Wow how times have changed

[isis]

It’s the average car prices now that blow me away. I remember going with my dad to buy a ‘76 Ford Granada for $5k. My first car was an 1989 Prelude for $18k. Dad about disowned me for buying foreign. Forever now I have been locked in at about $20k as what should be new car pricing. In reality the average is probably $40k.
I saw new Escalades are $90-$107k.

The only new car I’ve ever bought was a 2005 turbo Saabaru. It was a demo and with the GM family discount for everyone it came to 22k. I’ve been wrapping my head around 30k for a similar car 10-15 years later but they’re 35-40 anymore. So I said F it and paid 50 for a raptor. Why anyone would pay 40k for a compact car is something ill never understand

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

My Raptor next to by son’s 1972 240Z​

 

[Vader]

You think that is funny, you should see a picture of my 1981 self next to my 2020 self.
About the same size difference.

 

[FordTechOne]

It’s the average car prices now that blow me away. I remember going with my dad to buy a ‘76 Ford Granada for $5k. My first car was an 1989 Prelude for $18k. Dad about disowned me for buying foreign. Forever now I have been locked in at about $20k as what should be new car pricing. In reality the average is probably $40k.
I saw new Escalades are $90-$107k.

You're right on the money with your estimate. The equivalent to buying that $18,000 Prelude in 2020 dollars is $40,500. And your average $40,000 car these days is going to have significantly more equipment and safety features than anything from 1988. Just as an example, $40,075 today will get you a 2020 Mustang GT with a 460HP 5.0, 6 speed manual, Intelligent Access, LED lighting, Dual Zone climate system, SYNC 3, Satellite Radio, 4 Piston brake calipers, ambient lighting, and a safety list a mile long of airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto high beams, rain sensing wipers, etc. All features that were reserved for very expensive vehicles or not available at all back then. It's amazing how far and how fast the industry has advanced.

 

[Sonicsunspot]

You're right on the money with your estimate. The equivalent to buying that $18,000 Prelude in 2020 dollars is $40,500. And your average $40,000 car these days is going to have significantly more equipment and safety features than anything from 1988. Just as an example, $40,075 today will get you a 2020 Mustang GT with a 460HP 5.0, 6 speed manual, Intelligent Access, LED lighting, Dual Zone climate system, SYNC 3, Satellite Radio, 4 Piston brake calipers, ambient lighting, and a safety list a mile long of airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto high beams, rain sensing wipers, etc. All features that were reserved for very expensive vehicles or not available at all back then. It's amazing how far and how fast the industry has advanced.

The big decision at the time was between the Prelude Si and the Prelude Si 4WS (4 wheel steering AND rear spoiler). It was $1,800 more for 4WS and spoiler and I passed. Regretted it as I was driving off the lot.
Lesson I learned... get “the one you want”. Don’t live with regrets.

And think about performance now compared to then. Back in late 80s a Porsche 944 was around 7 seconds 0-60 as I recall. That was a peformance car! I think Ferrari 308s were around there too.

 

[Oldfart]

It’s the average car prices now that blow me away. I remember going with my dad to buy a ‘76 Ford Granada for $5k. My first car was an 1989 Prelude for $18k. Dad about disowned me for buying foreign. Forever now I have been locked in at about $20k as what should be new car pricing. In reality the average is probably $40k.
I saw new Escalades are $90-$107k.

I know when I wrote the check for my truck, it hit me that I had just written a check for a vehicle that cost almost $30,000 more than my first house!!

 

[sfhondapilot]

Was it as good as I imagine they are?

Yes, it was. Had two cars in the stable for which I was the only driver. The 911TT and an E46 M3 convertible. I ended up keeping the M3 and replaced the 911 with a Macan Turbo.

 

[Josh84]

Safety standards, making vehicles bigger and heavier does not improve fuel efficiency.

Not at all what I was talking about. Vehicle manufactures have been making larger trucks because consumers want them.
This sells more vehicles and overcomes CAFE standards allowing manufactures to get past stricter fuel economy standards by having high sales numbers.
It is obvious to see with some companies pretty much abandoning cars all together.

https://www.fleetmanagementweekly.com/cafe-making-cars-bigger/

https://www.auto123.com/en/news/for...er will eliminate all,year, on the scrap heap.

https://www.marketplace.org/2018/11/26/why-american-car-companies-are-no-longer-selling-cars/