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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What Our Customers Say
People come for the number. They stay for how easy we make it.
Lisa Salzberg
I’ve never used a broker to buy a car before and honestly, I was skeptical. But after this experience, I’ll never step foot in a dealership again. I have a demanding job with very little free time, so I simply texted David exactly what I wanted—and that was it. The entire process happened while I was in back-to-back work meetings. I never even had to pick up the phone! It was completely stress-free and I couldn’t be happier with my Maserati Grecale!
I’ve never used a broker to buy a car before and honestly, I was skeptical. But after this experience, I’ll never step foot in a dealership again. I have a demanding job with very little free time, so I simply texted David exactly what I wanted—and that was it. The entire process happened while I was in back-to-back work meetings. I never even had to pick up the phone! It was completely stress-free and I couldn’t be happier with my Maserati Grecale!
Kelly Winch
Zach Messing
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
Recently bought a car through Vantage Auto Group and can’t say enough how great they were. Their process was seamless and they made buying a car a great experience. highly recommend Vantage Auto Group!
Recently bought a car through Vantage Auto Group and can’t say enough how great they were. Their process was seamless and they made buying a car a great experience. highly recommend Vantage Auto Group!
Cory Rothbort
Leased a brand new VW Tiguan for my daughter’s 17th birthday. Great pricing! Excellent service! No problem. Will recommend and come back when lease expires. Great job!
Leased a brand new VW Tiguan for my daughter’s 17th birthday. Great pricing! Excellent service! No problem. Will recommend and come back when lease expires. Great job!
Robert Kogan
Very smooth process and car was delivered on time and the driver and sales rep were very nice and easy to work with!
Very smooth process and car was delivered on time and the driver and sales rep were very nice and easy to work with!
David Tingle
Sean was very professional and helpful. Highly recommended
Sean was very professional and helpful. Highly recommended
Syed Husain
It was a “fun” way to make a car purchase. Mark V. and the whole team were responsive, informative, and very friendly! Can’t wait to purchase the next one!! (😬🤪) Thank you!! Ulla & Bill
It was a “fun” way to make a car purchase. Mark V. and the whole team were responsive, informative, and very friendly! Can’t wait to purchase the next one!! (😬🤪) Thank you!! Ulla & Bill
W Shuler