Why are used cars so expensive right now?

Discussion in 'Economics' started by Ninja Mobile Trader VPS, Jul 27, 2021.

  1. Snarkhund

    Snarkhund

    Had my 2017 car serviced a few months back at the dealership. A week or so later I get a letter from the dealership offering a ridiculous amount of money for it, more than I paid.

    When I called and asked why they said there not many 4x4 full sized SUVs available and their customers wanted them.

    The ridiculous trade-in offer plus some deep rebates and I ended up in a new car. I was prepared to pay cash but they had a 0% interest offer so I did that.

    The new Level-2 autopilots are life changing.
     
    #11     Jul 27, 2021
  2. wrbtrader

    wrbtrader

    I have a friend that bought his first ever used car as a gift to his wife for 23k about 7 months ago.

    They sold it last week for 25k...a 2k profit. They recently bought two more used cars for 15k apiece and plan to sell both at a profit of a few thousand dollars each.
    • What the Fuck !!!
    I have never heard of any crazy stuff like that involving automobiles. To me...they're flipping cars like in the recent past of what people were doing in hot real estate markets. Yeah, if you're wondering...they flipped houses many years ago for about 700k profit.

    P.S. I wonder at what point would they need to get a used car dealer license ???

    :D

    wrbtrader
     
    #12     Jul 27, 2021
  3. Cesiuko

    Cesiuko

    It is immediately obvious that if they are suitable and the result is very good and profitable.
     
    #13     Jul 28, 2021
  4. MarkBrown

    MarkBrown

    because the dollar is worth NOTHING.
     
    #14     Jul 28, 2021
  5. lindq

    lindq

    I listed my very-used ML320 on Craigslist a few months ago, unaware of the market in good 4-wheel drive SUVs. The response was just crazy, and the first buyer pulled out a wad of cash and said, "Here's an extra 20% if you let me have it right now."

    Um. Well. Okay.
     
    #15     Jul 28, 2021
    wrbtrader likes this.
  6. Snarkhund

    Snarkhund

    Yeah its wild isn't it? Did you replace it with something else?
     
    #16     Jul 28, 2021
  7. lindq

    lindq

    The same brand. I've had generally good luck with them. Great resale if they're kept in good shape.
     
    #17     Jul 28, 2021
  8. neogene

    neogene

    I'm so glad I got a reliable car before pandemic made the market volatile. I will not need another car for another 10 years+. I hope the market stabilizes and maybe even make EV more practical and affordable by then heh heh
     
    #18     Jul 28, 2021
  9. themickey

    themickey

    20210729_074253.jpg Cheaper than paying house rent.
     
    #19     Jul 28, 2021
  10. piezoe

    piezoe

    Printing is controlled by Congress, not the fed! The Treasury must spend as the Congress dictates. When the Treasury spends in deficit, an overdraft in its account at the fed results. The fed always covers this overdraft, which is the "printing" you refer to. The fed, however, has no choice, and neither does the Treasury. It is the Congress that directs the spending that ultimately results in "printing".
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
    #20     Jul 28, 2021