My first car was a total shitheap. Clapped out. But I loved it, it gave me lots of anecdotes (like not being able to use the radio if the lights were on), and I genuinely appreciated working up to what I currently have.
Similarly, my first experience of living independently was at University, when me and three friends trawled the student area to rent a four bedroom dump, with a hole in one ceiling, a damp bathroom, and dubious furnishings, from someone who can only be described as a slum-lord.
We had some great times.
Nowadays new drivers tend to get something far more serviceable, even new, and a lot of students have modern, clean, well maintained accommodation.
Objectively I know nowadays is better but AIBU to think there was something about having a shitheap of a car and living in a dump that was sort of a rite of passage, something character building. Or am I just a nostalgic old git?