Trading in your car should be a chance to upgrade, but not if you own one of these models. Across Canada, certain vehicles are notorious for poor resale performance due to reliability issues, brand reputation, or high ownership costs. Even with decent mileage and condition, they still lose value faster than the average. If you’re holding onto one of these cars, you might be shocked by what the dealership offers. Here are 17 cars that will tank your trade-in value in Canada:
Dodge Dart (2013–2016)
Despite its sporty styling and promise of compact-car value, the Dodge Dart quickly became a resale disaster in Canada. Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.4L engine, the Dart delivers up to 184 horsepower with sluggish acceleration of 0–100 km/h and takes over 9 seconds. The mileage is mediocre at 9.4 L/100 km city, and the cramped interior with outdated tech hasn’t aged well. Its discontinuation in 2016 only accelerated depreciation, and mechanics also report frequent electrical gremlins and poor build quality. Most Canadian dealers offer well below book value, making it one of the worst cars to trade in today.
Chevrolet Malibu (2016–2020)
While the Chevy Malibu once had strong fleet appeal, it hasn’t held its value with Canadian buyers. The base 1.5L turbo engine delivers 160 horsepower and an average mileage of around 8.8 L/100 km per city. Still, its lackluster acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and bland interior design hurt its appeal. Reliability concerns with the CVT and infotainment issues plague earlier models. As a result, its trade-in value drops fast, especially in rural and suburban markets. Even well-kept Malibus get lowball offers, leaving many owners frustrated when it’s time to upgrade.
Nissan Sentra (2013–2018)
Though affordable upfront, the Nissan Sentra’s long-term value is anything but. A 1.8L four-cylinder engine delivers just 130 horsepower and takes nearly 10 seconds to hit 100 km/h. Fuel efficiency is decent at 8.1 L/100 km city, but build quality issues, underwhelming interior finishes and a noisy CVT have dented its reputation. Dealerships in Ontario and Alberta often cite “high supply and low demand” when explaining trade-in offers.
Chrysler 200 (2015–2017)
The Chrysler 200 tried to position itself as a stylish alternative to midsize sedans, but resale tells a different story. It came with a base 2.4L four-cylinder that delivers 184 horsepower or a more potent 3.6L V6, but both suffered from transmission issues and poor reliability ratings. Fuel economy sits at 10.2 L/100 km city for the base model, and the interior, though sleek, lacks durability. Discontinued in 2017, the 200 depreciated rapidly. Most Canadian trade-in estimates fall thousands below the expected value, especially in provinces where parts are harder to find.
Ford EcoSport (2018–2022)
Canada’s subcompact SUV buyers quickly learned that the Ford EcoSport is more “eco” in name than in nature. Its 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine makes just 123 horsepower, with sluggish acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 11 seconds and a 9.0 L/100 km city fuel economy. The cramped rear seating, dated dashboard, and unrefined ride make it a tough sell on the used market. Trade-in values have plummeted, especially with the model pulled from Ford Canada’s future lineup. Dealers routinely offer well below expectations, citing poor resale interest and limited parts availability.
Mitsubishi Mirage (2014–2023)
The Mitsubishi Mirage was marketed as a budget-friendly city car, but its bare-bones design didn’t do it any favors at trade-in time. Its 1.2L 3-cylinder engine makes a paltry 78 horsepower, requiring nearly 12 seconds to hit 100 km/h. While mileage is excellent at just 6.6 L/100 km city, the sluggish acceleration, loud cabin, and plastic-heavy interior leave much to be desired. Reliability is decent, but the lack of appeal means dealers often pass or offer rock-bottom prices. In most Canadian provinces, owners pay more in lost value than they ever saved on gas.
Fiat 500L (2014–2020)
Quirky on the outside but problematic within, the Fiat 500L never found its footing in Canada. The 1.4L turbocharged engine delivers 160 horsepower, but the ride is rough, taking over 9 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Interiors feel awkward and outdated, with cheap materials and confusing layout choices. Reliability issues, especially with the dual-clutch transmission, further tank its resale. Despite its Italian flair, Canadian dealerships know few buyers want them. Trade-in offers are often insultingly low, and many end up listed on classifieds for months without bites.
Hyundai Accent (2012–2019)
Once a staple of budget-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Accent’s trade-in value nosedives after a few years. A 1.6L four-cylinder with 137 horsepower powers it and delivers competent city mileage at 7.9 L/100 km. But acceleration is tepid at 0–100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, and the no-frills interior doesn’t win resale points. As Hyundai moved toward more tech-heavy, upscale interiors, older Accents now look and feel stripped down. Dealers across Canada routinely undercut offers for older models, citing market saturation and dated styling.
Buick Verano (2012–2017)
The Buick Verano aimed to be an entry-level luxury sedan, but its resale history tells another story. Featuring a 2.4L engine with 180 horsepower, the Verano accelerates from 0–100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds. While it offers a quiet ride and soft-touch interiors, it lacks true luxury rivals’ performance and tech features. The model was discontinued in 2017, and depreciation followed swiftly. Canadian dealers tend to avoid stocking them due to low demand and high maintenance costs, and many owners are stunned at how little they’re offered despite the car’s low mileage or clean history.
Toyota Yaris (2012–2020)
The Toyota Yaris has strong brand recognition, but that doesn’t always translate into strong trade-in offers. Powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder with just 106 horsepower, it’s known more for frugality than excitement. It manages 7.8 L/100 km city and hits 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds. The interior is reliable but dated, with few premium features to impress used car buyers. Now discontinued in Canada, resale has weakened further. Dealers often offer surprisingly low amounts, particularly compared to newer subcompacts with better styling, features, and power.
Volkswagen Passat (2012–2021)
Despite being a midsize sedan with German engineering, the Volkswagen Passat hasn’t aged gracefully in the Canadian resale market. Its base 1.8L turbo-four makes 170 horsepower, reaching 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, while city mileage is about 9.5 L/100 km. Owners complain of interior wear, dated tech, and persistent maintenance costs, particularly with earlier DSG-equipped models. With VW moving away from sedans, dealerships are reluctant to take in Passats unless they’re pristine. Trade-in values have been hit hard, and many owners are shocked by how quickly these vehicles lose thousands in value, even with a full-service history.
Chevrolet Sonic (2012–2020)
The Chevrolet Sonic once offered an affordable gateway for new drivers, but depreciation has been merciless. Its 1.4L turbocharged engine makes 138 horsepower, taking around 8.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h. While compact and easy on gas at 8.3 L/100 km city, its aging infotainment system, and low-grade materials drag it down in today’s used market. Discontinued in 2020, demand plummeted, and Canadian dealerships no longer want them on their lots. Trade-in values are often shockingly low, even with low mileage.
Chevrolet Impala (2014–2020)
Once a rental fleet favorite, the Impala has aged out of favor quickly. Its 3.6L V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it has a smooth ride and a 0–100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. However, its large sedan footprint feels outdated. The interiors are spacious but lack the premium finishes today’s buyers demand. With GM discontinuing the model in 2020, demand has dropped sharply, and trade-in values plummeted. Many Canadians are shocked to learn how little their Impalas fetch at trade-in, especially as parts grow scarce.
Jeep Compass (2011–2017)
The early-generation Jeep Compass promised SUV styling with compact practicality but delivered poor performance and value. The underpowered 2.0L or 2.4L engines offered up to 172 horsepower, taking over 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Fuel economy hovers around 9.8 L/100 km in city driving, unimpressive for its size. Inside, the cabin materials feel cheap, the infotainment is outdated, and reliability issues with the CVT and electronics plague these models, scaring off potential buyers. Dealers are reluctant to take them on trade, making resale offers shockingly low, even when the vehicle is in good condition.
Kia Rio (2012–2019)
The Kia Rio is known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, with about 7.9 L/100 km city, but its resale story is less flattering. Powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine making 138 horsepower, it accelerates from 0–100 km/h in a lackluster 9.4 seconds. The interiors are basic, with limited tech and minimal sound insulation. Though reliability is decent, the sheer number of Rios on the used market drives down trade-in offers. Canadian dealerships see little demand for these aging subcompacts, and owners frequently find their trade-in appraisals far lower than expected.
Mazda5 (2012–2017)
The Mazda5 tried to blend the best of a minivan with a compact form but didn’t quite succeed. Its 2.5L engine delivers 157 horsepower and gets from 0–100 km/h in about 9.6 seconds. While the interior is cleverly arranged with three rows, materials feel dated, and road noise is pronounced. It’s also not particularly fuel-efficient for its size, with a city mileage of around 10.1 L/100 km. The model was discontinued in 2017, and its resale value has suffered. Most Canadian dealers offer little to nothing for trade-ins, citing limited demand and expensive replacement parts.
Scion iQ (2012–2015)
Tiny in size and tiny in resale value, the Scion iQ aimed for urban appeal but flopped in Canada. Its 1.3L engine produces a meager 94 horsepower, making acceleration sluggish at 11.5 seconds to 100 km/h. Though it gets impressive fuel economy at 6.6 L/100 km city, the cramped two-door interior and noisy ride quickly wear thin. The iQ’s discontinuation and limited market demand make trade-ins virtually worthless, and Canadian dealers rarely even accept them unless bundled into another deal.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
