<prompt> Human: My car died less than a month after I got a salaried position at a software company. Before that I was a server at a restaurant with no concept of saving money. My car died right before I could figure out a savings plan.I take home 1800 monthly possibly more with commission600 rent and bills200 groceries75 cell200 student loans 55k in loans, not even fully paying down the interest 6. Wanted to, and then my car diedIm sure Im forgetting something, but that leaves about 700 a month. I was about to pull the trigger on a 1500 car, but it didnt pass the e-check. Id like to spend 2-4 grand on something with no rust and have it work for a few years, but my mother wants me to go to lots right now. Her friend got a car for 1500 down, 230 a month, presumably in good sjape. Im hesitant to lease because I dont want to add another bill since my loans are so heavy, not to.mention the headache of upgrading every few years. After paying my bills this month, ill have a grand to my name. Thoughts?  <response>: Her friend got a car for 1500 down, 230 a month, presumably in good sjape.Calculate the total cost of this lease. Do you want to pay that much money for a car you wont own in 3 years instead of 2-4k for a car youll own as long as you want?Your mother thinks about purchases only in terms of monthly payments, which is one of the most financially destructive things you can do. Dont follow her example. 