10 Cars People Almost Never Drive

Why These Cars Sit More Than They Drive

This list does not mean owners dislike these vehicles. In many cases, it means the opposite.

Sports cars and luxury convertibles are often purchased as reward vehicles, weekend toys, or collector pieces. Owners may avoid bad weather, limit commuting use, or preserve resale value by keeping odometer readings low.

10) Audi S5 Convertible

Average miles driven per year: 7,712

Compared with average gas vehicle: -45.9 percent

The Audi S5 Convertible is the most-driven vehicle here.

Its all-wheel-drive system gives it more year-round usability than many convertibles, but owners still keep mileage relatively low. At 7,712 miles per year, it travels roughly 5,600 fewer miles annually than the average gas-powered passenger vehicle.

9) Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

Average miles driven per year: 7,104

Compared with average gas vehicle: -46.7 percent

The CLE Convertible is more approachable than the SL, but it follows the same basic pattern.

Convertible buyers often treat these cars as seasonal vehicles, especially in northern states. With 7,104 miles per year, the CLE Cabriolet gets used more than many performance cars, but still far less than the average gas-powered vehicle.

8) Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Average miles driven per year: 6,674

Compared with average gas vehicle: -49.9 percent

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the outlier here. It is not a sports car, and it is not a convertible.

What it is, however, is an expensive luxury SUV that many owners appear to use sparingly. Some G-Wagens serve as lifestyle vehicles rather than primary transportation, and their high values may encourage owners to keep mileage in check. Many of them live in condo garages and moneyed downtown neighborhoods, also contributing to the lower mileage.

7) BMW Z4

Average miles driven per year: 6,533

Compared with average gas vehicle: -51.0 percent

The BMW Z4 is a two-seat roadster that tends to live a seasonal life.

Its relatively low annual mileage likely reflects a mix of winter storage, weekend use, and the fact that many owners have a more practical vehicle available. The Z4 still sees more use than pricier convertibles like the SL and LC 500, but it remains well below the national gas-vehicle average.

6) Mazda MX-5 Miata

Average miles driven per year: 5,945

Compared with average gas vehicle: -55.4 percent

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most affordable cars on this list, but it still does not rack up daily-driver mileage.

The explanation is straightforward. It has two seats, a small trunk, and limited bad-weather appeal in colder climates. Still, with 5,945 miles per year, Miata owners drive their cars more than many other sports car owners do.

5) Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Average miles driven per year: 4,404

Compared with average gas vehicle: -66.9 percent

The Lexus LC 500 Convertible is more about experience than efficiency or practicality.

Its naturally aspirated V8, dramatic styling, and luxury cabin make it an ideal weekend cruiser. Owners clearly use it that way, averaging just over 4,400 miles per year.

4) Chevrolet Corvette

Average miles driven per year: 4,394

Compared with average gas vehicle: -67.0 percent

The Corvette is one of the best performance bargains in the world, but many owners still treat it like a special-occasion car.

That is especially true for newer mid-engine C8 models, which brought exotic-car proportions and performance to the Corvette formula. With an annual average of 4,394 miles, the Corvette gets driven more than the 911, but far less than a typical gas-powered vehicle.

3) Porsche 911

Average miles driven per year: 3,850

Compared with average gas vehicle: -71.1 percent

Few sports cars are as usable as a Porsche 911, but that does not mean owners pile on miles.

The 911’s strong resale values and collector appeal likely encourage some owners to keep mileage low. Others may have daily drivers and reserve the Porsche for better roads and better weather. Either way, the average three-year-old 911 in the study sees fewer than 4,000 miles per year.

2) Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Average miles driven per year: 3,176

Compared with average gas vehicle: -76.2 percent

The Mercedes-Benz SL has always been more grand tourer than daily driver, and owners appear to treat it accordingly.

With its luxury positioning, high price, and convertible body style, the SL is more likely to be saved for clear days and weekend drives than used for errands or commuting. Its 3,176-mile annual average reflects that role.

1) Ford Mustang

Average miles driven per year: 2,092

Compared with average gas vehicle: -84.3 percent

The Ford Mustang tops the list, which says a lot about how owners use America’s best-known pony car. Despite being more practical than many two-seat sports cars, the Mustang is often treated as a weekend car, especially in higher-performance trims.

That helps explain why three-year-old examples average just 2,092 miles per year. Plenty of buyers want the sound, style, and history of a Mustang in the garage, even if they only take it out occasionally.