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Why Millennials Just Don't Care About Cars

Internet obsession is a big reason, but it's not the only one.

By Claire_Martin Apr 4, 2012 6:46AM
Smart ForTwo photo by Smart.It's true that members of the generation known as Millennials, or "Generation Y," are more interested in going online than getting behind the wheel of a car. A new study by the Transportation Research Institute of the University of Michigan shows an inversely proportional relationship between Internet use and driver licensing rates across this demographic. But the reasons for their automobile apathy go well beyond the Web. Here are the top six.

1. They don't need cars to get around: Millennials are drawn to cities, where public transportation is plentiful and parking is a hassle. "Millennials are more likely than past generations to live in an urban community," writes Jordan Weissmann in The Atlantic. "This may be part of what terrifies car makers." 

2. They don't think cars are worth the trouble: "They hate waiting in traffic and don’t love the cost of maintaining vehicles," says Neil Chambers of Treehugger.com. "They dislike the amount of land used for parking lots, roads and highways, and they loath the alternatives car companies are offering."

3. They like to share: They're drawn to the mobility and convenience of cars, but they seek out alternatives to car ownership. About 53 percent of Millennials recently surveyed by Zipcar said they would likely use a car-sharing service. "Millennials recognize the limited value of paying so much for something they use so little," says Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. "They want the freedom to drive, but reject the financial burden of car ownership." 

4. They value their free time: Even in car-centric Los Angeles, college students would swap car ownership for more time to do other things. "A [UCLA] student explained that taking a bus usually increases her travel time by 60 to 90 minutes," according to Chambers' research. Nevertheless, the student and her friends still do it. "[I]t frees them up to read, study, do homework, text friends, engage social media and, well, 'just stare off into space.'"

5. They're concerned about the environment, but they're broke: According to Zipcar's study, 55 percent of Millennials surveyed have made a conscious decision to drive less. Environmental concerns, increased use of social media and the expense of vehicle ownership were their reasons. But in addition, they're not buying hybrids or electric vehicles because they can't afford the high sticker prices and the costly maintenance. Instead, they avoid driving altogether. And if they do buy a new vehicle, it's something small, inexpensive and fuel-efficient, like a Smart car.  

6. They don't really have anywhere to go: Millennials suffered during the recession, so they don't need cars for one very practical reason. According to Dale Buss, of Forbes: "Millennials have been hard-hit by unemployment since the beginning of the Great Recession and so [they] have less need or occasion to use a vehicle to get to work."
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61Comments
cs in denver
Apr 14, 2012 6:57AM
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I grew up in a country area on CO's West Slope and learned to drive was I was 11; getting my license at age 16. To me a car is just a convenience and sometimes a neccessity. I can see why some urban types would go without them and it's no big deal. I prefer having a car and I'm glad i can drive.
Pajamarama
Apr 14, 2012 6:50AM
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I am a Gen Yer. This article pretty much sums up my opinions on cars (with a few exceptions).

However, the biggest reason I do not have a new car is because I believe that it is financially irresponsible to take out a loan on a depreciating asset. 

While my husband and I can absolutely and easily afford a loan on a 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX wagon, we choose to drive a 21 year old Geo Prizm that was paid for with spare change. On the outside, we may appear lazy, "anti-American", and poor. But in reality, we are going to be the secret millionaire next door laughing at our neighbors because they purchase a new car every few years and are fretting about the small amount of cash in barely existent retirement savings accounts.
clownfeet
Apr 14, 2012 5:33AM
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My two cars are paid for a five year old top of the line  Honda accord  with less than thirty thousand miles I drive the malibu most of the time its paid for, I plan to give the honda to my Grandchild in about ten years when it should have around fifty or sixty thousand miles on it still like new so he can save money, he will know that he could put another two hundred and fifty thousand miles on it be for he has to buy a new or good used car, and will teach him to pay cash  I plan to never buy another car in my life time the younger gen yers need to be taught to save invest, and buy good used cars, and pay cash for them, and look for other used products that they can save money to invest with and save it is our responsibility to teach them!
mkhansontx
Apr 14, 2012 5:13AM
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One other factor that keeps Gen Y from behind the wheel. It scares the Hell out of the them, the thought of all those things that come with ownership of an automobile. Payments, insurance, maintenance, parking, co-ordination with others in traffic. More and more cities are banning the use of cellphones and I-pads, when behind the wheel. Kids can't function and can barely walk at the same time, when the handheld device is turned on. It scares the hell out of me, those who do try to operate a vehicle with a phone or pad in hand! Let's not encourage Gen Y to get behind the wheel, please!
wj 6000
Apr 14, 2012 4:35AM
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BS survey.  The number of cars on the road increases every year and the amount of kids interested in cars has not changed.
Julie
Apr 14, 2012 4:21AM
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I don't understand the reason for the negative comments toward the Generation Y.  Each generation brings their own unique stamp on our country.  If this generation chooses internet over cars, isn't that what freedom is all about?  Believe me, public transportation is anything but lazy.  This negativity is exactly the reason for such divisiveness in our country.  Are we seriously calling people names over whether they drive cars or not?  I didn't see anything in this article, or hear from others, how those "Baby Boomers" or other generations shouldn't be driving cars.  And lots of Generation Y people do drive cars, even nice ones.  What is all the fuss about?  If you want to drive a car, drive one.  If you don't, don't.  Honestly, this nastiness is getting ridiculous.

 

 

MIA Trash
Apr 14, 2012 3:49AM
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I agree with this article.  Both Gen Y's in my family keep their brand new cars looking dirty and messy, so much so that I hate to get into it because I think a roach might walk all over me.  When I was their age I would clean my car every week and detail it because I loved my old, shitty Ford Pinto stationwagon.  They really could care less about their brand new SUV or sports cars and it shows on how they show it no love.Auto

NoParrot
Apr 14, 2012 3:39AM
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A car can give you the freedom to go anywhere, anytime. I'm not a homebody who can be happy staying in Momma's basement all day.
kofboy
Apr 14, 2012 2:25AM
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As a member of Gen Y I can say that we are not all lazy. If we were so lazy you only need to look at the Generation that raised us to be that way... (Baby Boomers/Gen X). Both my wife and I have good jobs but things are still tight. I think that we have to keep everything in perspective when looking for a car. That is why I own a 12yr old car. The insurance is cheap it does descent on gas and maintenance is low. I have a college degree but could not think to adding a car note at this time. I don't even want an expensive car (Mini Cooper). But I know that the spike in insurance, using premium gas, and maintenance would kill my budget.
pheets
Apr 14, 2012 1:14AM
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I appreciate being a bit older. I like my vehicles and the efficiency with which I can run my farm because of them.  My farm is NOT in Farmville, that could be why  : )
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