Things have gotten a bit crazy in the automotive world. First, the pandemic hit and disrupted supply chains; then the chip shortage emerged and messed things up even further. New car inventories are super low right now as a result, and used car prices have exploded. Still, a select handful of buyers have stumbled into vehicles you wouldn’t expect to find still around on dealer lots this year.
Here are seven (not so) new cars you won’t believe people bought off dealership lots in 2021.
7 New Cars You Won’t Believe People Bought in 2021
Somehow, someone managed to find a new FJ Cruiser on a lot in 2014.
Toyota
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was a quirky but capable homage to the original Land Cruiser. Toyota took it out of production back in 2014, But one person somehow found a new one in June and pulled the trigger. We hope they do some off-road driving with it, even if they should immediately auction it on Bring a Trailer.
Toyota
Dodge Viper
For a very particular buyer, only a Dodge Viper will do. Despite the distinctive sports car departing after the 2017 model year, two buyers managed to score new ones in 2017.
FCA US LLC
Jeep Patriot
Jeep took the Patriot out of production at the end of 2016. It looked better than the Compass of that era, but that was about its only redeeming quality. Four Americans have bought them so far in 2021.
FCA US LLC
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
You may not remember the Mercedes B-Class. It’s a wonky-looking subcompact hatchback; Merc only sold the electric version in the U.S. It was discontinued back in 2017, in part, no doubt, because it only offered 87 miles of range. Still, someone has bought one in 2021 — equaling the number Mercedes sold in 2020.
Mercedes-Benz
The Best Cars to Buy in 2021
The results may surprise you.
Ford
Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country was the predecessor to the Chrysler Pacifica. The last model year was 2016. Yet someone found one in a Chrysler lot somewhere in 2021 — and bought it.
A.J. Mueller
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart was a new compact sedan that newly formed FCA launched in 2012, just when everyone started buying SUVs in droves. Production ended in Sept. 2016, but Stellantis has sold two of them this year.
Dodge
Chrysler 200
Last Model Year: 2017Units Sold in 2022: 2FCA US LLC
Why is the Mazda CX-30 Turbo special?
The Mazda CX-30 was a hit with reviewers, us included. It’s premium-feeling. It has design-award quality looks (if you don’t stare too hard at the nearly Isuzu Vehicross-level cladding). It mainly carries over most of the driving dynamics from the excellent Mazda 3 with a bit (and we mean just a bit) more practicality. It’s hard to find a better all-around subcompact crossover under $30,000.
The one thing the CX-30 lacked at launch was some oomph from the engine. The CX-30 Turbo provides that missing element, leveling the subcompact crossover up to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque (or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft if you plunk down for premium) with the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four.
Mazda