Thanks for posting.

There is another factor in the " things were so much cheaper back then discussion", : the persons income then relative to today. I'm betting that in the day they were in a job with a rather high starting wage but over the years it didn't rise at the same rate as inflation and now they are making less in real dollars than in the day making it seem that prices have gone way up.

Use the CPI calc, it is reality.

Lots of 70's car prices here
Classic Car models from the 1970s with photos, prices and descriptions

"In 1970 the average new car cost around 3,542 dollars, and a gallon of gas went for 36. cents." ( 2016 = $ 21,930.82 and $ 2.23 but remember, the cost to produce fuel has gone way up along with demand. )

" in 1979 the average new car cost about 6,847 dollars, and a gallon of gas cost 88. cents." ( See I told you car prices are out of control.. . ) ( 2016 = $ 22,656.97 and $ 2.91 , there was rampant inflation and a gas crunch between 70 and 79 but compare average car prices. )

If there is any doubt that cars are lasting longer, try to find a gas station with a full service garage attached.