Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
9-1-2019
CFDP Number
2197
CFDP Pages
38
Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) Code(s)
D15, D82, E2
Abstract
We specify an equilibrium model of car ownership with private information where individuals sell and purchase new and second-hand cars over their life-cycle. Private information induces a transaction cost and distorts the market reducing the value of a car as a savings instrument. We estimate the model using data on car ownership in Denmark, linked to register data. The lemons penalty is estimated to be 18% of the price in the rst year of ownership, declining with the length of ownership. It leads to large reductions in the turnover of cars and in the probability of downgrading at job loss.
Recommended Citation
Blundell, Richard; Gu, Ran; Leth-Petersen, Soren; Low, Hamish; and Meghir, Costas, "Durables and Lemons: Private Information and the Market for Cars" (2019). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 54.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/54