

Market Day Supply: 222

A high-end electric sports car that has seen slower sales.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Market Day Supply: 218

An economy sedan with modest 2024 sales despite its affordability. The automaker ended production, too, so there’s no 2025 model.

Nissan Z

Market Day Supply: 216

A sports car with great heritage, but it’s taking longer to sell.

Tips for considering slow-selling models

Before heading to the dealership, it’s essential to conduct thorough research:

Check Vehicle Reviews: Read expert and owner reviews to understand the pros and cons of the model.

Investigate reliability: Look into the vehicle’s reliability ratings and common issues.

Assess depreciation: Understand how well the car holds its value over time.

Explore incentives: Manufacturers may offer additional incentives on slow-selling models.

Strategies for negotiating with dealerships

When you’re ready to negotiate, consider the following strategies:

Do Your Homework: Know the car’s market value and the dealer’s cost. Websites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book provide this information.

Shop around: Obtain quotes from multiple dealerships. Use the lowest offer as leverage in your negotiations.

Negotiate remotely: Contact dealers via phone or email to request their best price. This approach reduces the pressure of in-person negotiations.

Be prepared to walk away: If the dealer isn’t willing to meet your price, be ready to leave. This shows you’re serious about getting a good deal.

Time your purchase: Dealers may be more willing to negotiate at the end of the month or quarter when they’re trying to meet sales targets.

Inspect the vehicle: Ensure the car is in good condition, especially if it’s been on the lot for an extended period.

Review financing offers: Dealers may offer special financing on slow-selling models. Compare these offers with those from your bank or credit union.

By focusing on slow-selling cars and employing effective negotiation strategies, you might be able to drive away with a great vehicle at a bargain price.