Some of the most popular used cars, including the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, are now worth up to $6,000 more than if they were brand new

• Used car prices are still abnormally high as inflation impacts nearly every realm of American life.
• Some of the most popular vehicles in the US cost more to buy lightly used than their brand-new prices.

Between astronomical prices and few vehicles to choose from on dealer lots, the last year or so has been perhaps the worst time to buy a car in history.

And don't think settling for a secondhand vehicle will insulate you from the challenging landscape and eye-watering costs. In "normal times," buying used was the thrifty option; now some used models are selling for thousands above the suggested retail price for their brand-new counterparts, according to an August study from the car insurance savings app Jerry.

Seven out of the ten most popular vehicles in the US cost more than sticker price when purchased lightly used, the analysis found. Jerry compared 2022 retail prices to the prices of 2021 models with 18,000 miles, using Kelley Blue Book data. It focused on base models.

The Toyota RAV4, the country's best-selling SUV, tends to cost almost $6,000 more for a used 2021 model than 2022's retail price, according to Jerry. Below are price differentials for the other six vehicles identified:

• Toyota RAV4 ($5,900 more)
• Honda Civic ($5,300 more)
• Honda CR-V ($3,800 more)
• Toyota Camry ($3,200 more)
• Nissan Rogue ($3,100 more)
• Toyota Highlander ($2,100 more)
• Ford F-150 ($100 more)

Counterintuitive as it may be, this has been true for months to some degree. A persistent semiconductor shortage has dealt a massive blow to the supply of new cars in the US, putting upward pressure on prices. (To put this in perspective, US car dealers ended July with 1.09 million unsold vehicles, as compared with 3.69 million in Jul 2019, according to Cox Automotive.)

In July, shoppers paid $875 above retail on average for non-luxury cars, according to Cox. Dealers rarely were able to charge above retail before the pandemic.

With fewer new cars available, consumers have been willing to shell out extra for used versions of their favorite models. The traditional wisdom that a new vehicle loses thousands in value the instant it leaves the lot hasn't held up for around a year as used-car prices trended higher. The good news: Used cars seem to finally be getting less expensive.

Do you have a story to share about buying or selling cars in this chaotic market? Experienced high dealer markups? Contact this reporter at tlevin@insider.com