The Car: Freedom or Slavery?

-Bavan S.

Cars have long been sold to us as freedom—but what if they’re actually keeping us stuck? In this post, we explore how the auto industry shaped modern America, buried better alternatives, and how Gen Z can break the cycle of car-dependency.

Why can't we have nice (fast transit) things? Sigh

For over a century, the car has been seen as a symbol of freedom in American culture—your own space, your own route, your own schedule. But few people stop to ask: freedom for who, and at what cost? When Henry Ford rolled out the Model T in 1908 and introduced mass production, it wasn't just about transportation—it was about reshaping how we work, live, and spend. The car didn’t just move people; it locked them into a system. Cities were redesigned around it. Suburbs boomed. Work shifted from walkable downtowns to long commutes. And before we realized it, owning a car became not just an option—but an expectation. One that’s increasingly unsustainable, financially and environmentally.

What many don’t realize is how the auto industry actively crushed alternatives. In the mid-20th century, General Motors, Firestone, and Standard Oil were part of a coordinated effort to buy out and dismantle streetcar systems in over 40 U.S. cities—replacing them with buses and cars that kept you dependent on oil and rubber. Today, we’re paying the price. The U.S. is decades behind countries like Japan, Spain, and China in building high-speed rail. A 2022 report by the Congressional Research Service found that over $3 trillion in federal spending has gone to highways since 1956, compared to just $300 billion for rail and transit. Lobbying, corporate interest, and a total car-first mentality have made alternatives rare—leaving most Americans no real choice but to drive.

POV: You go to a car dealership

And the cost? It’s not just at the pump. The average new car price is over $47,000 as of 2024. Used cars average $26,000. Add in insurance, maintenance, tolls, parking, gas, and you’re looking at $10,728 per year per vehicle according to AAA. Then there’s theft, accidents, emissions, and now—skyrocketing repair costs even for minor tech failures in newer vehicles. EVs have been marketed as the green solution, but let’s be honest—the price of a new EV is still out of reach for most, and the industry is still tied to corporate control and unsustainable production methods. The car as freedom? Maybe not. More like a subscription service you can’t cancel.

So how do we push back? Whether you drive or not, there are smarter ways to navigate this system:

🔧 If You're Living With a Car

• Don’t buy emotionally. Avoid flex-culture traps like muscle cars or overpriced trims. Buy reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable.

• Always negotiate. The sticker price is just a suggestion. Look up market value with tools like Kelley Blue Book.

• Budget realistically. Include insurance, gas, oil changes, tires, registration, tolls, and surprise repairs.

• Skip the dealership extras. Warranties, GPS add-ons, and “paint protection” are usually overpriced upsells.

• Buy used, not new. A 2–5-year-old vehicle often has the same features but costs thousands less.

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🚶‍♀️ If You're Living Car-Free (Or Trying To)

• Use public transit or bike where possible. Even partial car-free living (e.g., weekends or short commutes) saves thousands. I traded mine in for a moped scooter!

• Remote work = freedom from commuting. More Gen Z are seeking jobs that don’t require a car at all.

• Use rideshares or carshares only when needed. Zipcar, Getaround, Uber—they still cost less than full car ownership.

• Live closer to what matters. Even in small towns, consider housing near work, grocery, or your social circle.

• Stat check: Going car-free can save you up to $9,000/year, according to the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

  
  

So, is the car a symbol of freedom? Some would say yes—mobility, independence, spontaneity. But here at Scraps to Stacks, we challenge that idea. If something drains your wallet, pollutes your air, and locks you into a monthly payment plan—is that really freedom, or just another form of modern slavery with a leather interior? You decide. We're just here to help you question it—and stack smarter.