Originally Posted by boolala

Correct. Except for one small point: 33% for a car corresponds to 4 not 3 months gross income. So the means test would suggest that if you make 120 K a year a "reasonable" amount to allocate for your car would be 40 K. This would buy you a nicely equipped Acura e.g. which is probably what most of these people drive.

Now remember these are averages. If you are outside the norm as, e.g., having substantial assets but relatively little income then sure you can spend more for a car. Few people are in this category however. If you do then you know who you are.

For the rest of us these are probably good guidelines to follow.

And, finally, I agree that buying cars, especially at these prices, is not a rational decision. It comes closer to being a burnt offering for most of us.