Economic pressures of the last few years have
pushed many consumers out of the new-car market in search of a
cheaper alternative -- good news for used-car dealers, if only they
could find enough cars to sell.
But reduced production of new cars, federal incentive programs,
exorbitant gasoline prices, natural disasters and other factors have
conspired to reduce the supply of used cars on the market to a
trickle and, as a result, drive prices through the roof.
"It's pretty crazy right now," said Tom Hughes, of San
Bernardino, Calif., a used-car dealer for 27 years. "I've never seen
anything like it."
Hughes said prices and availability have never been this bad --
not by a long way. A car that would have cost $5,000 wholesale six
months ago might cost $6,500 today, he said. And if it's a Toyota or
a Honda, "it's insane."
Hughes said it's tough to find vehicles he thinks he can sell at
prices that make sense. As a result, his inventory has dropped from
about 40 cars at a time to 20. "If you don't have the cars, it
doesn't matter how much activity you have," he said.
Recent research by Cars.com found used-car prices have increased
10 percent, on average, over the past year. Although prices were up
across the board, spikes were higher for some brands. Hyundai prices
were up 22 percent, for example, and Ford prices were up 14 percent.
In extreme cases, used cars have even appreciated in value as
they've aged. A 2007 Hyundai Elantra with 40,000 miles on it listed
last year for $9,900, according to Cars.com. That same car today
costs $200 more, even with an extra year and a few thousand more
miles on it.
Edmunds.com, another autoindustry research site, reported similar
findings. Prices for 3-year-old Honda Accords are up 24 percent
since September, the website reported. They're up 12 percent for a
Nissan Sentra.
