Despite what some so called financial experts on the radio say, leasing does have it's place and you would be a good candidate for it.
I know Nissan for one (there are others) have great leasing programs right now. If you can write a lease for 10,000 miles a year-you will see a pretty low payment.
My only concern is that you have to add insurance in to the equation.
Would it be easier to buy a $5,000.00 car and then have liability insurance only when you need it?
With a leased car they are going to want full coverage if your using it or if it's sitting.