TrueCar.com Pinpoints Longest, Shortest New-Vehicle Inventory Turns

TrueCar.com analysts tried to answer some inventory questions franchise dealers might be having. For example, how long has that 2010 Toyota Camry sat on the lot? Or, how quickly are 2011 Ford Escape Hybrids turning?

The site leveraged the most recent data available from its monthly TrueTrends Report and found plenty of vehicles from Toyota, Ford, Nissan and other OEMs dotting segment lists with the shortest and longest spans in inventory.

Among all vehicles mentioned by TrueCar.com, the 2010 Toyota Camry is spending the longest time on lots at 238 days. The automaker’s hybrid version was right behind at 223.

Only one other 2010 model has been in inventory more than 200 days, according to site analysts. That’s the Hyundai Sonata at 213.

Though the 2010 model year is winding down, some units are still turning at a pretty rapid pace. Analysts noted the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is lasting just 15 days in inventory, while the 2010 GMC Terrain stands at 17 days. Other 2010 models well below the 45-day threshold include the 2010 Toyota 4Runner (18 days), Toyota Highlander (19 days), Nissan Pathfinder (19 days), Honda Fit (29 days), Subaru Forester (31 days) and Nissan Maxima (33 days).

Taking a quick look at 2011 models, TrueCar.com found a pair of vehicles that doesn’t go beyond a week in inventory. The Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda Accord each last just six days. Right behind at exactly a week are the 2011 Ford Edge, 2011 Toyota Tundra CrewMax and 2011 Chevrolet Equinox.

TrueCar.com elaborated about what these inventory numbers mean, maintaining a consumer-based perspective.

“Knowing how long a car has been sitting on the dealership lot is valuable information for new-car shoppers,” stated Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends and insights for TrueCar.com.

“The dealer may be more apt to move a car that has been sitting for six months than he is a model he can’t keep in stock,” Toprak continued.

“When a consumer knows what is moving and what isn’t, they have more bargaining power,” he added.

TrueCar.com Five Best and Worst Days in Inventory

2010 Subcompact Models

2010 Small Car Models

2010 Midsize Car Models

2010 Small SUV Models

2010 Small Midsize Models

Ten Best and Worst Days in Inventory — 2011 Models