We always hear in passing, comments about how expensive cars are, along with everything else etc etc. Part of it is that we have short memory, and the current time always seems tough, and part of it is just that we are spending our money on lots of other lifestyle things.
I wanted to quantify this as it relates to cars, so I looked back at a 2003 pilot EXL AWD, and compared it with a 2023 same trim. Surely the 23 beats the 03 in every way, including size, power, performance, safety, comfort, etc.
2003 pilot exl awd $32,520
2023 pilot exl awd $44,050
That's a 35.5% increase in 20 years, which is +1.53% average annual increase.
For comparison, CPI has gone up 51% in the same period, average +2.21%/year.
Another comparison, I would guess that housing has doubled in that time frame.
Surely looking at the 2003, if it was offered new in current time at that price, we would still prefer the 23, as even at the higher price, it's a better value. Even a 23 CRV might be preferable over a 03 pilot.
I did the same comparison with an accord some years ago, and came to the same conclusion: we are getting more for our money now (with cars) than in the past.
Look at these and see which one you would buy?
![Image]()
Or this:
![Image]()
I wanted to quantify this as it relates to cars, so I looked back at a 2003 pilot EXL AWD, and compared it with a 2023 same trim. Surely the 23 beats the 03 in every way, including size, power, performance, safety, comfort, etc.
2003 pilot exl awd $32,520
2023 pilot exl awd $44,050
That's a 35.5% increase in 20 years, which is +1.53% average annual increase.
For comparison, CPI has gone up 51% in the same period, average +2.21%/year.
Another comparison, I would guess that housing has doubled in that time frame.
Surely looking at the 2003, if it was offered new in current time at that price, we would still prefer the 23, as even at the higher price, it's a better value. Even a 23 CRV might be preferable over a 03 pilot.
I did the same comparison with an accord some years ago, and came to the same conclusion: we are getting more for our money now (with cars) than in the past.
Look at these and see which one you would buy?
Or this:
