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This Summer's Hard-to-Find Cars

Newly redesigned and fuel-efficient models top a new list of the most elusive cars on dealer lots.

By Claire_Martin Jun 25, 2012 3:05PM
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class photo by Mercedes-BenzWhat do the $105,500 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class hardtop roadster and the $18,950 2012 Toyota Prius c subcompact have in common? Both are among the most difficult cars to find on dealer lots right now, according to statistics compiled by TrueCar.com and reported by Forbes.

Until this year, the SL-Class hadn't seen a redesign in a decade -- a time lag that created enough anticipatory gusto to make it one of the most elusive vehicles of the summer. The SL-Class experienced "a pent-up demand among affluent aficionados," Forbes' Jim Gorzelany wrote. On the other end of the spectrum, the Prius c is a standout for its fuel efficiency at a time when gas prices are still high. 

The TrueCar.com research reflects the amount of time it takes an average dealership to sell out of its inventory of a certain model. For the SL-Class, that figure is eight days; for the Prius c, it's nine. The BMW X6, updated in 2013, also tends to disappear from dealer lots within nine days, and the 2012 Prius plug-in hybrid and the newly redesigned 2013 Lexus RX 350 vanish in 10 days. 

The industrywide average days’ supply for June 2012 across all makes and models is 51 days.

The list "is a combination of vehicles that are both in tight supply because of demand and 2013 model-year vehicles that are new to the market,” TrueCar.com analyst Kristen Andersson told Forbes. “Many of the fuel-efficient smaller vehicles are in tight supply due to demand and production limitations."
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77Comments
Take5thenDance
Jul 1, 2012 9:52PM
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I knew my initial comment about BMW being the best would stir up lots of controversy. I still stand by my view. Speed channel featured a challenge between the Lexus IS and the BMW 3 Series, if my memory serves me correctly. BMW beat out the Lexus in 3 major categories. Lexus was very close in the speed category. BMW still won overall and impressed the drivers with its sophisticated performance and handling.   

Mercedes Benz is definitely the granddaddy of the German cars. It's about time they redesigned the SL class. Finally it looks more streamlined and youthful. It's not a matter of affordability that has kept me from coveting a Mercedes over a BMW. My family has had multiple Mercedes. I just never felt passionate about the aesthetics of the MB. 

The bottom line is that there are multiple automobile makes and models to please multiple tastes. For those people who see a car as an essential tool to get from point A to point B, I can respect their opinion. However,  I see my cars as a work of art to be cherished and enjoyed like an expensive toy.  Driving is such fun.   

FormulaBoater
Jun 30, 2012 9:55AM
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I've had an SL since 1982 and another since 2005.  Great cars. No problems.  The dealership in Lindon UT is the best I have ever been to.  I have driven a number of high end cars.  Still like the SL the best.  Great for road trips!
Take5thenDance
Jun 30, 2012 9:13AM
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BMW is by far the best. Forget Mercedes Benz. That's for old folks. I love my Beemers! Technically, the Beemer is the motorcycle and the Bimmer is the automobile. No matter how you say it, the Bavarians know how to build 'em. Audi used to be known as "The poor man's Mercede's."  Look at how Audi is surging. Audi is also a Bavarian auto. i will stand by good solid German engineering.  
Yanks
Jun 30, 2012 8:35AM
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We have SL550's in abundance at my dealership if youre in the MD VA DC area.  Twin turbo V8? Who wouldnt want one?
DaneLover1
Jun 30, 2012 8:20AM
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Finding a Subaru Impreza WRX this summer wasn't easy at all. 
peud
Jun 30, 2012 7:30AM
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car is personal touch.if you have money to buy .to me car is my transportation to take me to destination .same as you bought a ticket airfair firstclass or economy class is the same .the plane will take you go to destination at same time.
VINLOY23
Jun 30, 2012 7:26AM
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I have had only American cars since 1994 and ALL of them have been very reliable. Not only that, GFC made cars all have outstanding styling that one can recognize. Look at the ultra boring Camry or the Accord, cure for insomnia but then again those who drive them are not automotive enthusiasts. The brainwashed people relying on worthless opinions of the Consumer Report are truly the play dough for marketeers.  
peud
Jun 30, 2012 7:24AM
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personal touch It depend on what you like. ifyou have money to buy.to me car is transportation to take you go to destination same as you buy a ticket for first class and economy.you wil get there same time.
Ashfaq Hussain
Jun 30, 2012 6:43AM
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German car you pay cost labor not car you will be better off by GM C  or Toyota after 3 years german car will be pain in neck you can change other brand  car every 3 years if you have 105k
Mr. Soul
Jun 30, 2012 6:39AM
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Obamanomics, mmm, mmm, mmm.  I can make my monthly car payments with food stamps now.

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