Over-Hyped Used Cars with Artificially Higher Prices

The SS moniker used to mean something in the automotive world. It denoted a vehicle that was a Super Sport, had been sport tuned and was something special. Then, GM resurrected it for its front-wheel drive Impala. This version is faster than its predecessor from the 90s, but it is a handling nightmare. Point it in a straight line and it is fine but throw it hard into a corner and you might get thrown into the passenger side.

This little sub-compact is supposedly one of the fastest Dodges ever made. I had a blast driving one around the Pocono Speedway. This car is going to attract a higher premium because it’s an affordable tuner. The simple fact remains that you’re driving a Neon, though. I own a 2002 Neon. I love the car, but there’s no reason to drive one with 250 horsepower under the hood. Plus, this commemorative edition is really only about an ugly paint job, some blue stitching, a special plaque, and no performance extras. If you absolutely must have one, buy a non-commemorative edition.

There was an obscene amount of attention lavished on this car when it debuted. Buyers were spending above sticker price to be among the first to own one. While its looks were sharp, its performance and handling were disappointing. It has a cramped interior and lackluster acceleration. Feel free to drive one if you like the looks, but realize it has no connection to its famous predecessor and odds are good the original owner overpaid and is trying to make some money back with a higher price.

Any Miata before 2006 is overhyped. They’re cramped and uncomfortable for the average adult. Plus, like the Dodge Neon SRT-4, these are popular cars with tuners. Odds are good that this car has been abused in some ways. Make sure you get a thorough inspection before buying a Miata. By the way, 2006 model years and newer are entirely different beasts. They’re not overhyped.

The Solstice was introduced to a lot of hoopla as a great sports car for under $20,000. People irrationally salivated over it and paid well above list price to own one (which kind of defeated the reason for its sub-$20,000 price). The base model is not a sports car. It’s a dull little cruiser with a roof that is difficult to operate (make that almost impossible).

Aside from being cute, there is little to recommend this car, besides lots of headroom in the front seat (but not the back). The New Beetle spread like wildfire when it was first introduced. It has no power, its trunk is almost non-existent, and its dashboard unappealing except for that bud vase. How can anybody hate a bud vase? By the way, I’d exclude the turbo and diesel engine New Beetles as over-hyped.

The Toyota Matrix is over-hyped because the Pontiac Vibe is the exact same car. People are going to tell you to always pick a Toyota over a Pontiac, but in this case they would be wrong. There is no reason mechanically to favor one over the other.