Despite ending production in 2016, Dodge managed to sell six brand-new Darts in the U.S. during the third quarter of 2025. This oddity has sparked attention across the automotive world, and it’s not the only instance of Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, clearing out long-discontinued inventory.
How & Why “Zombie Cars” Get Sold
Occasionally, new vehicles that were never registered remain lurking in dealership storage, forgotten backlots, or remote holding yards for years. When finally sold, often at deep discounts or through unique fleet deals, they are recorded as “new” units in quarterly sales figures. Such sales are rare, but the Dodge Dart’s reappearance nearly a decade after production stopped is remarkable even by these standards.
In Q3 2025, Stellantis’ sales summary confirmed six new Dodge Darts were sold, compared to just one in the same period in 2024, a 500% year-over-year spike. These Darts, built back between 2013 and 2016, were most likely unsold leftovers that have been waiting for the right (probably heavily discounted) buyer.
More “Dead” Models Sold By Stellantis
The Dart isn’t the only discontinued car on Stellantis’ 2025 sales charts, 13 Journeys, 8 Grand Caravans, and 2 Fiat 500Ls, all retired by at least 2020, also found new buyers last quarter. Even Jeep Patriots, Ram ProMaster Cities, and previous Dodges and Fiats have continued to “trickle out” of inventory years after their official demise.
What This Means For Buyers & Dealers
For buyers, purchasing a new but many-year-old car may mean steep discounts, the chance to snag a discontinued spec, and potentially a factory warranty that starts at first registration. However, these vehicles could suffer from battery, tire, or fluids aging in storage, as well as lost value compared to latest models.
For dealers and manufacturers, these “zombie sales” help finally clear out old inventory, turning apparent losses into (sometimes marginal) last-minute revenue.
Is Stellantis The King Of Zombie Car Sales?
Stellantis appears especially adept at moving dead-stock, with over 475 “zombie” cars, Darts, Journeys, Caravans, 500Ls, 300s, and more, sold in Q3 2025 alone, according to recent breakdowns. While most brands sell the occasional leftover, this volume is a testament to the scale of Stellantis’ former production, U.S. dealership network, and the quirks of inventory management.
Final Thoughts
Dodge Dart sales up 500% in Q3 2025 with six new units purchased. Large numbers of discontinued Dodge Journeys, Grand Caravans, and Fiat 500Ls also sold. “Zombie” car sales are rare but not unheard of, especially for Stellantis, spotlighting how long dealership inventories can linger after the end of production. These sales provide curiosities for collectors, bargains for unique buyers, and a way for automakers to finally finish out legacy stock, even a decade later.
