Adverse selection in the used-car market: evidence from purchase and repair patterns in the Consumer Expenditure Survey

A-Tier
Journal: RAND Journal of Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 45
Issue: 1
Pages: 140-154

Authors (2)

Jonathan R. Peterson (not in RePEc) Henry S. Schneider (Queen's University)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

type="main"> <p>We analyze adverse selection in the used-car market using a new approach that considers a car as an assemblage of parts, some with symmetric information and others with asymmetric information. Using data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey and Consumer Reports, we examine turnover and repair patterns. We find evidence of adverse selection due to the conditions of the transmission, engine, and, during colder months, air-conditioning; and sorting due to the conditions of the vehicle body and, during warmer months, air-conditioning. Our quantification exercises indicate that adverse selection may have a meaningful effect on trade volume and quality in the secondhand market.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:randje:v:45:y:2014:i:1:p:140-154
Journal Field
Industrial Organization
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29