2024 Unsold Unused Cars: Clearance Sale

Do you want to experience a car like new? A car with Zero Miles? Finding a car that has never been used at an affordable price is what everyone wants. These unused cars (the best SUVs, Crossovers, Pickups, Jeeps, Sedans) are brought straight from the factory. The journey to own an unsold car at a record low price, let's start:

1. Why Clearance Sales Happen: The Industry’s Annual Cycle

• Model Year Rollovers: Each year, as automakers roll out new models, dealerships aim to clear out last year’s inventory. This helps make room for the incoming model year cars, which often bring updated designs, technology, or performance features.
• Demand Fluctuations: Sometimes certain car models or trims don’t sell as expected. Economic factors, shifting consumer preferences, and supply chain adjustments can lead to an excess of specific models on the lot.
• Electric Vehicle Surge: The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is another factor. As consumers shift to EVs, traditional gas-powered vehicles, especially in certain categories, may remain unsold, creating unique clearance opportunities.

2. What Types of Discounts to Expect

• Manufacturer Incentives: Automakers may offer cash-back incentives, financing deals, or even low-interest rates to help dealerships move unsold inventory. These incentives are often advertised on national and dealership websites.
• Dealer Discounts: To clear inventory, many dealerships reduce prices further, sometimes taking additional markdowns off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The cumulative discounts can range between 15-25% off MSRP, depending on the brand, model, and location.
• Loyalty or Trade-In Bonuses: Buyers who trade in an old vehicle or are loyal customers may receive further discounts or bonuses.

3. Top Vehicles Likely to See Clearance Discounts

• Sedans and Compact Cars: Due to the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers, sedans and compact cars are increasingly common in clearance sales. Expect to see models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Sentra offered at deep discounts.
• Full-Size SUVs: As smaller, fuel-efficient SUVs and EVs gain popularity, traditional full-size SUVs might linger on lots, offering opportunities for deals on models like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.
• Certain EVs and Plug-in Hybrids: Ironically, as some automakers refine their EV lines, certain early 2024 models of electric or plug-in hybrids may also be available at discounts.

4. Best Times for Buying Clearance Cars in 2024

• End of Each Quarter: Dealerships tend to offer discounts at the end of each quarter to hit sales targets. This makes the last weeks of March, June, September, and December great times for clearance sales.
• Holiday Sales Events: Holidays like Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the end-of-year holiday season often bring some of the steepest discounts of the year, as dealerships rush to close out remaining 2024 stock.
• Model Launch Periods: When the next year's models (e.g., 2025) hit the showroom, dealerships work to move older inventory. This often happens in late summer to early fall.

5. Pros and Cons of Buying Clearance Cars

Pros:

• Lower Prices: Clearance sales offer some of the year’s lowest prices for brand-new cars, allowing buyers to maximize value.
• Factory Warranty: Despite being discounted, these vehicles are new and come with full factory warranties.
• Financing Options: Many automakers offer special financing on clearance vehicles, which can make owning a new car more affordable.

Cons:

• Limited Selection: As inventories dwindle, the selection of colors, trims, and optional features becomes more limited.
• Potentially Older Technology: Newer models may have additional tech features and improvements, so a 2024 model could be slightly behind in tech compared to a 2025 version.
• Depreciation: Clearance vehicles may face a steeper depreciation curve, especially when compared to the latest model year.