I remember that. It started during the recession about 15 years ago.Of course, these ads really started ramping up when Cash For Clunkers was a thing.
Before then, I used to see lots of rather old cars on the roads (especially older, full sized SUVs), but after that, most of those cars basically disappeared. I still see one occasionally, but not nearly like I used to.
Those old clunkers, for what it's worth, are much more unique and interesting to look at. And of course there's almost none of that anymore because most new cars look virtually identical regardless of make, right down to the styling cues and body lines (I realize there's only so many ways to design a car, but surely they can be more interesting than this?)
At least this is so around the San Francisco Bay Area, where it feels like every other car is a Tesla (talk about boring looks!)
What does this have to do with AM radio? I don't know.
c