[bluGill]

Because the better the resale, the nicer the car you can afford to replace it. Most new cars are kept for 3 years and traded in, (or leased) so the better the resale the more money to put into your next car. Or if you lease the less your lease will be.

Those who buy used cars keep their cars longer, and are willing to pay more for a car they think will last longer.

[dheera]

Why not just get a much nicer and reliable car and keep it for 10-15 years?

[bluGill]

The type of people who do that save money buy buying a 3 year old car. The people who buy new cars mostly wouldn't be seen in an older car.