re: Trying to buy a new car while also affording rent.

If money is tight, you need an affordable used car.

Forget the new wrangler. Forget any wrangler. I love jeeps. I have owned one and will own one again.

But you can't afford a new car and can't afford the repairs on a jeep.

Check out consumer reports for reliable cars below $10,000.

Start there and use your money to make more money. Not on a depreciating asset.