We bought a Mazda 626 DX (basic model) new in 1990. MSRP was about $14,000. They had a $1000 rebate deal, so with some haggling we paid $11,453.
I just ran that through the inflation calculator at US Inflation Calculator
In 2013 dollars, that equals $20,456.17
Then I checked the MSRP for a new 2014 MAzda6. MSRP from $20,990
It looks like the US Government's policy of "Print More Money" has raised the price, not Mazda. In fact, when you look at the features, MPG and performance on the base model, Mazda has LOWERED the price for a better car.
I can’t speak for others, but if I have a good car that is running well, why trade it in? Anyway, the older cars are simpler, and until repair costs become too high, it is worth keeping them.
So, my daily driver is still a 2002 VW Golf TDI with about 180,000 miles. It is easy to park in the city, and I don’t mind accumulating a few dings and dents.
As far as modern conveniences, for a few hundred dollars, I replaced my factory radio with one that has USB input, bluetooth and satellite radio.