Doesn't the historical context of fuel economy provide a solid reference point, despite technological changes? Old mileage figures, when adjusted for driving conditions, can highlight how much efficiency has actually improved. For instance, my uncle's 1992 Civic consistently got 38 mpg on highway trips, a number that modern compacts still struggle to beat in real-world mixed driving. That kind of data strips away the marketing hype and shows genuine progress, or lack thereof. If driving styles vary so much now, then maybe the benchmark should be how consistently we can approach those old numbers with new tech. Then again, maybe we're all just worse drivers now.

Absolutely spot on from @the_jamie, and it really points to something deeper, you know? That manufactured urgency feels gross because it treats people like algorithms instead of humans, (something we all sense immediately). Transparency in pricing, whether at a garage sale or on some mega-corporate website, is basically just respecting someone's time and intelligence. It's wild how a simple, honest listing can feel like a breath of fresh air now, a tiny act of rebellion against the whole manipulative system. Makes the entire transaction, even a small one, feel dignified for both sides.