First a nit: &#x27;Now, he says, “cars have become virtual reality boxes,” infantilizing the driver. BMW even pipes phony engine noises through its cars’ sound systems...&#x27;
Chevy and Ford do this too with their trucks at least.<p>Second: 16 years ago I chose a car loan instead of a student loan. I was living in a small town and it was a ticket out.  It was key to getting a higher paying job as employers required the mobility.  In areas with poor or nonexistent transit, this is still the case.  I live in Toronto now, sold my car 2 years ago, walk to work and telecommute and use car sharing.  Why?  Roads are too congested (I consider commuting in rush our soul destroying), it is so easy to rent a car today compared to 20 years ago and the big one: Insurance.  It is prohibitively expensive and I have a perfect driving record.  I now rent out my parking stall, and have more money available to travel and I no longer have expensive surprise costs for car repairs.<p>These people are describing a hobby and the author seems to have missed that.