SageBrush
REJECT Fascism
I use the SS maximum earning amount over time as an inflation index. Since 1999 it has increased 1.75x so your protege would be ~ $26.25k in today's dollars.Me too! Up from a brand new 1999 Mazda Protege ES 5-spd that cost me $15k.
The Model 3 is still more expensive, but not by much considering how much more car and technology is added. My comment is not really directed at you or the Protege, but just an example. I bought a Prius in 2004 for $27k. The base Model 3 will be a similar cost in Real dollars. That is pretty amazing.