I'm irritated by how everyone is lamenting how a car is a liability etc etc in the past few pages. Don't be stupid. Its an investment alright. Its an asset in its own right.

Just because it doesn't bring in cashflow directly doesn't mean it doesn't bring you benefits indirectly. Its just like saying "My factory workers are liabilities.. I'm paying them but they don't bring in money for me. Only my sales department is bringing in the revenue". Padahal if you have no factory workers, your manufacturing collapses, and therefore your business dies.

So don't be stupid. A car will transport you back and forth to and from work. Having a car will open up your career options, employment options. Having a car will increase your customer outreach if you are doing your own business.

PS : Having a car might even score you a partner that is looking for someone that can provide. And that, is a lifetime investment in its own right! :@

PS2 : But how big/expensive/fancy a car you are willing to get is up to individual desires.