Why buying a car is still such a miserable experience

Used cars for sale are pictured on a lot at a dealership in Doylestown, Pa., on Feb. 4. Finding a car is still tough, especially for more affordable options. (Matt Rourke/AP)

Matt Rourke / Matt Rourke

Thinking of buying a car? Kimberly Walker, a mother of two in Columbia, S.C., can tell you exactly what that’s like these days.

She recently found herself having to shop for two vehicles on opposite ends of the market. For herself, she wanted a late-model electric Audi, and after looking around, she was able to find a used 2021 e-tron at a local dealership.

The price? An eye-popping $68,000, with no room to negotiate.