No one is forced to buy a car at the median price.

You can buy these cars new under $25K.

Toyota Corolla LE ($23,460), Hyundai Elantra SE ($23,025), Kia K4 LX ($21,990), Nissan Sentra S ($21,590), Mazda3 2.5 S ($24,150), Subaru Impreza Base ($23,495).

I make decent money and I would never spend more than $25K on a car. Of course you can also get used cars with low mileage.

As far as people in rural areas. They deserve every negative thing that they keep voting for.