That really is the difference between 'then' and now. Nobody can work on anything.

Just one example: there is an 02 Ram 1500 on the local Marketplace for $1,500. Has a bad tranny. Doesn't look too bad. Local pick-a-parts have trannies for $150-$200. There are similar deals on cars, too. But everyone has to have a decent looking dependable running and driving vehicle for peanuts. Not going to happen.

For those that can work on cars, there are still decent deals today, same as yesterday.