This story from The New York times comes to us via Kottke.
I was able to read it, and you may not because of a paywall. The page is beautiful in design and interactivity. The basic premise is that policy has driven carmakers from producing vehicles for the lower 40% of americans, though the same metric applies to us in Canada. I'm not seeing a new vehcile anywhere near affordability for me, and even used is our of my budget and I make a fair amount of money for my area. The article is worth reading/experiencing if you can.
In Kottke's comments, I see people holding onto their aging vehicles and really digging the lack of screens on their dashboards. I have one of my two dream vehicles, a Honda Element. This SUV was more expensive than it's counterpart the CR-V and aimed at my generation of adevnture seekers. I would not have been able to afford it even in the year it was made. I expect that this could cost upwards of $60,000 if made today.
I reflected on if the high cost of vehicles would encourage more people to use public transportation. With little reflection, I realize that cost-cutting public transport over decades resulted in lower service and higher costs for riders. The city where I live has reduced hours and routes for the city bus compared to my youth.
Maybe ride sharing is the answer. For myself, I endeavour to keep the Element on the road as long as possible. I need the versatility and space. I would like to convert it to Electric if possible. The technology exists and I am skilled and foolinsh enough to make the attempt.