And that don't cost half as much as a house.

What if Ford remade the old Mustang with appropriate emissions stuff FOR A REASONABLE PRICE?

I recall distinctly high school kids workinh part time at burger joints buying new Mustangs.

Many people simply cannot afford to exist any longer.

I have sold cars for almost 40 years, ordered thousands of cars and bought thousands of used cars at the auctions and I have found consumers overwhelmingly want well equipped cars with all the gadgets. This most obvious in the full size truck market where consumers can buy a base model for under $30,000 but retail customer won’t buy that “fleet” truck. When they see that basic truck they soon want 4 doors, 4 wheel drive, power equipment, more powerful engine, navigation, bigger back up camera, chrome wheels, metallic paint, blind spot, active braking, satellite radio, etc. Customers have driven the price up to a $50,000+ Average price for full size trucks. Dealers have found that more expensive trucks have a quicker “turn” rate so when you go to the lot that’s what dealers offer. Customers want more and more “bells and whistles” and therefore more semiconductors. The car industry is actually one of the more competitive marketplaces in our economy.

Seriously, why would anyone need entertainment system while driving?

Thx for sharing!

In my experience, it has been just the opposite. Customers want well made, reliable vehicles for a great price. Vehicles that are built to last.

Do you work in the car sales business?

Speaking from experience from the consumer side.

"Can't keep moderately priced models on the lot" uttered by many salespeople speaks volumes to me.

Likely not as much profit in lower priced models though...

industry or product. Car ads are everywhere, and the manufacturers are very good at convincing many people that there core identity depends on the car they drive, and it's best if that car is not more than a year or two old.

Of course it's not just cars. Our entire culture of consumerism is in place because of advertising.