Mid-20s American here. I'll try to explain my mindset. I've lived in Switzerland and all over Asia without owning a car. Loved public transit and never wanted

Mid-20s American here. I'll try to explain my mindset. I've lived in Switzerland and all over Asia without owning a car. Loved public transit and never wanted a car. - Public transit in the US sometimes feels like riding a rolling homeless shelter. I know it's a chicken-and-egg thing, as most people have cars. I have no issue riding public transit in the US, but I couldn't see my parents taking public transit. So having a car is part of becoming like my parents. - Being able to drive a car (auto or stick) has practical advantages for emergencies. So there's a provider element. - Having a car is a symbol of independence. People who have cars in the US sometimes have friends asking to bum rides. So not have a car is seen as not being independent.