Even so called affordable cars are tin-can four wheel scooters that are worn out at 75K miles (just about the time that the loan is paid off).
Everything seems to be that way these days. Maybe the US dollar has devalued so much over the years, that we really can't afford these things. Maybe we are fooling ourselves.
A little mechanical ability really pays off these days. My 17 year old F-150 with 167K is on it's 4th exhaust, 3rd clutch, 2nd water pump, gas tanks, brake lines, spring hangers and numerous other things. All done by myself.
Way back when, kids would tear down old lawn mowers, fans, pumps, etc. just to see what made them tick. I don't see it much anymore. Too easy to lay around playing video games and eating Cheetos, I guess.