[Elsie]

Now; adjust all those numbers for inflation.

I bought my first brand-new car in ‘74 for $3,750.
My last one in 2011 for $33,000.
Which actually cost more?

[SamAdams76]

What cost $3,750 in 1974 would cost $16,866 in 2011, after adjusting for inflation. So you paid more in 2011.

Of course your 2011 car probably has a lot more bells and whistles so that should be taken into consideration