$500/month cash towards a car...what to do?

[Lizard23]

As posted above, my parking, gas, tolls, all other incidentals are paid for on TOP of the $500/month. I currently pay 545/month for parking and I expense this without any issue. The $500 just needs to cover monthly car payment (or lease) and insurance. It is ridiculous to say I am going to have to pay out of pocket "no matter what" as I can lease a camry for 200/month + 100/month insurance and pocket 200/month

Yes, i live in manhattan, and need the car for work. In what capacity i need the car is of no relevance to the original question which is....

If you had 500/month (tax free) for a car and insurance, what kind of car would you buy/lease?

 

[grundletaint]

a camry and pocket 200

 

[milosz]

I'd go even smaller than a Camry, if you don't need marque to impress people. The Scion coupe/sedan (tC?) or a Honda Civic.

 

[Monaco]

If you're going to be stuck in traffic all the time, might as well do it in the most comfortable premium luxury brand, Lexus. Go lease a new GS.

 

[NewYorkIslander]

500 a month for a car and insurance isn't much. In Brooklyn my insurance is almost $150. I drive a Volvo S60 at $339 a month, so I'm in your budget. Its a nice car, not quite as bling as some of the other suggestions but its not a Camry. I'd even size down and go to an s40 or one of those c30 coupes.

 

[username79]

Originally Posted by Jokerman

Dont get a BMW. Everyone has a BMW and half of those people are self indulgent weiners.
I bet that you don't have a BMW. Recommend Camry 2.5 SE. Good looking car, inexpensive, reliable, best interior fit and finish in its class. Only car for the money that comes with a nice set of 17" wheels and decent V-rated tires.

 

[Lizard23]

Thank you all. Very helpful. I agree about 350/month for the car alone is prob my max. Now just have to shop around.

 

[audiophilia]

Originally Posted by TheRookie

BMW 328i

Hell yeah.

 

[audiophilia]

Originally Posted by Jokerman

Dont get a BMW. Everyone has a BMW and half of those people are self indulgent weiners.

You complete, utter plonker.

Are you this guy?

 

[Piobaire]

http://theultimatedouchebagmachine.com/

 

[norcaltransplant]

Originally Posted by NewYorkRanger

500 a month for a car and insurance isn't much. In Brooklyn my insurance is almost $150. I drive a Volvo S60 at $339 a month, so I'm in your budget. Its a nice car, not quite as bling as some of the other suggestions but its not a Camry. I'd even size down and go to an s40 or one of those c30 coupes.

I also live in Brooklyn, my insurance is a painful $140/month for '00 Corrolla. NY has high accident rates and extremely tort happy. With the leftover cash, I recommend a Honda Fit (~$200-250) and pocketing the rest.

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

http://theultimatedouchebagmachine.com/

You're the one with the tattoo??



I keed...I keed...

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by DNW

You're the one with the tattoo??



I keed...I keed...

Nah, me and guidos are on the opposite side of haole-hood.

 

[visionology]

Last time I checked an Audi a5 was around $475 a month lease...

 

[username79]

Originally Posted by Monaco

If you're going to be stuck in traffic all the time, might as well do it in the most comfortable premium luxury brand, Lexus. Go lease a new GS.

This chromed striped period blood colored jelly bean is hideous on many levels, inside, out, and in how it drives. They don't sell too many of these to the non-AARP set.