can't and couldn't

[joham]

Car prices have gone down a lot, but even so, we couldn't afford to buy one.

This sentence comes from CAMBRIDGE LEARNER'S DICTIONARY. I'd like to know if we can say 'can't afford' without changing the original meaning.

Thank you in advance.

[fromatto]

Car prices have gone down a lot, but even so, we couldn't afford to buy one.

This sentence comes from CAMBRIDGE LEARNER'S DICTIONARY. I'd like to know if we can say 'can't afford' without changing the original meaning.

Thank you in advance.

Yes, you can and I think 'can't afford' sounds more natural.

[Stilo]

Hi Joham

I think I would take it that saying, couldn't afford one, as would never be able to afford one,or not likely to be able to afford one in the future.
Can't afford one, as being now Can't afford one now.

Take care
Stilo