Cannot. Really? You have any stats to back that up? Or is it just a feeling?
The average buyer probably carries a lot more debt than in the past. Doesn't mean his real income is lower.
I think only few people can pay $20,000 cash for a car --- back 40 years ago you would have found more people who could pay cash for their car --- or pay off the loan in 2 years of less --- it doesn't matter if incomes are comparatively lower or the costs of living are comparatively much higher --- it amounts to the same thing. To me it's crazy to take out a loan on anything that is going to lose it's worth --- a home mortgage at least makes some sense but making payments with interest on something over 6 years that in 6 years is worth practically nothing is absurd.