Why cars, everyone?

I like the idea of cars (especially if we can get different ones, fix them up, etc.), basically as an added level of 'realism'. I notice the lack of them when other cars are driving around. But in terms of priorities for gameplay, they are near the bottom. I would prefer more occult states/creatures, 'hard' stuff like robbers to up the difficulty level for my Sims' lives, and activities like University as something else I can do with my Sims. But, to each their own.