I would argue that a car is totally a privilege that is above that of finding other means of transportation. I couldn't even afford one until I graduated college and was working full-time.

Before then I walked if I had to, sometimes over a mile depending on the destination, or took public transportation.

Living somewhere where you don't need a car is the privilege, at least in the US. I'd have to walk 2 miles to get to public transit, and that includes crossing a pedestrian unfriendly major road.