Why are there so many second-hand Terra SUVs?
4 Answers
Terra SUVs are prevalent in the second-hand market largely due to their gear dragging issue, which affects driving comfort. Below is some information about the Terra: 1. Resale value: The Terra's resale rates for the first five years are 82.91%, 74.17%, 66.64%, 59.20%, and 52.11% respectively. According to statistics from the China Automobile Dealers Association, the average first-year resale rate for used cars in China is 70%, and the average third-year rate is 60%. The Terra exceeds these averages in the first three years, making it a relatively good value-retaining vehicle. The abundance of Terra SUVs in the second-hand market is also somewhat related to its resale value. 2. Space: Compared to SUVs like the X-Trail, Avancier, and URV, the Terra ranks among the top in its class. In terms of off-road performance, features such as the double-wishbone independent front suspension, five-link rear suspension, and a central differential with a maximum torque multiplication of 2.7 seem tailored for off-roading. However, these advantages also highlight its impracticality on urban roads, which contributes to its declining sales.
I drove the Terra for several years and feel that this car is too popular. When it was new, many people bought it for its SUV appearance and off-road capability, but after using it, they found it wasn't perfect in reality. For example, the fuel consumption is ridiculously high, easily exceeding 10L in the city, and maintenance isn't cheap either. Owners often want to sell it after a year or two to switch to a more economical new car. Coupled with the economic environment, many people like me can't afford it due to rising fuel prices and simply sell it to recoup some costs. With many new cars being sold, the second-hand market naturally follows suit, with 2019 or 2020 models everywhere, and the prices are quite attractive to buyers, creating a situation of oversupply. Overall, as Nissan's flagship product, the Terra has high sales, but users don't have a deep actual experience with it and easily regret their purchase, leading to a flow into the second-hand market.
While researching recent car market data, I discovered the abundance of used Terra SUVs stems primarily from its large new car sales base. When launched years ago with intense marketing campaigns, it attracted numerous buyers, and now these vehicles are naturally entering the secondary market cycle. From a user perspective, the Terra's rugged design suits outdoor adventures but proves less comfortable for daily urban commutes—exhibiting noticeable wind noise and inconsistent fuel consumption. Many owners quickly realize its impracticality compared to urban SUVs and opt to resell. Market dynamics further amplify this trend: dealers favor the Terra for its strong resale value, while volatile fuel prices in recent years prompt frequent owner turnover to reduce expenses. Another contributing factor is fierce brand competition, with newer models like the CR-V or Tiguan offering better fuel efficiency, enticing existing owners to upgrade.
As a car enthusiast, I've observed several main reasons for the abundance of Terra models in the used car market. The peak in new car sales led to high inventory levels, and many owners discovered flaws after driving for a while, such as the spacious interior but stiff steering, making city driving cumbersome. Additionally, economic changes have put financial pressure on many owners, prompting them to sell their cars to ease expenses. Nissan's frequent model updates also encourage owners to trade in their Terras for newer versions. The attractive prices of used Terras further accelerate their circulation in the market. In short, the natural laws of the market dominate the increase in supply.
