Most individuals don't buy new. Thinking they can't afford it. Yeah, probably not........... because of mixed up priorities. Don't need all the options the manufacture offers. Don't need to keep up with the Jones', either. All that's needed for transportation is a steering wheel and five tires, one of which is a full size spare. That's the way it use to be, when I grew up. All the other stuff is for comfort and/or show.
A/C was a $500 option. Roughly, 1/6th. of a $3000 brand new car. First car my dad ordered with A/C was a 78 Grand Prix. Had power steering and brakes. No power windows or door locks. AM radio. We made do. My father always bought new, what he could afford. Paid cash and had the maintenance done, regularly. Kept them for a minimum of seven years. Cars I remember him owning, 52 Pontiac Sky Chief, 60 Pontiac Catalina, 67 Buick Le Sabre, 78 Grand Prix and a 91 Buick Regal. I learned to drive on the 67 LeSabre.
My first car, 72 Chevelle SS, doesn't have PW, PS, PDL or A/C. All deemed frivolous growing up in Michigan. And yes I still own it. Cindy took it to town, this AM.