"Gas Prices Too High, But He Hates Walking"...U.S. Man Parks Mercedes and Drives Toy Car Instead

U.S. Mechanic Converts Toy Car Amid Soaring Gas Prices

A children's toy car modified by Mali Hightower (30) to be drivable. Screenshot from SNS

As gasoline prices soar across the United States, changes are being observed in everyday modes of transportation. While more people are reducing their driving or turning to public transportation, some are adopting unconventional and extreme cost-saving solutions that are drawing attention.

According to recent reports by U.S. media outlets such as People magazine, Mali Hightower (30), a mechanic living in Ellenwood, Georgia, has attracted attention for converting a discarded children's toy car into a drivable vehicle.

Transformation of a Discarded 'Barbie Camper'

The vehicle he chose was a Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper, an electric toy car for children. To this toy car, which stands just over 1 meter tall, he installed a single-cylinder small engine taken from a pressure washer.

The engine starts by pulling a cord, similar to how a lawn mower is started. He also added a makeshift cargo rack on top of the vehicle so he could carry groceries. Although the size is cramped for an adult, he manages to use this "mini vehicle" for short trips by wearing a helmet and sitting with his knees bent.

A children's toy vehicle modified by Mali Hightower (30) to be drivable. Screenshot from SNS

"90 Dollars to Fill Up Once"...A Choice Driven by Cost Burden

The reason behind Hightower's decision was the rapidly rising cost of fuel. His original vehicle, a 1996 Mercedes-Benz convertible, costs about 90 dollars to fill up the tank once.

He explained, "The cost of fuel has become unbearably high, so I use the vehicle I built myself for short distances," adding, "I've always enjoyed building small vehicles, but this time, saving money was the decisive factor."

A toy car for children modified by Mali Hightower (30) to be drivable. SNS capture

How High Oil Prices Are Changing Daily Life

Recently, the average gasoline price in the United States has exceeded 4.5 dollars per gallon and continues to climb sharply. As a result, citizens' travel patterns are rapidly changing.

In a recent poll conducted jointly by The Washington Post and ABC News, 44% of respondents said they have reduced their driving, while in some areas, public transportation usage has increased by double-digit percentages. More people are refraining from long-distance travel or shrinking their daily activity range.

In addition, high fuel prices are affecting consumer behavior. There is a growing trend of people avoiding expensive gas stations, or using discount apps and reward points to save on fuel costs. Experts say, "High oil prices are not just causing inflation; they are acting as a structural factor that is reshaping both individual mobility and broader consumption behavior."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.