Why 74% of Americans Can't Afford New Cars: The Shocking Truth (2026)

Are you feeling the pinch when it comes to affording a new car? You're not alone. According to a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, 74% of Americans believe new cars are unaffordable. This sentiment is so strong that it surpasses concerns about other essential expenses like healthcare (56%), a week-long vacation (60%), dining out (49%), groceries (45%), and even rent/mortgage (37%). But what's truly concerning is that this issue isn't limited to a specific demographic. While younger people might be struggling more due to limited funds, the majority of older Americans also find new cars unaffordable. In fact, for every American over 50 who feels new cars are still affordable, two would say the opposite. So, what's the real problem? It's not the cars themselves, but rather the lack of fair compensation for workers. For decades, companies have been expecting more from employees while offering fewer benefits and lower wages. This has led to a situation where the average transaction price of a new car now exceeds the median individual income in the U.S. It's time for workers to unite and fight for their rights. By organizing and bargaining collectively, we can push for better wages and benefits. While starting a union can be intimidating, there are plenty of organizations ready to help. Together, we can win the battle for fair compensation and maybe, just maybe, afford those new cars we've been dreaming of.

Why 74% of Americans Can't Afford New Cars: The Shocking Truth (2026)
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