I did not live during the GDR, but from what I have heard, people made do. I personally dont find it bad, it is way more resource friendly. If you are conditioned to the illusion of choice in a capitalist system, this will sound bad to many, even if it isnt. A car is a car. A means of transportation. Who cares if it is green or red.

btw i have my knowledge of the gdr's history mostly from people that grew up there, that's how i first noticed how the portrayal in the history books is not accurate to say the least