That's the average total cost to own a new car, not the average total cost to own a car. The average car is something like 12 years old, so the average cost wil

That's the average total cost to own a new car, not the average total cost to own a car. The average car is something like 12 years old, so the average cost will be significantly less. I haven't had a car payment for something like 22 years. Over that time, used cars have gotten to be better than new cars in the 80s used to be. > it'd be better if they were option for living your life rather than a necessity I totally agree with that. I 100% support other people having the option to own or not own a car and accept the tradeoffs that result from their choice.