In my case, probably not usual, I had a hand made cabinet for 35" tube TV which I replaced with biggest LCD 37" that would fit, so the $1K was all I wanted to spend.
I have no intention of replacing it until it dies, which I expect to be at least 10 and probably 20 years.
It is more expensive to repair cars now than it use to be but other than routine maintaince I don't even repair mine once a year since the turn of the century. Back in the 80s, even with Hondas, several times a year something would break, and wasn't just me people constantly had cars in the shop. The savings in time and money associated in more reliable, and safer transportation AFAIK aren't measured but they are real.
If you want argue that yesterdays luxury's are now considered today's necessities, I'll agree. But it isn't just electronics goods. For example Pre wash hyrdophonically grown lettuce wasn't available in winter 25 years ago, nor a bunch of other convience foods, fresh fish/suishi in middle of the country was very expensive. I am pretty sure the BLS basket of goods evolves over time and the quality general improves. Although the improvements are probably subtle my 35" tubeTV vs more energy efficient HD 37" LCD, pre washed lettuce mix vs iceberg lettuce.
So I think CPI overstates the actual cost of maintaining a constant lifestyle, although perhaps understands the cost of keeping up with the Jones.
After all America is the only country in the world poor people are fat, and rich people spend tons of money trying to be thin.