OP-Why not look into buying a used 2016/17 Chevrolet VOLT, you can find them at around $15,000 so your payment should be less than $300/mo… save on gas and have a better car than what you have now, a “beater” as you refer and forget about “not being able to have passengers behind you” that should be the least of your worries with your described situation (saving, insurance, student loans etc) let them WALK or take the bus if they can’t fit behind your seat. Then couple of years down the road-look into leasing as you will have better credit to lease something better
Also, look into the 2022 Nissan Frontier S 4x4 18/10 leases for under $250/mo (may be still available)
i think i’m just gonna keep my current vehicle and save some money and wait to finance a vehicle i can put a decent down payment on. whether it be CPO or new
I just leased a Subaru Ascent. Locally, they were at 600-700/month. I am at $505, including fees and tax. 8% under MSRP. Base MF.
The trick is finding a dealership that will honor the VIP pricing. Right now, that is hard to do. If you can line this up (and be prepared to order a vehicle vs something on the lot!), then make that donation.
If you have 6 months to burn, there are other charities which give you access for as low as a $50 donation, but require a 6 months wait for VIP program access.
(unfortunately, my dealership is no longer participating in VIP pricing)
