> (cars used to be a lot cheaper, both to buy and to maintain. Incomes for most used to be much higher)

Cars have inflated at a rate significantly lower than general inflation (typically by about half as much), meaning they've gotten cheaper in real terms. They've also gotten much safer, more fuel efficient, reliable, lower-maintenance, and long-lived.

https://www.in2013dollars.com/New-cars/price-inflation/1980-...