How far of a commute will you have?
After being in your shoes a couple years ago, I would advise against buying or leasing anything where you are going to commit yourself to $300+ car payment for the next 3-5 years. Unless you have a killer commute or need an extremely reliable vehicle, I'd recommend finding something for 4-6k that will get you through the next couple of years... so your payments, AND insurance will be affordable. Considering you're also going to be moving into your ownplace, the expenses are really going to add up.. In a couple years your salary will have increased and you'll have saved some $ that you can put down on a new car / slightly used car that you will really appreciate and own for > 5 years.