I am amazed by the number of cars parked in the student parking lot at the local high school every time that I drop my daughter off to school. These kids are driving newer models and more expensive cars than I do. My DW often implies that I should buy a "better" car. I tell her that my 2000 Corolla is fine - 36 mpg and comfortable. Anyway, I am not sure if they all can afford it, but I do know there are parents making less than $30K per year provide cell phones with text messaging to their kids.