SC Comparison

[shilpa.madduri1]

Like in 2004, car sales to first-time buyers as often, if not more often than, to return customers buoyed the economy this January.
• Like in 2004, car sales to first-time buyers as often, if not more often than, to return customers buoyed
• Like in 2004, first-time buyers bought cars as often, if not more often than, return customers and that buoyed
• As in 2004, car sales to first-time buyers as often as, if not more often than, to return customers and it buoyed
• As in 2004, first-time buyers bought cars as often as, if not more often than, return customers, buoying
• As in 2004, car sales to first-time buyers as often, if not more often than, to return customers buoyed

Manhattan team,

In the below question, I would like to understand the comparison in answer choice 'D'.
As per answer choice 'D' - First time buyers bought X as often as Y, does it mean First time buyers bought X as ofter as they bought Y ? If so, then the meaning is nonsensical. I request you to explain how the construction of choice 'D' is not ambiguous. Please correct my understanding.

[RonPurewal]

As per answer choice 'D' - First time buyers bought X as often as Y, does it mean First time buyers bought X as ofter as they bought Y ?

common sense says no, since first-time buyers are quite clearly not buying return customers.

if you see an "ambiguity" but one of the two interpretations is patently absurd, then ... not an ambiguity.

[RonPurewal]

If so, then the meaning is nonsensical.

correct answers are correct, so you already had the answer to your question when you wrote it.

don't question the correct answers; that's just a waste of your time. instead, learn from them!

your questions should be directed inward: What didn't I understand about this? What can I learn here?

[aflaamM589]

Hello experts,
hope you guys are doing great.
i know C is way too awkward, but i can't just put my fingers on where actually the error is.
Is it the simple present tense that do not warrants its usage in this situation?
Can you guys help?
Thanks and regards,

[RonPurewal]

is this problem actually from the GMAT PREP free software?

if so, please post a screen shot.

if not, please re-post it in the appropriate location on the forum.

thanks.