It could be that he's still "upside down" in it.

I still owe over 10K on my 2004 with 40K miles on it (got it as a lease return a few years ago from a Chrysler dealer as a 'certified' car, big warranty stuff).

Maybe I paid too much or bought too soon, but we've enjoyed the heck out of it, so I ain't complaining. I've gotten far less joy out of way worse deals...