I’d say if you can afford something now that you can live with for the next 10 years or so, buy now.

I think the “3x gross income” rule is a little bit too conservative, but better safe than sorry. You have to think about kids, retirement savings, all that good stuff. But if your car payment is only $380/mo you’re probably not living a lifestyle of lavish, reckless consumption. Congrats! 🙂