A simple Answer TO yOUr Question
What percentage of income should I spend on a car?
Most financial planners suggest keeping total vehicle expenses (payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance) at or below 15-20% of your monthly take-home pay. The lower end of that range leaves more room for savings, debt paydown, and other expenses. In NJ, where car insurance rates are among the highest in the country, the 15% figure is a useful target because insurance alone can run $1,500-$3,000 per year, which eats into the total car budget more than drivers in lower-premium states experience. The key is to calculate the total number, not just the monthly payment, before committing to any vehicle.
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The Smart Buyer's Guide to Leasing vs. Buying in 2026
Discover:
✓ When to lease vs. buy
✓ Hidden fees to watch for
✓ Tax benefits for business owners
✓ Current manufacturer incentives
Smart move!
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Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
People come for the number. They stay for how easy we make it.
David Goldstein and his team are great. He was always available and responsive whenever I voiced a concern. He was quick to answer questions, which was extremely helpful it making decisions as I did not need to wait long to connect with him. I highly recommend connecting with David the next time you are looking for a vehicle!
David Goldstein and his team are great. He was always available and responsive whenever I voiced a concern. He was quick to answer questions, which was extremely helpful it making decisions as I did not need to wait long to connect with him. I highly recommend connecting with David the next time you are looking for a vehicle!
Joseph Bestreich
I can’t thank Sean enough for making my transition seamless and completely stress-free. What can often feel like an overwhelming process was made easy and comfortable from start to finish. He took the time to truly understand my wants, needs, and budget without any judgment, and kept me informed every step of the way. His humor and authenticity were an added bonus and made the experience even more enjoyable. Going from one lease to another in under a week felt effortless and refreshing, even without stepping into a dealership. See you in three years, Sean!
I can’t thank Sean enough for making my transition seamless and completely stress-free. What can often feel like an overwhelming process was made easy and comfortable from start to finish. He took the time to truly understand my wants, needs, and budget without any judgment, and kept me informed every step of the way. His humor and authenticity were an added bonus and made the experience even more enjoyable. Going from one lease to another in under a week felt effortless and refreshing, even without stepping into a dealership. See you in three years, Sean!
Alexia Lekkas
Joe Piazza
Fantastic services! I highly recommend them. They make purchasing and leasing cars so easy! This is my third transaction and will continue to use this service.
Fantastic services! I highly recommend them. They make purchasing and leasing cars so easy! This is my third transaction and will continue to use this service.
sharon Gallagher
I had an absolutely amazing experience with David and Jess at Vantage Auto Group. They got me the exact car I wanted at the best possible price—and did it all within a day. The entire process was seamless, stress-free, and incredibly efficient. From start to finish, everything was handled with professionalism and transparency, and the delivery was so effortless it almost felt too easy. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend!
I had an absolutely amazing experience with David and Jess at Vantage Auto Group. They got me the exact car I wanted at the best possible price—and did it all within a day. The entire process was seamless, stress-free, and incredibly efficient. From start to finish, everything was handled with professionalism and transparency, and the delivery was so effortless it almost felt too easy. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend!
Melissa Salerno
Scott McEnerney
John Clemente
Lisa Salzberg
My wife and I recently moved from the city and needed a car but didn’t know where to start. At first we tried online, but it was honestly a little overwhelming. I reached out to a local friend for leads, and he pointed me to Vantage. I hopped on a call with Sean after work and gave him a rough outline for what we were looking for. I’m not a car guy, so it was basically: “I need something safe, reliable, and not falling apart.” Sean very much IS a car guy, and he took it from there. After going over our budget, he recommended a couple options, as well as compelling reasons to lease instead of buying used as we had planned. The next morning we went back and forth via text to hash out the details, and then that afternoon a beautiful brand new car within our budget rolled into our driveway. I signed some paperwork with his team, and that was that. Literally less than 24 hours after the initial phone call, I was all set. It was easier than 99% of all my other projects that go into moving to the burbs. The whole experience was extremely communicative and chill. And on top of everything else…I straight up love this car. I fear I’m a car guy now. Thanks, Vantage.
My wife and I recently moved from the city and needed a car but didn’t know where to start. At first we tried online, but it was honestly a little overwhelming. I reached out to a local friend for leads, and he pointed me to Vantage. I hopped on a call with Sean after work and gave him a rough outline for what we were looking for. I’m not a car guy, so it was basically: “I need something safe, reliable, and not falling apart.” Sean very much IS a car guy, and he took it from there. After going over our budget, he recommended a couple options, as well as compelling reasons to lease instead of buying used as we had planned. The next morning we went back and forth via text to hash out the details, and then that afternoon a beautiful brand new car within our budget rolled into our driveway. I signed some paperwork with his team, and that was that. Literally less than 24 hours after the initial phone call, I was all set. It was easier than 99% of all my other projects that go into moving to the burbs. The whole experience was extremely communicative and chill. And on top of everything else…I straight up love this car. I fear I’m a car guy now. Thanks, Vantage.
Stephen Gumbrecht