Whether you're buying a new car or a used model, you should also consider the long-term costs. Some models lose value catastrophically over the years and require constant maintenance investments. Manufacturers and dealers do not advertise which vehicles in their lineup break down quickly.
In fact, they try to sell them as quickly as possible before the inevitable happens. Auto experts have conducted research and published a rating of cars that are unprofitable to buy. Some of the models below have recently been discontinued and can only be purchased used.
Others are still available in the current model year, but all of them are becoming history due to increased competition, outdated features, insufficient safety offerings, or outdated technology. Audi A3 e-tron If you're looking to save money by buying a used car with an alternative powertrain that improves fuel economy, the Audi A3 e-tron, produced from 2013 to 2020, can be a tempting choice. However, Cassie Fields, president of Autoleap, emphasizes that the resale value of this model could drop dramatically.
"Although the Audi A3 e-tron is touted as a luxury plug-in hybrid, its resale value could decline significantly due to the rapid development of electric vehicle technology, making it less attractive over time," Fields said. Chevrolet Spark The Chevy Spark was discontinued in 2022. According to experts, the model costs an average of $13,000, which makes it a fairly attractive choice for buyers on a budget.
The problem is.