[quote=@Shienvien] So a regular old Joe would most likely have a self-driving car by then in this reality, too...? (We're looking for "cheapest to acquire", not "vintage" here.) I can make either work, just the details of how may vary a bit. [/quote] Yes, self-driving will be standard. Though you can save a bunch of rupees by going without the self-driving, if you're desperate for funds. Electric car technology would have been matured to the point of costing the same as the oil ones. If you want something in between, a hybrid car can be viable. One reason for not using self-driving cars is to do illegal stuff with it. Programs are created to obey traffic laws, so it's easier to drive over the speed limit on your own than hacking the car brain.