I'd suspect some of it is access and perception. You might be able to find a similar car at the same price in a private-party deal, but it would entail skimmin

I'd suspect some of it is access and perception. You might be able to find a similar car at the same price in a private-party deal, but it would entail skimming newspapers/websites and then finding transportation to each seller's home to see one vehicle. In contrast, you can probably get a bus to a scummy dealership located on a main commercial street and see dozens of lemons at once. I also suspect there's a perception of legitimacy from a dealer-- that a private-sale vehicle could be faulty, but one being sold commercially can be assumed roadworthy.