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I saw a print ad for a brand new Toyota Corolla back in 1974—something like $2500 or so. Running the inflation numbers: where are the $17K cars today? Why is th

I saw a print ad for a brand new Toyota Corolla back in 1974—something like $2500 or so. Running the inflation numbers: where are the $17K cars today? Why is the average US new car $50K now. To be sure, I know there are a lot more regulations on car manufacturers now, and tech in the cars, but come on! Querying Claude: "Manufacturers have responded by prioritizing profit, concentrating inventory at higher price points…", "2026 is the first year in the U.S. with no new car priced under $20,000." Cars in the US are the ultimate regressive tax. The blue-collar worker that needs a car to get to work, the guy that mows lawns for a living, the maids… Sure, used cars are a thing (my first car in my 1984 was in fact a Datsun B-210 that I paid $400 for). But I think everyone has noticed that used car prices are through the roof as well. The Japanese came in and handed the US car manufacturers their asses in the 70's. We might need something like that again.

ponector 13d ago
New Corola is advertised at $25k. Fair price considering how many features you get vs 1974 car.
- 4d4m 13d ago
  What a hot dump for 25k. The current corolla in all its glory and odd mix of old and new technologies should be a 15k otd car, but instead its seen as a value at 25k and will provide years of boring value for a barely attentive driver.
  - ponector 13d ago
    And 1974 Corolla for $2500 was the same, I guess. GR Corolla is much better and faster than any supercars of 1970s. Compare price of it with original Countach!
    - 4d4m 12d ago
      GR corolla actually pretty cool I was wrong as a hot hatch it's super quick
- preg_match 12d ago
  The effects of efficiency gains and inflation should eat most of the cost of those new features, I presume. I mean, computerization makes a lot of things easier and cheaper, and computers are very cheap now.
- numpad0 12d ago
  Base Corolla is starting at JPY2,380,400, or USD15,166.61 in Japan, btw. So it is a $15k car. Isn't it just USD/EUR underselling itself? Basically it's full $10k cheaper if you agree to not take it out of Japan. Take home is $10k extra. No?
  - ponector 12d ago
    Historically, base model for the US market had more features than base European trim. I guess the same applies for Japan. Also taxes are different, obviously.

ponector 13d ago

New Corola is advertised at $25k. Fair price considering how many features you get vs 1974 car.

4d4m 13d ago
What a hot dump for 25k. The current corolla in all its glory and odd mix of old and new technologies should be a 15k otd car, but instead its seen as a value at 25k and will provide years of boring value for a barely attentive driver.
- ponector 13d ago
  And 1974 Corolla for $2500 was the same, I guess. GR Corolla is much better and faster than any supercars of 1970s. Compare price of it with original Countach!
  - 4d4m 12d ago
    GR corolla actually pretty cool I was wrong as a hot hatch it's super quick
preg_match 12d ago
The effects of efficiency gains and inflation should eat most of the cost of those new features, I presume. I mean, computerization makes a lot of things easier and cheaper, and computers are very cheap now.
numpad0 12d ago
Base Corolla is starting at JPY2,380,400, or USD15,166.61 in Japan, btw. So it is a $15k car. Isn't it just USD/EUR underselling itself? Basically it's full $10k cheaper if you agree to not take it out of Japan. Take home is $10k extra. No?
- ponector 12d ago
  Historically, base model for the US market had more features than base European trim. I guess the same applies for Japan. Also taxes are different, obviously.