Have you been hearing all of the yelling is about money?
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it may be because the total cost to own and operate an automobile averaged a frightening $12,296 in 2024, roughly 30% higher than a decade ago.
Driving has almost always been a US pastime. Yet the numbers are new-vehicle prices, now averaging $48,883, according to Cox Automotive’s latest data.
It seems that middle-income buyers priced out of new cars, demand for used cars has strengthened, now averaging around $25,500.
I remember a thousand years ago, when I was in High School working at Toys “R” Us for a time, one co-worker bought a new car for like $5,000. It had nothing in it, barely four wheels and an engine. But it was a new car and would get him from home to college to work and back with reliability. My POS at the time, not so much. He was proud that he saved and bought it outright.
That is no longer a possibility. I went with my eldest, who was looking to purchase a care. We went to the local Ford dealership. Every low end car was filled with useless and expensive options. Who needed a sunroof on an Escort? They all had one. There were no starter vehicles from any major car company.
Which is why there is no brand loyalty any longer. The auto industry lost their way long ago and Ford no longer manufactures a sedan and they used to sell the most.