When browsing through Craigslist I’ve noticed a number of dealers using the tagline: “Why buy a new car?” Case in point below.

Now, the dealer throws that in to say: Hey, dummy. Don’t waste your money buy a new car when you can buy a great used car for cheap. Makes sense, right?

The thing is, that only works when the used car is actually cheaper. Let’s take a look at this ad in particular.
Craigslist Why Buy New Car

Craigslist 2010 Nissan Versa

Craigslist Nissan Versa Small Print

Oh man! If I could get a 2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 S with 21,000 miles for $13,900, why would I ever buy new?

Well, I think I would definitely rather buy a NEW 2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 S if I could get it for less than the 2010 used one. And that’s exactly what I could do.

TrueCar 2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 S

Now, it should be obvious to the dealer why I might want to buy new. Zero miles. Brand New. $558 less. Both of these car prices don’t include tax and licensing fees. I am seeing this across the board when I’m looking at used cars, particularly from Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Sometimes people are paying more for a used car than they are for a new one on a great deal. Seems a bit ridiculous to me, but maybe somebody out there could explain the logic to me.