Nobody today is selling a 9 year old car for $900 or the inflation equivalent unless it was turned into a cube at the scrap yard.

That's a bit under $1800 by today's rates and a 30 second search turned this up: https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/d/indianapolis-2006-ford-f150/7709051628.html

Cars are on average more expensive today, new or used. Gas is more expensive, and it's likely more expensive to insure a young driver, which has always been expensive.

Put in the effort and you can find a good deal. I've done it before and I'll do it again. Buying a new car is a scam, found that one out myself too. I also pay for the same gas and insurance so that's moot

If they choose "don't drive" over "pour much of what little money I have into propping up a falling apart beater," that's still a choice. Why rag on them for it?

Not ragging on the choice, I'm ragging on the rationale. "EverYtHinG iS sO 'sPensive" is just "I don't want to be seen driving/living in/wearing that" in disguise. There are cheaper choices or ones that are more effort, but they are there.

I do get that prices are way out of control but I just saw a sign at McDonald's for a starting wage of $15/hr. When I worked there, I made $4.25/hr which would be about $9/hr today. I bought my car to start working there so this shit is not impossible today.

Bring the downvotes z'ers, the truth hurts