Buying a new car over the past two years has been a trip. There is a massive car shortage due to the pandemic increasing demand, and the production delays exacerbating long build times. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine that there were any 2022 model cars, trucks, or SUVs that weren’t bought. Much less ones that are actually worth buying. However, Consumer Reports says that consumers missed out on some great models. Here are the top five coolest cars that no one bought last year. 

How to buy one of the coolest cars during the shortage 

The key to navigating the current new car market is by having insane luck, tons of money, or trying to find the models no one else wants. Surely, by this point, there aren’t any decent cars that are flying under the radar? 

With the domination of SUVs and Crossovers, people seem to have forgotten about sedans as an option at all. The truth is, although sedans may not be en vogue these days, there are plenty of great sedans that are readily available. 

2022 Mini Cooper Countryman

The Mini brand has come a long way over the years. Where once the storied brand struggled with reliability and limited models, it now offers plenty of reliability and various sizes and styles of Mini. 

The 2022 Mini Countryman is listed as an SUV, but it really isn’t, is it? This strange wagon/ go-kart thing is one of the more thrilling cars on the market. Consumer Reports notes that despite having excellent handling, killer gas mileage, and a peppy, turbocharged four-cylinder option, there is much to love here. However, CR says that anyone considering the pint-sized “SUV” should pass on the choppy three-cylinder engine and step up to the turbo-four. 

In 2021, Mini only sold 10,440 Mini Countrymans. This means there are probably a fair number of 2022 models despite the car inventory shortage. 

2022 Chrysler 300 

Not only is getting a new car harder these days, but getting a new Chrysler is damn-near impossible. Not because everyone is dying for a Pacifica, but because the brand only has three models wearing the badge today. 

The Chrysler 300 is probably the most recognizable model from the brand today. Despite the model’s inscrutable success over the past decade, last year wasn’t the best for the 300. Only 16,662 Americans wanted Chrysler’s brand of old-school luxury last year. 

That’s a bit of shame because the Chrysler 300 isn’t just an automotive-style icon; it’s actually a decent sedan. It is one of the few sedans still sold with a V8. It also has an AWD drive option. 

2022 Audi A4

In the Mid-2000s, Audi sold A4s by the bucket load, around 50,000 units a year. As of 2021, the model only sold 16,263. The 2022 Audi A4 suffered from the move away from sedans, but it is still one of the coolest cars that offer a sporty ride and everyday practicality. 

Even the higher-power S4 and Allroad wagon saw significant sales declines. The A4’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pack has a snappy punch, and the power delivery is smooth. Audi is also known for some of the finest interiors in the game. Overall, the Audi A4 is a great car that is too cool to sell so few. 

2022 Audi A6

Audi seems to have had a rough year last year. Then again, I guess many carmakers struggled last year. The up-market Audi A6 sold even fewer units last year than the A4 – only 9,544. 

These low sales numbers might be due to the A6’s high price tag. The A6 starts at $55k and goes up to around $80k. The A6 has all the sporty snap as the A4 and even starts with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, there is an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that is sure to shake your teeth if the 2.0-liter don’t get it done. 

2022 Toyota Avalon

The 2022 Toyota Avalon is a little different than the other coolest car that no one bought last year. The Avalon isn’t cool, good-looking, fast, or flashy. In fact, it’s a fairly boring car. Thankfully, the Avalon isn’t just boring, though. 

The 2022 Toyota Avalon is one of the most practical sedan choices you can make. For one, it’s a Toyota. Avalons are reliable, great on gas, and luxurious as Hell. That’s right. You didn’t know that Toyota made a luxury sedan? Well, it does, and it is one of the smoothest riding, roomiest interiors I’ve ever been in. Don’t sleep on the Avalon. 

Unfortunately, due to yet another low sales year in 2021 – only 19,460 units – this is the final year of the Toyota Avalon. 

What are the coolest cars that are actually available in 2022? 

We know better than to make any guarantees on car inventory in 2022, but these models will likely be easier to find than many others because of their low sales numbers last year. These models might even, dare I say, be cheaper than some others because of their poor sales. 

Good luck on the car hunt. Just remember; patience, research, and open-mindedness are the keys to getting a vehicle you’re happy with.