Less Gen Z Americans own a driver's license than previous generations, according to consulting firm McKinsey.

Gen Z is choosing not to drive::Less Gen Z Americans own a driver’s license than previous generations, according to consulting firm McKinsey.

  • Carmakazi@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    10 months ago

    Nobody today is selling a 9 year old car for $900 or the inflation equivalent unless it was turned into a cube at the scrap yard.

    Cars are on average more expensive today, new or used. Gas is more expensive, and it’s likely more expensive to insure a young driver, which has always been expensive.

    If they choose “don’t drive” over “pour much of what little money I have into propping up a falling apart beater,” that’s still a choice. Why rag on them for it?

    • shiftymccool@lemm.eeEnglish
      24·
      10 months ago

      Nobody today is selling a 9 year old car for $900 or the inflation equivalent unless it was turned into a cube at the scrap yard.

      That’s a bit under $1800 by today’s rates and a 30 second search turned this up: https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/d/indianapolis-2006-ford-f150/7709051628.html

      Cars are on average more expensive today, new or used. Gas is more expensive, and it’s likely more expensive to insure a young driver, which has always been expensive.

      Put in the effort and you can find a good deal. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. Buying a new car is a scam, found that one out myself too. I also pay for the same gas and insurance so that’s moot

      If they choose “don’t drive” over “pour much of what little money I have into propping up a falling apart beater,” that’s still a choice. Why rag on them for it?

      Not ragging on the choice, I’m ragging on the rationale. “EverYtHinG iS sO 'sPensive” is just “I don’t want to be seen driving/living in/wearing that” in disguise. There are cheaper choices or ones that are more effort, but they are there.

      I do get that prices are way out of control but I just saw a sign at McDonald’s for a starting wage of $15/hr. When I worked there, I made $4.25/hr which would be about $9/hr today. I bought my car to start working there so this shit is not impossible today.

      Bring the downvotes z’ers, the truth hurts

      • spader312@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        So in the 90s you bought a couple of years old at most 9 years old, and your comparison is buying a car now in 2024 that is 18 years old, for twice what you bought your car in the 90s.