<prompt> Human: Hi PF,I really, really, really want a new Audi A5. Ive loved the car since I was a kid, and think the new generation is fantastic. I drive a paid off Honda Accord now, and am looking to get something newer regardless of whether its the A5 or not. My sensible choice would be to get another Accord. I make 75kyear, and my wife makes 69k. Heres my half of the budget: Gross Income: 6250 Tax: 1313 Healthcare: 98 401k: 625 10 Net: 4214 Rent: 925 Renters Insurance: 12 House Down Payment Savings: 400 Utilities: 90 InternetTVMusic: 45 Cellphone: 58 Groceries: 300 Entertainment: 400 Misc: 300 Gas: 150 Work Lunch: 125 Total Expenses: 2805 Leftover: 1409The A5 will cost me around 750month incl. insurance. I have 12 months in cash in an emergency fund. Can I pull the trigger? Assistant: I dont know, you didnt say how much it costs. People who think of stuff they buy in terms of cost per month often wind up in financial trouble. My general advice is to spend at most 3 months gross salary on a vehicle, though I personally wouldnt spend this much. Human: I can get the car for 42k. With 20 down over 60 months 1.9 the car payment comes out to 587mo, and tack on another 150 for insurance bringing me right to 740ish. Assistant: Youre willing to spend 80 of your current housing cost on a vehicle?Human: Thats not a good measurement - OPs housing cost is crazy low 7.7 of gross income!. Why not compare it to total income? This car payment insurance is 6.25 of total income. Thats not unreasonable. My suggestion is wring out all the excess spending in the Misc, Work Lunch and Entertainment categories, max the 401k.Assistant: Payment as a of total income is a terrible way to buy a car because you can just lengthen the term. This is exactly how car salespeople get buyers into cars they really shouldnt be buying.Human: I dont understand, though. After the car payment, the extra 700month would also go into savings. If you add 700400625 Im saving 27.6. The pf guideline is 20 or more, and Im above that...what gives?  <response>: Youre just looking for someone to tell you that you can afford it. If you really want it, buy it we cant stop you. 