I'm from New York as well and I believe unlimited monthly metrocards are $120ish now?

Let me first start this off by saying I scoped out craigslist for 4 months before I bought a car (when they announced daca till I got approved) you can scope out a good deal in about 1-2 weeks maybe 3 if you're unlucky (very unlikely though)

My car costs me $90 insurance a month and $80-100 in gas every month (I commute to school 4 days a week, work 5 days a week, gym 4 times a week and my girlfriend whenever I want and I go out with friends atleast once a week) a car is well worth it, when I was added to my family's insurance, our rate didn't go up regardless of me being a new driver so that whole 6 months wait is bull crap in my opinion.

Get a car! It's well worth it! You can buy an amazing mint used running car with low milage for 5K

If you want a new car, you can lease for $300 a month + a $3000 down payment.. If you rent even for one more day you are a sucker.. It's not worth it. Don't do it.

Good luck to ya! Btw what part of NY are you in if you don't mind me asking?