Will people stop owning cars?

It's unlikely people will completely stop owning cars, but the trend points towards a significant shift from individual ownership to shared, on-demand autonomous vehicles (TaaS - Transport as a Service), especially in cities, driven by high costs, environmental concerns, and technology like self-driving cars, making access over ownership more appealing for many. While some futurists predict near-elimination of ownership by 2030-2040, others believe certain demographics (rural, large families) will retain ownership, with a potential market split where fleets serve most urban needs and personal cars cater to specific demands.

Will people still own cars in the future?

The future of car access — Flexibility over ownership

Younger generations are shifting away from traditional car ownership, opting for more flexible mobility solutions. In 2025, 58% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials surveyed say they will likely consider alternatives to purchasing or leasing a car.

Is car ownership declining?

Car ownership isn't universally declining but is shifting: overall U.S. household ownership is slightly up, but younger generations (Gen Z/Millennials) are delaying or forgoing ownership due to high costs and new mobility options (ride-sharing, e-bikes), while older adults maintain high rates, creating a generational split in trends. While total vehicles are growing, younger adults (18-35) show declining registration, preferring alternative, cheaper transport, but most Americans still need cars for daily life. 

How much should I spend on a car if I make $60,000?

On a $60,000 salary, you can generally afford a car in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, with total monthly car expenses (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance) ideally staying under 15-20% of your take-home pay, which might be around $300-$450 for just the payment, though some say up to 35% of gross income for the total vehicle price. Key factors are your credit score, down payment (aim for 20% to avoid PMI and reduce interest), loan term (shorter is better), and other debts. 

Why does Gen Z not want to drive?

Gen Z is driving less due to high costs (insurance, gas, cars), increased anxiety about driving, environmental concerns, better alternatives (rideshare, public transit, e-bikes), and a shift in lifestyle prioritizing digital connection and urban living over car dependency, all influenced by the pandemic and changing social values. 

Please Stop Buying Cars.

At what age do most people stop driving a car?

According to AARP, the average age that people give up driving is 75. But not everyone is willing to hand over the keys.

What car can I afford making $3,000 a month?

Take-home pay is the amount you make each month after taxes, so if you bring home $3,000 monthly after taxes are deducted, it's likely you can comfortably afford a $300 car payment.

How much should I spend on a car if I make $100,000 a year?

With a $100,000 salary, you can generally afford a car worth $30,000 to $50,000, depending on your other finances, with total monthly car expenses (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance) ideally under $800-$1000 (10-20% of your net pay). A good guideline is keeping the total vehicle value under half your annual gross income, but prioritize conservative spending, a 20% down payment, and shorter loan terms for better financial health. 

What is the 10 rule for cars?

Keeping Transportation Costs Under 10%

For the 10 in the 20/4/10 rule, it is advised to keep your transportation costs under 10% of your monthly income. Transportation costs include your monthly car payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Why Dave Ramsey says not to finance a car?

“Cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and everything that has motors and wheels go down in value,” Ramsey wrote recently. “NEVER finance them, because they go down in value and you get stuck in them. Don't let debt trap you in something that's losing value every day. Save up, pay cash, and own it outright.”

How much commission does a car salesman make on a $30,000 car?

It is just a way for the dealer to ensure he's making money by reducing the sales commission. If the invoice cost of a vehicle, for example, is $30,000, then the normal 5-percent profit would be $1,500 and the 25-percent sales commission on the sale would be $375.

Which president bailed out the auto industry?

President Barack Obama oversaw the major restructuring and bailout of General Motors (GM) and Chrysler in 2009, continuing and expanding on initial emergency loans authorized under President George W. Bush, to prevent their collapse during the Great Recession, ultimately leading to their recovery and repayment of taxpayer funds. 

What does Gen Z call a car?

Gen Z slang for a car often uses "whip," meaning a cool or nice car, but they also give them personal nicknames like "Baby," "Babe," "Beast," or "Rocket," with terms like "banger" for a great car or "ride" also common, while traditional slang like "clunker" still pops up for older ones. 

Will gas cars still exist in 2050?

Yes, gas cars will likely still exist in 2050, but their numbers will significantly decrease as electric vehicles (EVs) dominate new sales, especially in regions with strong mandates like California's 2035 ban on new gas car sales, though a large fleet of existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will remain on the road. While EVs could reach 60% of new sales by 2050, conventional gas cars will still hold a large market share, with some projections suggesting over 70% of the total fleet might still be ICE vehicles, alongside hybrids and other alternatives. 

Is it better to buy a car now or wait until 2025?

You should buy a car now (late 2025) for deals on outgoing 2025 models, leveraging year-end incentives and better inventory, or wait until late 2025/early 2026 for aggressive 2026 model-year clearance, but be aware of potential 2026 model year price hikes and expiring EV tax credits by Sept 2025, making late 2025 a sweet spot. Waiting longer risks higher prices and potentially rising interest rates, though new inventory levels are improving. 

What is Dave Ramsey's rule on car buying?

Dave Ramsey's core car buying rule is to pay cash for a reliable used car, avoiding car loans entirely because cars lose value, and ensuring the total value of all your vehicles doesn't exceed half your annual income, emphasizing that things that depreciate shouldn't be financed. He advocates buying what you can afford outright to prevent debt, suggesting you save up and buy a modest, dependable vehicle instead of a new car that rapidly loses value.
 

How much salary to afford a 50k car?

To afford a $50k car, most financial experts suggest an income between $100k to $140k+, depending on your budget style, often using rules like the 20/4/10 Rule (20% down, 4-yr loan, 10% of gross income for total costs) or keeping total monthly car expenses (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance) under 15-20% of your take-home pay, with a larger down payment being ideal to offset depreciation. 

What is a reasonable car payment?

A reasonable car payment is generally 10-15% of your monthly take-home pay, but ideally, your total car expenses (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance) shouldn't exceed 20% of your net income. A common guideline is to keep the payment itself under 10% of your take-home pay for a comfortable budget, factoring in other costs like fuel and insurance, which can add significant expenses. 

What is the crappiest car ever?

There's no single "worst car," but common contenders for the title include the AMC Gremlin (awkward design, handling issues), Chevrolet Vega (engine/rust problems, quality control), Renault Dauphine (terrible performance/reliability in the US), and the Trabant (symbolized communist-era poor quality), alongside others like the unreliable Ford Pinto, flimsy Reva G-Wiz, and quirky Triumph TR7. These cars are often cited for poor engineering, build quality, performance, or design failures that made them notoriously bad.
 

What's the average payment on a $30,000 car?

For a $30,000 car, your monthly payment could range from around $500 to over $700, depending heavily on your down payment, loan term (e.g., 60 vs. 48 months), and interest rate (APR), with longer terms and higher rates increasing payments, while a larger down payment (like 20%) lowers them significantly. For example, with a $3k down payment, 5.8% rate, and 60 months, it's about $520; with a good rate on a 4-year loan, it could be $733. 

What is the 1 most reliable car?

There's no single "number 1" reliable car, but Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru consistently rank highest for overall brand reliability in recent reports (2024-2025), with specific models like the Toyota Camry/Corolla, Honda Civic, and Lexus RX/GX often cited as top individual choices for dependability, longevity, and low repair frequency. 

What's the deadliest state to drive in?

Mississippi and Montana frequently rank as the most dangerous states to drive, though the "most dangerous" title depends on the metric, with Mississippi often leading in fatality rates per capita due to factors like poor roads and low seatbelt use, while Montana faces high risks from impaired driving and rural conditions. Other states often cited for high danger include Arizona, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Texas, often linked to high DUI rates, rural infrastructure issues, and speeding. 

What gender has more road rage?

Road rage statistics by gender

Data suggests that men experience road rage more often, but gender does not significantly impact who displays aggressive driving behavior. However, socialization may affect how drivers express their frustration on the road.

What are 90% of car accidents caused by?

More than 90 Percent of Automobile Accidents Caused by Human Error. Automobile accidents can be caused by almost anything — nature, weather, poor road conditions, vehicle failure — but according to experts, human error accounts for more than 90 percent of them.