Why WOULDN’T You Buy a Car from a Bankrupt Company?

Grey Lady columnist Nicholas Kristof gnashes his teeth on the bailout, but ultimately comes out for it. Personally, I find most of his logic compelling. But there’s one strain of thought I’ve heard from Michael Moore and from other commentators and, posed in surveys: would you buy a car from a bankrupt company? My response: why not? If the car is priced at good value, sure. Unlike houses, people don’t buy cars with the implicit understanding that they can re-sell them for a profit. And new parts are always available.

So, I certainly would. I’d be a lot more hesitant at buying a car with a design dictated by Washington. This, again, isn’t to cast doubt on all of the arguments being made by Kristof and folks who agree with him, just this one. Here’s an interesting video of what New Yorkers have to say about the plan.