When one reaches this ultimate moment, the question of affordability is almost always a factor. Can I afford a car? What can I afford? When did cars get so expensive? 

Simply put... cars have always been expensive - well, in the grand scheme of things.

America's first widely sold vehicle was the Ford Model T. It was an open tourer vehicle that came standard with front and back seats and could "comfortably" accommodate four adults. According to Ian Ward's 1974 publication of The World of Automobiles, that vehicle came out in 1909 with the staggering sale price of $850. It may seem like pennies compared to today's pricing, but you have to take in consideration inflation, the change of the dollar's worth, global economics, the unification of world business, etc., over time to realize what $850 back then is worth now. Today, it would be the equivalent of spending roughly $20,000 to $21,000. Sound familiar?

What can you buy for $21,000 today? According to Cars.com, you have a few options. If you go the New Car route, you'd be able to snag up a 2012 VW Passat (Manual, of course), a 2012 base model of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, or the like. What are Fords looking like? The only affordable new Ford you'd be getting is a base model Focus or Fiesta (well, at least in our area). If you decided to go the Used Car route, then you'd be able to max out your budget on all kinds of 2011 moderately used vehicles: 2011 Impalas, 2011 Dakotas. Or, if the model year didn't matter, you could easily afford a 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i. 

It's really all about perspective. Automobiles have always been expensive, and probably always will be. The key is to find something just right for you and your budget. Good luck with your shopping.

Oh... I bet you're wondering what $850 can get you, right? Well, the only vehicle I could find in our area is a 1983 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300SD. Total mileage: 243,000. Price: $600. 

Photo by Andrew Eick (Flckr)