The Fastest-Selling New and Used Cars Will Surprise You

Car dealers’ lots are emptier than ever. Pandemic-related issues such as a global microchip shortage continue to affect supply, while a recovering economy, helped along by stimulus payments, has kept demand high. The outcome: Many cars are selling fast — really fast. In the first half of 2021, new cars sold in an average of 55 days, according to vehicle search engine iSeeCars, while used vehicles took an average of 46 days. Of course, many are spoken for a lot quicker than that. Here are the fastest-selling new and used cars for the first half of 2021, including a No. 1 you probably didn’t see coming. 

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Average days to sell: 19.2

Average price: $79,060

The beefy Yukon, a full-size SUV that got a complete redesign for 2021, “is a marked improvement over the previous generation, especially inside its more spacious cabin,” Car and Driver says. Fortunately, the Yukon will be one of the vehicles GM continues to churn out this month even as the majority of its North American plants shutter temporarily because of a chip shortage. 

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Average days to sell: 34.8

Average price: $32,173

Luxury for less — isn’t that what we’re all after? This compact SUVisn’t one of the top-rated vehicles in the class, but perhaps because of that, it offers particularly good value for buyers who want to spend a little more without going overboard. New models start at $37,610, so used buyers are saving a pretty nice chunk of change. 

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Average days to sell: 17.5

Average price: $58,538

Sure, Jeeps can be divisive, but the devotees remain steadfast, especially in the case of this first-ever electric model. “The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has been a fast-seller since it arrived in dealerships in April, but narrowly missed making the June list,” says Karl Brauer, iSeeCars executive analyst. “In June, it sold in 17.9 days, which was more than twice as fast as the average vehicle.” 

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Average days to sell: 34.6

Average price:$18,015

The Honda Civic is one of the nation’s most ubiquitous cars, so it’s no surprise to find it on a list of fastest sellers, new or used. Possibly helping drive the popularity of used models: the Civic’s legendary reliability, and production issues Honda dealt with this year that may have led some buyers to look for a used model instead of new.  

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Average days to sell:16.8

Average price:$37,698

The only pickup to crack the top 10 fastest-selling vehicles, new or used, the Tacoma continues to be a fast seller for those who value longevity: It’s a capable off-roader and hauler that is more likely than the average bear to keep running for at least 200,000 miles. 

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Average days to sell: 34.0

Average price: $21,895

It turns out that used car buyers are so enamored with the Civic that they put it in the top 10 twice. Considering a new 2021 Civic Hatchback starts at $22,200, many buyers didn’t necessarily save a ton by snagging one used, though.

Average days to sell: 16.3

Average price: $99,967

Even at nearly six figures, the Escalade joins its lengthier sibling, the Escalade ESV, as one of the year’s fastest sellers. U.S. News gives it high marks across the board, especially for its luxurious, roomy cabin — though it notes that the fuel economy could be better.

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Average days to sell: 33.5

Average price:$69,593

Corvette devotees would be the first to argue that this timeless Chevy is more than a car, but a full-blown lifestyle. Some models have become downright legendary, but even more than that, a pesky Corvette parts shortage may have been driving some buyers who would otherwise pay for a new Corvette to buy used instead.  

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Average days to sell: 14.5

Average price: $43,942

“Demand for the Kia Telluride has outperformed supply since it was introduced in 2020,” Brauer says. “It’s no surprise that the vehicle has been a mainstay on our list each month and is the sixth-fastest seller for the first half of the year.” Driving the demand: Glowing reviews such as this one from Car and Driver, calling this SUV “simply the gold standard of its segment.” 

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Average days to sell: 32.9

Average price: $38,559

This speedy coupe starts at $45,800 new, so it’s little wonder buyers are looking for a deal on a used model. Praised as “one of the most well-rounded luxury cars” by U.S. News, it earns especially high marks for its powerful turbocharged engine and agile handling. 

Average days to sell: 14.2

Average price: $48,489

The second Lexus on this list, the IS 350 is a compact sports sedan that’s ideal for a buyer who wants a premium car with a head-turning look. Car and Driver calls it “a well-rounded entry-luxury package with handsome styling and desirable features that should win it favor with buyers seeking curb appeal.” 

Average days to sell: 32.3

Average price: $41,866

One of our favorite vehicles for drivers over 50 thanks to its blend of space, accessibility, and souped-up safety features, the Palisade is also a particularly fast seller on the used car market. It’s also a favorite of Car and Driver, falling just short of the much-lauded Kia Telluride in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. 

Average days to sell: 13.6

Average price: $41,355

If the Carnival is an unfamiliar name, perhaps the Kia Sedona rings a bell? The Carnival just booted the Sedona from Kia’s lineup, and it’s no wonder the new minivan has been a strong seller. “Large wheels, crossover-like proportions, and signature daytime running lights that flow into the grille give the van an upscale-SUV vibe that reminds us of a Range Rover,” raves Car and Driver. 

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Average days to sell: 32

Average price:$42,035

Teslas remain a head-turner, and the inescapable Model 3 retains its strong pull on buyers. Unfortunately, there’s also a pretty hefty wait for most models — as long as three to five months for the less expensive versions of the Model 3, according to CNN — which could be driving buyers to snag a used model, even if they aren’t saving anything. 

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Average days to sell:12.9

Average price: $33,953

The Hyundai Tucson is the least pricey of the top 10 fastest-selling new vehicles. U.S. News praises “poised handling and a comfortable ride,” but doesn’t stop there. “Few class rivals can match its level of interior quality or the roominess of its seats. Cargo capacity is excellent for a small crossover as well.”

Average days to sell: 32

Average price: $32,675

This sporty compact, available used as a coupe or convertible, is getting a redesign for 2022 that will eliminate the latter option. So if you want to feel the wind in your hair, it’s time to get in line with all the other buyers who pushed this sporty option close to the top of the fastest-selling cars list. 

Average days to sell: 12.4

Average price:$44,348

The RAV4 has always been a strong seller for Toyota, and the new, fuel-sipping Prime model is “Toyota’s best hybrid ever,” MotorTrend raves. As gas prices climb, it’s no wonder this is a popular buy: It has an estimated 42-mile range in EV mode, meaning many commuters may not even have to touch their gas tanks from day to day. 

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Average days to sell: 31.7

Average price: $41,425

That’s right: The Telluride is so popular that it’s among the fastest sellers new and used. But did buying used actually pay off for budget-minded shoppers? In many cases, the answer is no: Used Tellurides actually sold for an average of 8% more than new models in the first half of June, according to a separate iSeeCars analysis. 

Average days to sell: 11

Average price: $83,767

Despite its hefty price tag, the iconic Corvette takes the No. 1 spot on the fastest-selling list. That’s likely thanks to a significant redesign in 2020, Brauer says, with enthusiasm continuing in 2021 because new models were hard to find last year and production was cut short this year.

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Average days to sell: 29.8

Average price: $23,419

It’s been a good year to sell a used Miata: Owners of this sporty little roadster have only had to wait just under a month, or about 16 days fewer than the average used-car seller, to unload their vehicle. The only thing better than selling a Miata? Selling a yellow or orange Miata, exotic colors with particularly strong resale values, according to a separate iSeeCars analysis. 

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