Prices are still up and quality down in the used market. They’re not near the absurd level they were two years ago, but you’re getting a car with a lot more miles and abuse for way more money than you would have paid pre-covid. Problem is that a lot of these car resellers like Carvana are offering more than dealerships for used car trade ins, then re-sell them for higher prices and have way less hassle than trying to sell your car via private sale. So that convenience drives up all the prices for used cars and reduces dealer and private sale used inventory.

So “just buy used” isn’t the fix you think it is. Sure, it will be less, but you’re getting less car and a car closer to problem mileage markers.