How About A $4000 Car?

http://www.motorists.org/blog/gm-4000-dollar-car-we-will-not-get/

Not so fast.  GM is apparently quite capable of producing a car for $4000, and indeed plans to sell them … just not in the U.S.  It seems that our government has these things called “standards” for stuff like, I dunno, safety.  Costs money to make sure a car lives up to those standards. 

Just not in other countries.

I suppose it’s an interesting economic idea.  Do I want to buy a cheap car with no air bags?  Nope, I’ll pay the extra for the safety.  But if some 19yr old with little income wants to buy the only car he can afford, and is willing to take that gamble, tell me why I should stop him?  All I care about is whether he can afford the insurance if he hits me.  If he damages himself because he’s driving a death trap that’s his choice.