... 2) I made at least 3-4x the cost of the car or could buy the car without financing b/c the economy is in a tenuous situation and not very stable or able to withstand much geopolitical or financial shock. Income 3-4x the cost of the car should give you enough cushion in case economic badness happens. Maybe I'm too conservative, but conservative in this case is being safe, not sorry. Don't get in over your head on a vehicle that provides no more utility than a Prius (which comes with cup holders for rear seat occupants by the way).