True freedom or lead weight around the neck?

Sources:

1. Pew Research Center asked Americans, "Do you pretty much think of this as a necessity or do you pretty much think of this as a luxury you can do without?" Released April, 2009.
2. AAA estimates average automobile costs of $8,095 per year, including ownership and operation. Released April, 2009.
   
3. American Community Survey records a mean vehicle availability of 1.78 per household in the United States for 2005-2007.
4. The other costs are personal estimates, assuming 10-year life span for appliances and 3-5 year life span for electronics and minimal financing.