Obsession with cars NI

It seems to me that so many people in NI are spending high percentages of their income on cars. Is it just me or what is the deal with that?

My neighbours (both in their 20s) are earning a household income of circa £50-55k net and literally have 2 x £30k cars sat on the driveway.

I really don’t understand it, paying £500-600 a month for something you’ll never own and is a depreciating asset (if on HP).

Is there no / very limited financial literacy in NI or do people just expect wages will obliterate their outgoings (+inheritance) in 20-25 years?

EDIT: see similar thread a few months ago, it’s not just me then… https://www.reddit.com/r/northernireland/s/f8caXh00AU