The full quote is "At $9/hr, I can't buy a new vehicle every three years". The other benefit for the rest of us is that when the union workers can't buy a new car every three years, maybe they will start building cars that last more than three years.
In most places, $9/hr is just a survival wage. Can't afford a new car on that--unless your living at home with mommy and daddy. American cars made today are NOT junk--although quality did suffer in the 70s and 80s. All my cars are American made and I keep 'em for 8 years. I sell them not because they don't work (they do), but 'cause I want something new. I gave my sister my Olds a few years back--its still running well after 12 years.