Economy

A growing number of vehicle owners are quickly discovering their new cars are becoming frequent fixtures in used car listings, often within the first year of ownership. A recent report by Lithuanian YouTube channel Indio Legal highlights a list of vehicles frequently appearing for resale, citing issues ranging from mechanical unreliability to poor value retention.

The Jeep Compass is identified as a “style victim,” attracting buyers with its brand image but plagued by complaints of a weak suspension and a problematic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The report notes that these issues are exacerbated in winter conditions, leading to substantial repair costs. According to iSeeCars.com, a used 2022 Jeep Compass currently ranges from $18,871 to $27,614, while a new model can cost between $30,017 and $42,375.

The Ford EcoSport is characterized as a “city tormentor,” with owners citing a suspension too firm for Eastern European road conditions, a cramped interior, and a lack of engine power as reasons for quick resale. Pricing data from iSeeCars.com shows a used 2022 Ford EcoSport is priced between $15,499 and $22,999, with new models ranging from $23,201 to $29,197.

Beyond these two models, the report identifies several other vehicles with high resale rates due to various shortcomings. The Nissan Kicks is criticized for its noisy cabin and basic interior, while the Jeep Renegade suffers from build quality issues and frequent electronic failures. The Chevrolet Traverse is flagged for its high fuel consumption and rapid suspension wear, and the Infiniti QX50 is described as an outdated premium vehicle with a large appetite for fuel.

Larger vehicles likewise appear on the list. The Volkswagen Atlas is noted for its size and lack of maneuverability, while the Chevrolet Camaro is criticized for poor visibility and a harsh ride. Several luxury brands are also represented, including the BMW 2 Series, Genesis G70, and Audi Q5, all of which suffer from either rapid depreciation, high maintenance costs, or reliability concerns.

The report also points to issues with newer technologies, citing software glitches and long wait times for parts with the Tesla Model 3. Land Rover Discovery Sport owners are reportedly frustrated by frequent electronic and transmission problems, while the Kia Stinger is deemed impractical due to its low ground clearance and high fuel costs. The Mazda CX-5 is noted for its decent handling but also for its noisy cabin and declining resale value. Finally, the Dodge Journey is described as a relic of the past, with a dated platform and a tendency to rust.

The Indio Legal report does not offer solutions to these issues, but rather presents a snapshot of vehicles frequently appearing on the used car market shortly after initial purchase, suggesting a growing disconnect between buyer expectations and vehicle performance.

Mercedes-Benz is offering a fully equipped EQV 300 Avantgarde Lang model for sale in Austria, priced at an all-inclusive price including VAT and the NoVA vehicle tax. The vehicle, identified by internal number 35674, features a long wheelbase and is equipped with a 90 kWh battery pack.

The van boasts the Avantgarde Line interior and exterior design packages, along with a range of comfort and safety features. These include a 360-degree camera system, active seat ventilation and heating for both driver and passenger, and a Thermotronic automatic climate control system. The EQV also includes parking assistance, a mirror package, and a standard assistance package.

The vehicle’s exterior features LED Intelligent Light System headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and black painted exterior mirrors. Inside, the EQV is fitted with black upholstery, ambient lighting, and a Burmester surround sound system. A navigation system with a 26 cm display and three years of free map updates is also included, alongside smartphone integration and remote/charging premium services.

Safety features include an active brake assist system, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, and a traffic sign assistant. The EQV is equipped with Airmatic suspension and an electric auxiliary heater.

The electric motor delivers 150 kW of power, and the vehicle has a maintenance interval of 40,000 km. The listing specifies a towing capacity of 0 kg. The vehicle is available for direct delivery within Austria, and financing or leasing options are available through regional partners, including S-Leasing.

The model is part of the EDITION 2023 line and is being offered by WerksWagen Stuttgart. Interested buyers can contact the dealership by phone at +43 69 911 991 911.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E-Performance, priced at R$ 1.730.000 (approximately $336,000 USD), represents the pinnacle of luxury within the Mercedes-Benz lineup in Brazil, surpassed only by the AMG GT four-door coupe. The model, unveiled recently, continues a tradition of sophisticated performance vehicles that distinguish themselves from dedicated sports cars produced by rivals like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and McLaren.

The SL’s lineage dates back to the 1950s, establishing it as one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic models. The current iteration emphasizes both luxury and high performance, a combination achieved through the work of the AMG division. This division focuses on enhancing acceleration and handling while maintaining a level of refinement that sets it apart from more track-focused exotic cars, according to reports.

A key feature of the SL 63 S E-Performance is its electrically operated soft top, a deliberate choice to uphold the model’s heritage. When retracted, the roof, along with integrated glass and a rear spoiler, forms a protective capsule designed to minimize turbulence within the cabin, allowing for comfortable open-top driving even at high speeds and in cooler temperatures, with the heating system remaining functional.

The interior boasts materials such as carbon fiber and extensive leather upholstery – a beige color scheme was featured in the evaluated model – complemented by aluminum accents. This focus on premium materials underscores the vehicle’s positioning as a luxury grand tourer.

Yasa, a supplier owned by Mercedes-Benz, provides electric motors for approximately three-quarters of Ferrari’s supercar production, including the 296 GTB PHEV. This highlights a growing trend of collaboration between traditional luxury automakers and technology companies specializing in electric vehicle components. The relationship underscores the increasing importance of electric motor technology even within the high-performance, traditionally combustion-engine focused supercar segment.

The rivalry between Ferrari and Lamborghini, originating in the 1960s, stems from a dispute between Ferruccio Lamborghini, a tractor manufacturer, and Enzo Ferrari. Lamborghini, dissatisfied with the clutches in his Ferraris, sought to build a superior vehicle, initiating a competition driven by pride and innovation. This historical context continues to shape the dynamic between the two Italian brands, as they compete for market share and brand prestige.