[analyst74]

Do they not want those conveniences? Or are they tempering their expectations based on their budget and perceived cost?

If, let's say, a typical $30k car means a large EV SUV with all the luxury gadgets and conveniences, plus fridge, massage chair, full camping setup, etc. Would 30k car buyers not expect those things?

[loloquwowndueo]

I can afford an suv. That’s not the issue - I just find it ridiculous to move that much metal for a small family or one person. A regular sedan would do.

[xyzelement]

I used to think that way (small car is best) until I had a family. yes in theory you can fit a small family in a sedan but in reality - not being able to fit a suitcase + stroller + kids bike (or whatever) into the trunk at the same time, or having your wife strain her back bending down to strap the toddler into their seat - gets old quickly!

So in practice what happens if that if you have a family and can easily afford an SUV, you get the SUV to alleviate these painpoints,

[nradov]

Well you're in luck! There are numerous regular sedans like a Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Sonata available at your local dealers. If you want one you can buy it and drive it home today.

[cosmic_cheese]

> A regular sedan would do.

Or a small hatchback, e.g. a Fit, Golf, Matrix, Yaris, etc. They might not be the most attractive looking vehicles but darn if they aren’t practical. Better cargo space than much longer sedans while being short enough to park almost anywhere.

It’s so disappointing that they’ve disappeared from the US market almost entirely.

[Eric_WVGG]

When I was a teen I wanted to install electric windows in this vintage car I wound up with. My father said, “That‘s just one more thing that can break,” and yes it sounds kind of glib but I really took that to heart and let it shape my life in a direction of dependable simplicity.

I got out of car culture around 25 years ago, and every time I ride someplace in a modern car I'm just bewildered by all the bullshit. Do grown adults really need to be "pampered" with heated seats? How can you stand carrying around those "fobs" in your pockets — they make jeans look ridiculous, like a person is packing two sets of their junk.

I can't imagine buying a car built after 1990.