More and more Canadians are waving goodbye to cars they once proudly drove off the lot, some within months. The trade-in frenzy is real, whether due to buyer’s remorse, reliability drama, skyrocketing maintenance costs, or just good ol’ peer pressure from newer models. Here are 22 cars Canadians are trading in faster than ever.
Nissan Sentra
Once the go-to budget sedan for practical drivers, the Sentra is now frequently traded in due to sluggish acceleration, uninspiring handling, and a bad CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Although these cars now offer more, the 2024 Sentra brings a sportier V-Motion grille, new headlights, revised Xtronic CVT + auto start-stop, improved fuel economy, and the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite—including emergency braking, blind-spot, and lane-departure warnings.
Jeep Compass
The Compass gets traded in frequently due to poor reliability ratings and cramped interiors. Also, depreciation remains steep—used 2024 Compasses trade for CAD 25,500–32,970, depending on condition, reflecting a loss of up to CAD 16,000 from MSRP. Sales momentum, aggressive pricing, and depreciation concerns encourage Canadians to move on from the Compass more swiftly, often opting for brand-new vehicles to benefit from its current value proposition.
Chevrolet Spark
Production of the Spark ceased in August 2022, yet dealers continued selling brand-new units into mid-2024, even as small-car options dried up. With new Sparks originally priced between C$10,398 (manual) and C$14,698 (CVT), Canada’s cheapest new vehicle offered a rare bargain compared to inflated prices for alternatives. However, with rising interest rates and used-car shortages, well-maintained pre-owned Sparks from 2020–2022 now fetch around C$20,000, meaning owners can often trade in for more than they paid.
Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport, once pitched as a nimble urban crossover, is now being ditched by Canadian drivers faster than you can say “subcompact regrets.” Why the cold shoulder? Its underpowered 1.0L turbo engine struggles in winter and uphill battles—everyday Canadian realities. Add a choppy ride, cramped back seats, and an interior that feels stuck in 2012, and you’ve got a recipe for trade-in remorse. Reliability hasn’t been stellar either, with Consumer Reports consistently ranking it below average. Combine that with Ford discontinuing the model in 2022 and no successor in sight, and it’s no wonder Canadians are jumping ship.
Mitsubishi Mirage
It’s one of the cheapest new cars you can buy. Owners are trading these in when they realize that saving money doesn’t always mean saving sanity. Firstly, production of the Mirage ended in 2024, with dealer stock expected to run out by early 2025, motivating owners to upgrade before parts and servicing become scarce. Secondly, economic pressure has driven demand: consumers increasingly prioritize rock-bottom prices and fuel efficiency amid rising living costs. Also, with a wheezy engine and minimalist features, the Mirage often becomes a mirage of practicality.
Dodge Journey
This relic was sold until 2020 to rental fleets and unsuspecting buyers who fell for the “cheap SUV” label. Once the nation’s top-selling midsize crossover, Journey values have plunged sharply: its average used price dropped by almost 20 % over the past year to just about C$11,800, with some model years falling below C$6,000. Reliability woes accelerate the exodus—Consumer Reports calls it “mediocre” and nearly 60 % below average, with standard transmission, electrical, and braking concerns. And, with affordable, more dependable alternatives available, it’s no surprise Canadians are ditching Journeys en masse.
Volkswagen Jetta (1.4L Turbo)
The Jetta is stylish and refined—until that tiny turbo starts acting like a moody teenager. Reports of turbo lag, software gremlins, and transmission hiccups have led many to call it quits. Meanwhile, the outdated 1.4 L engine, though fuel‑efficient, often pairs poorly with the eight-speed automatic, resulting in sluggish or harsh shift behavior in urban driving. These drawbacks contrast sharply with competitors offering smoother performance, better dependability, and modern drivetrains. As a result, many Canadians are opting for newer, more refined compact sedans or crossovers sooner than expected, trading in their Jettas to avoid escalating repair bills and compromised driving experience.
Toyota C-HR
This funky crossover resembles a spaceship but drives like a sluggish lunar rover. Early-model reliability concerns—like transmission issues in 2018 units—also prompt drivers to swap sooner. Toyota’s announcement of the sporty 338 hp C‑HR+ EV prototype has ignited excitement in North America, intensifying trade‑in momentum. Plus, with plug-in hybrid and fully electric C‑HR options on the horizon, Canadian consumers are seizing the opportunity to relinquish older C‑HR models while demand and incentives for newer, electrified variants peak.
Chevrolet Trax
Canadians are trading in the Chevrolet Trax at an unprecedented rate, and several compelling factors explain the trend. After robust year-over-year sales spikes (a staggering 14,822 % increase in Q1 2024 to 3,729 units from just 25 the prior year) and a 156 % annual increase to 16,575 in 2024, many owners are now ready for something bigger, adding pressure to trade-ins. This surge was fueled by the redesigned Trax’s affordability (base pricing around CA$ $21,500–$25,000), roomier interior, and strong fuel economy. However, rising MSRP (+CA $400 mid-cycle) and limited features, such as standard front‑wheel drive and a small turbo‑3 engine—have prompted buyers to trade for larger SUVs after a couple of years.
Hyundai Kona (1.6L Turbo)
The Kona gets praise for its looks and tech, but that 1.6L turbo engine has become infamous for oil consumption issues and premature wear. Also, new KONA N-line models—with the 190 hp, H‑TRAC AWD turbo setup—are in extremely short supply, prompting dealers to offer high trade-in values to secure existing units. In Canada, dealers frequently pay MSRP or above for lightly used Konas: one recent Ontario owner reported getting $ 2,000 over and only marginally higher monthly payments when trading a 2020 SEL Plus for a 2024 SEL. Safe to say, many owners are saying “no-no” to the Kona. In short, low inventory and consistent buyer demand mean Canadian owners are getting extreme value when trading in their turbo Konas.
Chrysler 200
Launched in its second generation in 2015, the 200 debuted with bold styling, all-wheel drive at a sedan price, and strong V6 performance. It became Canada’s best-selling midsize car in October 2014, with sales jumping 120 % to 1,800 units. Yet, its appealing package couldn’t outlast serious flaws. The ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission was plagued by rough, erratic shifting, turning road confidence into owner frustration. Transparency from Consumer Reports and Forbes exposed handling issues, noisy engines, and cramped rear seating, mapped directly to plummeting sales (down 61 % by March 2016). By December 2016, FCA ceased production, citing financial losses and low residual values.
Kia Forte
The Forte is a value play, but the trade-in stats reveal a different story. Some owners find the ride quality underwhelming and the base engine unexciting. Demand for used Fortes has also soared: Reddit users in Canada have reported trade-in offers of around CA$13,000–$15,000 for lightly used 2021–2022 models in excellent shape. That’s often higher than their original MSRP. These strong values mean that current owners are trading in to capitalize on equity, frequently moving toward newer Kia models like the Forte EX, K4, or K5. For Canadian drivers, this makes trading in a smart financial move, even if they opt for a new compact or stepping up to a crossover. Pair that with dropping resale value, and out it goes.
Nissan Rogue (Pre-2021)
Canada’s beloved compact SUV got stale. For starters, earlier Rogues (think 2014–18 era) were famously CVT-powered— “hot garbage,” Overheated or cold-shocked, these things would stutter or stall unexpectedly on highways. So yeah, bonus plot twist: your Rogue may refuse to merge. Meanwhile, Nissan’s latest 2021+ redesigns introduced comfy NASA-inspired zero‑gravity seats, upgraded 2.5 L engine, safety tech, and premium interiors—but those improvements highlight how dated older models feel. Add attractive discounts and incentives (those $2,500 trade-in bonuses are real), and suddenly, even the most die-hard Rogue fans are saying, “See ya!” in record time.
Fiat 500
It’s cute, yes. But if you ever tried to drive one through a snowstorm or up a steep hill in Vancouver, you know why people trade it in. Also, the 500e snagged a whopping 1771 % sales jump in Q3 2024, going from 10 to 248 units compared to the previous year. By Q4, dealers shifted 622 of them, making it Canada’s lowest-priced EV superstar. Why the stampede? It’s cheap — starting around $39,995 (or ~ $33,190 after rebates)— and cute enough to melt your toque. Plus, it’s zippy with 117 hp and clip-clops at 0–60 in about 8.5 seconds — like a Fiat doing the can‑can. Sure, the range is a modest ~240 km, but in condo-heavy Toronto or Montréal, who needs more than a grocery‑run chariot?
Chevrolet Malibu
This once-mighty midsize sedan has been steadily declining in popularity. Recalls, transmission issues, and a design that screams “airport rental” have accelerated the trade-in wave. Many drivers are also swapping them out for tech-savvier hybrids or small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson, which offer better resale, all-wheel drive (hello, snow), and modern infotainment. GM’s announcement to discontinue the Malibu in 2026 isn’t exactly boosting buyer confidence. Add in rising gas prices and a touch of range anxiety relief from hybrids, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a trade-in exodus. Poor Malibu—once a family favorite, now just the understudy in Canada’s car story.
Buick Encore
Here’s the scoop: the Buick Encore – once the car equivalent of socks and sandals – is now being traded in by Canadians faster than a poutine disappears at midnight. Why? The subcompact luxury crossover segment is red-hot: Q3 sales of Buick’s small SUVs (Encore GX, Trax, Envisat) jumped a whopping 66% in Q1 2024, and Canadian subcompact SUV inventory sells in just ~22 days, compared to 74 for full-size pickups. In Canada, Encore sales soared 53% last year—nearly 50,000 units moved. Plus, buyers expecting a plush ride and premium performance often find themselves longing for a Lexus. Or a bus. Either way, trade-in.
Honda HR-V (Pre-2023)
Canadians are trading in their pre-2023 Honda HR‑Vs faster than a beaver building a dam – and here’s the hilariously logical reason why. The 2023 redesign brought a bigger, tech‑loaded crossover with a snazzier 2.0 L engine, bumping horsepower to 158 hp and increasing cargo space to 691 L. Still, it also nuked the beloved “Magic Seat” and added a chunk to the price tag—MSRP jumped from around $26,200 to $28,730, and with AWD, you’re over $30K in no time. The result? Owners are jumping ship to the newer model (and dealers are cozy with trade-ins) before their older HR‑Vs take more value hits.
Subaru Impreza (CVT Models)
Subaru loyalists might disagree, but many CVT Imprezas are being traded due to weak acceleration and a noisy, droning transmission. Also, here’s the twist: CVT transmissions have a #reputation. Reddit drivers share spicy tales of howling transmissions around 50–100k miles, valve‑body replacements, and the good ol’ “sell before the bumper” advice. Add in the heartbreak of no manual gearbox or sedan variant anymore, and suddenly, that CVT hatch feels less like a long-term love and more like a fast fling. Long story short: Canadians are trading in because the CVT drama, pricier sticker shock, and loss of manual just aren’t worth the heartbreak, especially when shiny new rides with fewer headaches are calling.
Toyota Yaris
It’s reliable, yes. But also the automotive equivalent of white bread. In a world full of sourdoughs and croissants, the Yaris doesn’t excite. It’s also so rare now that Toyota has officially pulled the plug on the model north of the border, given its price was almost as much as a Corolla but without the elbow room. Canadian drivers have decided that cute equals cramped—why squeeze into a hatch when you could have turf (read: truck) space? Toyota’s electrified SUVs like the RAV4 Prime and Corolla Cross Hybrid are stealing hearts (and trade-ins) since EVs and hybrids accounted for nearly 50% of Toyota Canada’s sales in 2024.
Mazda CX-3
For good reasons, Canadians are ditching their Mazda CX‑3s faster than a Timbit disappears at a hockey game! First, Mazda officially axed CX‑3 sales in Canada after the 2022 model year, shifting focus to the larger, roomier CX‑30 and CX‑50 AWD crossovers. That means minimal dealer support and increasingly rare parts—sending the CX‑3 to the car‑land’s Mall of Misfit Toys. Secondly, while fun and zippy, the CX‑3 is tiny, with cramped back seats and a petite gas tank—pleasing for city cruising, not so much for ski trips or family schleps. Lastly, Canadians love AWD for those icy winters, and the CX‑30 offers that without the CX‑3’s cubby‑hole vibe. So yes, trading it in for a new ride is like swapping hockey skates for snow tires—a no-brainer!
Mini Cooper (Hardtop 2-Door)
Quirky and stylish, but maintenance costs and poor reliability ratings make long-term ownership painful. Also, the cramped interior doesn’t help—good luck squeezing hockey gear or, frankly, friends. And those rough Ontario roads? The Mini’s stiff ride makes them feel like a medieval punishment. Plus, with EVs, SUVs, and AWD crossovers now stealing the spotlight (offering more space, comfort, and winter grip), many Canadians opt for something that won’t rattle their fillings or wallets. According to Canadian Black Book trends, trade-in rates for Minis have surged since 2023—proof that cuteness can only get you so far when your spine needs a break.
Hyundai Elantra (Pre-2021 CVT)
The Elantra has evolved beautifully recently, but older CVT-equipped models have had their share of transmission woes. The owner’s report needs multiple transmission swaps (some as often as three times by ~90k km). Forum tales also include horror stories of delayed acceleration while merging onto highways: “revs climb but the car doesn’t move.” Hyundai issued recalls in Canada for piston‑ring wear (2019–2020 Elantras) that could lead to engine failure and pushed software updates, but many buyers aren’t convinced. So, rather than prayer‑washing their CVTs, inquiring minds in Canada are trading ’em in for safer bets—or at least cars that won’t turn your morning commute into a suspense thriller.
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
