In today’s unpredictable auto market, it’s not just brand-new vehicles generating excitement certain used models have become so desirable that buyers are willing to join waiting lists just to get one.
This is a far cry from the traditional used car buying process, where shoppers could browse online listings, visit a dealership, and drive home the same day. In 2025, however, high-demand vehicles are often sold before they even make it to public listings.
Several factors are fueling this trend. First, new vehicle prices have soared over the past few years, with inflation, supply chain issues, and increased production costs making even mainstream models more expensive.
Second, some automakers still face limited production capacity, particularly for specialized or enthusiast vehicles, meaning that buyers unwilling to wait for a factory order look to the used market.
Third, the reliability and proven track records of certain models make them especially appealing for buyers who want something they know will hold up.
Add in social media hype and word-of-mouth recommendations, and you have the perfect recipe for demand that outpaces supply even for pre-owned units.
Here are eight models that, in 2025, have waiting lists for used buyers in the US market.
1. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been America’s midsize truck sweetheart for decades, and its 2025 used market reflects that loyalty.
Known for its bulletproof reliability, strong resale value, and excellent off-road capability, the Tacoma is a truck that people buy to keep which is why turnover is so low.
The nonhybrid Tacoma featured here produces up to 278 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while a separate hybrid version, cranks out 326 horsepower.
An available rear coil-spring suspension helps smooth out rough terrain and road imperfections, and a reworked seating position adds comfort while improving forward visibility. Inside, the cabin echoes the chunky, rugged styling of the exterior and comes loaded with modern technology.
Toyota offers a broad range of cab, bed, and trim configurations, though the most upscale, and priciest, variants are exclusive to the hybrid lineup. The Tacoma’s key competitors, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon twins, along with the Ford Ranger, have all recently undergone complete redesigns, giving shoppers no shortage of strong options in the midsize pickup segment.
With new Tacomas becoming more tech-forward and expensive, many buyers seek out older, simpler versions that can withstand years of hard use. The problem? Everyone else has the same idea.
Dealers in regions like the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West report that clean Tacomas, especially TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims, are often presold to buyers on waitlists before they’re even traded in.
2. Honda Civic Type R
For performance car enthusiasts, the Civic Type R is a modern icon. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, razor-sharp handling, and track-ready capabilities have made it one of the most sought-after hot hatches in history.
In the US, Honda has kept production relatively limited, and each new generation sparks even more interest.
The 2016 Honda Civic arrives fully redesigned, offered as both a sedan and a coupe. The latest generation brings fresh styling, more powerful yet fuel-efficient engines, and a quieter cabin, along with a host of other refinements. Notably, the Civic Si, Hybrid, and Natural Gas versions have been dropped from the lineup.
While the 2016 Honda Civic might traditionally be seen as a small, budget-friendly option, this new model delivers far more. It offers bold styling, the punch of turbocharged power, and a roomy, tech-filled interior ready to accommodate friends, family, or even a couple of kids.
By 2025, used examples even those with higher mileage still command a premium, and enthusiasts are willing to wait for the right spec, whether it’s the Championship White paint or the limited-edition Phoenix Yellow.
Many Honda dealers maintain lists of buyers who want first dibs on any trade-ins.
3. Tesla Model Y
As America’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y remains a hot commodity in the used market. Buyers appreciate its blend of range, acceleration, tech features, and cargo space, making it equally suitable for families and commuters.
The Model Y lineup opens with the Standard Range rear-wheel-drive trim, serving as the cost-conscious entry point. Stepping up to the Long Range or Performance models adds dual motors, boosting total horsepower and providing all-wheel drive.
We tested an all-wheel-drive Long Range, which hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, only 0.4 second slower than our long-term Model 3 sedan. The Performance trim proved even quicker, launching to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds in our tests.
While the Model Y’s straight-line speed is impressive, it doesn’t match the driving engagement of the Model 3. The SUV’s taller stance raises its center of gravity, softening the sharp handling edge of its sedan counterpart, and the ride quality takes a hit as well, feeling noticeably rougher over bumps and road imperfections.
While Tesla has ramped up production, certain configurations like Performance trims or specific interior/exterior color combinations still require new buyers to wait months for delivery.
This drives many to the used market, where low-mileage examples are snapped up quickly. In major metro areas like Los Angeles, Austin, and Miami, dealers report having waitlists for the Model Y that rival those of high-end sports cars.
4. Ford Bronco
Ford’s revival of the Bronco in 2021 was one of the most hyped vehicle launches of the decade, and the excitement hasn’t faded.
In 2025, the Bronco remains a status symbol for adventure seekers, blending retro-inspired styling with serious off-road capability. Now entering its third year of production, the latest Bronco stays true to its mission as a truck-based SUV built for serious off-roading.
With standard four-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, and a wide range of available hardware upgrades, it’s engineered to keep you moving across challenging terrain. For added adventure, or just some fresh air, you can remove the roof and doors, letting you enjoy open-air driving whether you’re on the road or deep in the backcountry.
For 2023, changes are minimal, but Ford has added two retro-themed Heritage Edition models. The standard Heritage Edition starts with the Big Bend trim and the Sasquatch package, then layers on a white roof and grille, distinctive wheels, and plaid cloth seats.
The Heritage Limited Edition builds on the Badlands trim, featuring similar vintage styling cues but with unique exterior touches and upscale leather/vinyl upholstery. Both Heritage variants are limited to just 1,966 units each in both two-door and four-door body styles.
Limited production runs, high demand for specialty trims like the Wildtrak and Sasquatch package, and customization options mean that used Broncos are in extremely short supply.
In many parts of the US, dealers keep a running list of pre-approved buyers ready to purchase the moment one is available.
5. Porsche 911
Few cars carry the same legacy and enduring appeal as the Porsche 911. Known for its precision engineering, timeless design, and driving engagement, the 911 has a dedicated fan base that spans generations.
In 2025, both modern 992-generation models and classic air-cooled versions are commanding waiting lists among collectors and enthusiasts.
At the heart of the 911 Carrera sits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine mounted in the rear. In the base model, it produces 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, while the Carrera S steps things up to 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft.
All versions come with a lightning-quick eight-speed automatic transmission, though S models can also be had with a slick seven-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, with all-wheel drive available for those seeking year-round performance capability.
We’ve tested the base Carrera as well as multiple versions of the more potent Carrera S, and each has proven its track-ready skills along with impressive traction in poor weather. Acceleration is ferocious across the board, especially when launch control is engaged, and Porsche’s optional sport exhaust amplifies the experience with a richer, more engaging soundtrack.
What makes the 911 truly remarkable, though, is how it blends performance with comfort. Its steering is razor-sharp and communicative, cornering grip is exceptional, and both coupe and convertible variants maintain impressive stability.
Despite its athleticism and precise body control, the ride remains surprisingly compliant, making it easy to transition from laid-back cruising to all-out driving thrills.
Specialty dealers often work their networks to match buyers with cars before they’re publicly listed, and in some cases, wait times can exceed a year for highly desirable configurations like manual transmissions or rare color combinations.
6. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the last body-on-frame SUVs left in the midsize segment, and that’s exactly why it’s in such high demand.
Known for its durability and off-road prowess, the 4Runner attracts adventurers, overlanders, and families who want a reliable vehicle that can take them anywhere.
With an all-new generation rumored for 2026, many buyers are scrambling to secure current models before they’re gone, especially TRD Pro trims. This demand has created waiting lists at dealerships in outdoor-oriented states like Colorado, Utah, and Washington.
All 4Runner models are powered by a 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or opt for full- or part-time four-wheel-drive setups.
While capable, this aging powertrain delivers only middling acceleration, our last test model needed 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, and the automatic transmission’s sluggish shifts don’t do much to smooth out the engine’s uneven delivery. Getting the 4Runner to downshift often calls for a heavy push on the gas pedal.
On pavement, the Toyota feels more composed than the less-refined Jeep Wrangler, though it’s not exactly sporty. In our time with the off-road-focused Venture model, we found its high ground clearance and body-on-frame construction paired with a soft suspension that easily soaked up rough terrain. Steering is light and a bit vague, traits that work fine for trail crawling or navigating tight parking lots but do little to inspire cornering confidence.
Even with its dated feel, the 4Runner’s performance keeps pace with many modern rivals, including the V-6–powered Dodge Durango. Its sturdy frame and torque-rich V-6 also give it a towing advantage over some competitors, with a 5,000-pound capacity that surpasses the Ford Edge and Wrangler, though it still trails the Durango’s hefty 8,700-pound maximum.
7. Chevrolet Corvette C8
The mid-engine C8 Corvette has transformed Chevy’s flagship sports car into something that competes with European exotics at a fraction of the price.
That combination of performance and value has kept demand sky-high since its launch. Even in 2025, with production improving, buyers unwilling to wait for a new allocation often turn to the used market.
However, given the number of collectors eager to scoop them up, clean used C8s are almost always presold to people on waiting lists. Popular configurations like the Z51 Performance Package or Z06 variant are especially hard to get without months of waiting.
Known to enthusiasts as the C8, the eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has enjoyed a trophy-studded run since its debut.
The base Corvette Stingray nabbed 2020 Car of the Year honors immediately, impressing with its supercar-grade performance, surprising refinement, and unbeatable value. After a year with our long-term Z51, we concluded it was all the car most drivers could ever need.
The Corvette Z06 kept the momentum going, earning 2023 Performance Vehicle of the Year thanks to record-breaking test results and its exotic flat-plane-crank V-8 soundtrack. It’s essentially a “discount Z06” with improved fuel economy, blistering acceleration, and poised handling.
Downsides have been few: some dislike the bold, toy-like styling or the squared-off steering wheel, and desert drives have revealed that the frunk tends to heat up anything inside.
But in the grand scheme, these quirks are overshadowed by the C8’s sheer capability. And after our adrenaline-spiking ride in the upcoming ZR1, we’re more eager than ever to see what the most powerful Corvette in history can do.
8. Honda CR-V Hybrid
In a market where gas prices remain unpredictable, the Honda CR-V Hybrid has emerged as one of the most in-demand SUVs for practical buyers.
Offering excellent fuel economy, a comfortable interior, and Honda’s strong reliability record, the hybrid CR-V appeals to families, commuters, and rideshare drivers alike.
The problem is supply Honda has struggled to meet demand for hybrid variants, and many buyers who want one without waiting for a new build are flocking to the used market. This has led to waiting lists, particularly for newer models with advanced driver-assistance features.
The Honda CR-V has long been one of the most practical and sensible choices in the compact two-row SUV segment, and the hybrid version of the all-new sixth-generation, 10Best-winning model only strengthens its appeal. With excellent fuel economy, smooth power delivery, and a quieter ride, the gas-electric setup—standard on the two highest trim levels—offers a clear upgrade over the nonhybrid’s turbocharged engine. This hybrid system pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 204 horsepower, outpacing the nonhybrid’s 190 hp and delivering quicker acceleration. Whether you opt for the standard front-wheel-drive layout or the available all-wheel-drive system, the CR-V Hybrid remains the most compelling version of Honda’s top-selling crossover. The downside is that Honda restricts the hybrid to higher trims, so you’ll pay more for its added performance and efficiency.
Among 2023’s hybrid compact SUVs, the CR-V Hybrid ranks first, ahead of the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid. For 2023, the CR-V has been completely redesigned inside and out with upgraded features, refined styling, and a restructured trim lineup. Hybrid models are exclusive to the Sport and Sport Touring trims, while the LX, EX, and EX-L remain nonhybrid only. The Sport trim starts at $33,750 and the fully loaded Sport Touring begins at $40,450. While the Sport Touring includes a lengthy list of premium features, its steep price is harder to justify, making the front-wheel-drive Sport the sweet spot in the lineup. Rated by the EPA at an impressive 40 mpg combined, it offers great value. All-wheel drive costs $1500 extra on the Sport and is standard on the Sport Touring, though it drops combined fuel economy to 37 mpg.
Performance is smooth and satisfying, if not outright thrilling. In testing, the Sport Touring Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The Sport Hybrid offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the Sport Touring is AWD-only. Although the CR-V Hybrid doesn’t match the sharper handling of the Mazda CX-50 or Volkswagen Tiguan, it delivers a comfortable and stable ride that avoids feeling dull. When properly equipped, the hybrid model can tow up to 1000 pounds—500 pounds less than the nonhybrid’s 1500-pound rating. Fuel economy is a strong point, with the front-wheel-drive Sport Hybrid achieving 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway in EPA estimates. The AWD Sport Touring Hybrid, rated at 40 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, managed only 31 mpg on our 200-mile, 75-mph highway test loop.
Inside, the CR-V Hybrid’s cabin is spacious, logically arranged, and finished with quality materials, particularly in the leather-trimmed Sport Touring. Both front and rear passengers enjoy ample legroom and comfort.
The dashboard design is clean and modern, featuring a honeycomb-textured trim over the air vents and clearly organized controls, from the infotainment touchscreen to the trio of climate-control knobs.
A digital gauge cluster can be configured to display different information. Cargo space is generous, accommodating 11 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and expanding to fit 29 when the seats are folded flat.
Technology varies by trim. The Sport Hybrid uses a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Sport Touring upgrades to a 9.0-inch display with wireless smartphone mirroring, built-in navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad.
Warranty coverage is competitive for the segment, offering a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and, new for 2023, complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles. Taken together, the redesigned CR-V Hybrid offers a near-perfect balance of efficiency, refinement, practicality, and technology, if you’re willing to pay for the upper trims that carry its hybrid powertrain.
The fact that used cars now have waiting lists highlights how much the US auto market has shifted in recent years.
Between persistent supply chain issues, rising new car prices, and the enduring appeal of certain models, competition has intensified not just for brand-new vehicles, but for well-kept used ones as well.
Buyers who want specific trims, colors, or options often have no choice but to put their names down and wait. For anyone hunting one of these in-demand vehicles in 2025, preparation is key.
That means contacting local dealerships, building relationships with sales staff, and being ready to move fast when the call comes in. Patience and a little persistence can make the difference between landing your dream car and watching it go to someone else.
