Is it possible that all the affordable project cars are now taken?

missing linc said
I don't understand how anyone can afford to buy a new car or truck at the prices currently, yet I still see plenty of newer vehicles, (usually 2) plus campers or boats in the driveways of newer homes. WTF? I have a pretty decent income but there's no way I could afford even a 7 or 8 year old vehicle today. **** I barely make it from paycheck to paycheck these days, it's crazy, half my income is going to groceries lately, plus I still have a mortgage and utility bills.
I figured I made an exceptional score last month when I picked a mint 1997 Thunderbird with a 4.6, around 120k miles and not a speck of rust on it for $700.00 delivered to my house from about 70 miles away. It wasn't running when I bought it, but it didn't take a lot to get it going. I spent about $1500.00 on it including tires and it drives fantastic.

I think these new vehicles you see today are lease vehicles, that are still overpriced. Don't know what the ratio is between bought and leased, but have to believe leasing is way more popular. Why people spend 60/70k on a new truck, when they are not using it as a work truck, or towing something, is beyond me. When I was a kid in my neighborhood, and someone had a new car, you thought, they have some big bucks. Today dealers find a way to finance any clown, whether they can afford it or not. Me, 2012 Impala LTZ, 88k and in great shape, it will carry me for some time to come. No payments, more money to throw at hobby cars. :):)