Quote:I think the reality of the situation for those at the lower end of the income scale is somewhat more challenging than you realize.  Circumstances may dictate what type of car they drive more than personal preference.  For families with more than 3 children, most vehicles are simply impossible.  Vans or suv's with 3rd row seating are almost the only option.  Many self-employed workers (contractors/landscapers, etc.) trying to get by with one car, require a van or pickup.  Beyond the straight dimensional requirements is the safety factor.  Do you really want to put your kids in a tin can on wheels and go out on the highway surrounded by idiots texting while they're driving at 70 mph? 

 

As DragonFury pointed out, poverty is a vicious cycle and almost impossible to break free from.  The "system" absolutely hammers those whom, most often, can least afford it.  Late on a payment and you're hit with a penalty.  Put cash in the bank and you'll make 1 percent, pay the government late and they'll charge you 12.  Subprime auto finance rates typically run 15-25%.  Choices for these people aren't always easy and options aren't ever plentiful.

Thank you for respectfully disagreeing.


I fully realize that for some it is a challenge, and that there are exceptions. Again, all I said is that if someone feels like it's a major concern, they can get a car with better mileage. We were talking about a group of people that spend nearly 1/5 of their income on restaurants. 20% of the population. It's a large group, and the group as a whole obviously has some descretionary income.


Are there people in that group that just can't possibly find a way to switch cars? I'm sure there are, no one is denying that. For most of that group, do I feel like if they wanted to, could they find a way to get a more efficient car of roughly similar value? Yes I do. Did I say it was easy or that they had $xxxx in their bank account to make it happen overnight? No I didn't.


Again, not everyone in that group. Most of it, if not the vast majority.


Also, If you have 6 kids, you're going to prioritize making one trip everywhere, over a per mile fuel savings. That's pretty obvious I think. If someone prioritizes a safety factor? Good on them, I hope they drive a Sherman tank. Value dependability? Drive your car until it dies. I would say that for those folks, it's not a major or I should say primary, concern.


No one said everyone or anyone for that matter has to do this. I said if fuel cost are a major concern, (you can) get a car with better mileage. The point being, that fuel cost are not a fixed cost. A person has some choice in the matter.


I think some here (not you necessarily) are reading more into it, and/or taking this as a personal affront.

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