CORONA—After half a decade of extensive research, scientists have officially confirmed what most car enthusiasts fear: the only thing making this hobby difficult is being broke. The study, published this week by the Useless Technicals Institute, found a direct link between financial struggle and a car that has been stock for years.

“The data is clear,” said Dr. Anthony Vasquez, lead author of the study. “When participants had money, they described car ownership as 'fun' and 'rewarding.' When they didn’t, it immediately became 'the worst mistake of my life.' The emotional swing was honestly impressive.”

Study participants reported familiar symptoms, such as refusing to check bank balances, hiding PayPal transactions from loved ones, and using phrases like “the car’s basically done” despite it being completely undriveable. “I always thought it was the car causing me stress,” said test subject Raul Jimenez. “But turns out, it was just the crushing weight of poverty. When I got my tax return, I felt incredible. Then I spent it all on wheels. Now I’m back to suffering. Science works.”

Not everyone is surprised by the findings. “Yeah, no kidding,” said longtime mechanic Laura Nguyen. “Rich guys build three cars at once and call it therapy. Broke guys spend four years on a motor swap and call it a learning experience. We’ve known this.”

Researchers hope their work will lead to better financial literacy in the car community, but most enthusiasts remain unconvinced. “The real problem,” added Jimenez, “is I’m not rich yet. But when I am? Oh, you’re all done for.”

In unrelated news, the same study also found that “just needing one more part” will last approximately forever.