Why Does Owning a Car Feel Like a Luxury? Our Take as an Insurance Agency
A recent Reddit post in r/India titled “Why don’t we deserve nice things?” hit a nerve with a lot of people—and for good reason.
From the cost of cars to the condition of the roads they’re driven on, it raises a question that resonates far beyond one country:
Why is basic vehicle ownership starting to feel like a luxury?
Sticker Shock Is Real
“You're telling me this piece of tin costs more than a Mustang?”
When you compare the price of mid-range SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner to better-built, better-equipped vehicles from brands like Ford, Mazda, and GM in other countries, it’s hard not to feel scammed. Import duties, road taxes, registration fees, and tolls pile on quickly.
And for what? Roads that feel more off-road than highway.
Secondhand Cars: The Missed Opportunity
“They have a huge system of secondhand cars…and reliable too.”
Countries like the U.S. and Germany have strong used-car systems, backed by certified dealerships, vehicle history reports, and stable resale values. In contrast, many local markets treat older cars as liabilities, retiring them after 15 years—even while decades-old trucks keep rolling.
That’s not just bad for affordability—it’s bad for accessibility, safety, and sustainability.
The “Egg Car” Crisis
“All look identical…and all white because people can’t afford color after the taxes.”
Between high taxation, CNG conversions, and design compromises, it’s no surprise so many cars look the same—function over form. Owning a car with color, style, and comfort has become something aspirational when it should be standard.
Poor Infrastructure Meets High Costs
Here’s the real issue: we’re paying luxury prices for cars, but driving on roads that barely qualify as maintained. The imbalance between what you pay and what you get leads to real frustration—and legitimate safety concerns.
And let’s not ignore the rising number of pothole-related accidents, flood damage claims, and suspension failures reported across metro cities.
(Source: Times of India, March 2025)
Reddit Reacts
One commenter joked:
“Tax me daddy, tax me daddy 👄.” — u/Major-Wash9726
It’s sarcastic, but accurate. People feel powerless under stacked-on taxes, high registration fees, sky-high insurance premiums, and poor infrastructure—yet car ownership remains essential.
Here’s Where We Come In
At Farmers Insurance - Young Douglas, we don’t control the cost of cars, roads, or fuel. But we can help you protect what you’ve got.
Auto Insurance Isn’t a Luxury. It’s Your Backup Plan.
With rising car prices and unpredictable road conditions, the right auto insurance is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying new or secondhand, you need:
- Comprehensive coverage for flood and road damage
- Third-party liability (because accidents happen—even on bad roads)
- Theft and fire protection
- Affordable premiums you can live with
Ready to Get a Quote?
Get a no-obligation auto insurance quote today.
We’ll help you compare plans, avoid hidden fees, and get the coverage you actually need—nothing more, nothing less.
Get Your Free Auto Insurance Quote Now
(No pressure. Just real answers.)