Hacker News Reader

I doubt the government has any data, there's no need or desire for dealers to send them info on their sales. Look at things like Consumer Reports who go out and survey large audiences of everyday people to see what they purchased, how much they paid, how much they like the car, etc.

Government would have data for tax reasons.

Doesn't the licence plate database include the make and model?

Also would be handy to make sure you're buying something with good parts availability.

For the USA you can find that data here. http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/p/sales-stats.html

That's it. Thanks.

Likely not helpful, however it is possible to check registration records in Germany (Europe?). Isn't there a way to check these in the US too? Is the type of car recorded (and on which administrative level)?

If you could get these info and subtract cars previously registered, a blurred picture of recent sales should emerge.