You have to think about what you want. Do you want a new car every few years but always have a payment? How many miles do you drive per year? Do you like to mod your car?
Remember with leasing you will be responsible for any damages upon returning the vehicle, and I would worry if you are driving alot in the NY area.
If you would like to keep your car for many years and build equity, eventually not have a car payment, and not have to worry about miles, then buying is the best option.
You say you don't want to commit to a long term loan. Leasing does not fit into that as you will always have a car payment.
Remember with leasing you will be responsible for any damages upon returning the vehicle, and I would worry if you are driving alot in the NY area.
If you would like to keep your car for many years and build equity, eventually not have a car payment, and not have to worry about miles, then buying is the best option.
You say you don't want to commit to a long term loan. Leasing does not fit into that as you will always have a car payment.
Starting Score: EQ 717 EX 724 TU 736
If your cc's have high balances, is it really possible for you to take on another payment? Logically it just doesn't fit.
Why don't you get a beater for cash because you need a vehicle and then take the time to pay off your cc's to your ideal utilization. At that point you will be ready to finance a vehicle you can afford. Also you will have an incentive to pay down your cc's more quickly with the ultimate reward of getting a car you want to drive.
IMO, leasing is an awful idea for almost everyone Yes, the payments are lower but that is about it. You have nothing at the end of the lease except to turn it in and lease or buy something else. Plus there are all the other expenses due at the end of the lease (excess milage and $$ for dings and dents etc). All a lease does is extend the terms of repayment if you ultimately end up buying the vehicle (so you have now paid a lot more for it by leasing first) or if you don't buy it you just threw away that money for whatever term you leased (24 mths, 36 mths etc). Car dealerships love leases! They make the most profit from a lease and they still control the asset! 
My profile sounds similar to yours, my FICO score is lower (just dropped to 650), and my utilization is too high. Although I never considered leasing, I did recently approve for a car loan and privately sold my old car; I now feel it was a mistake, I should have just kept my '05 Honda since it was in good condition and paid off. Although, I do much like my newer car.
Consumers who lease have nothing to show when the lease is up; they have to either lease another car, or purchase a car. Not something I recommend but I do see where the appeal is.
I don't want you to regret anything, so hopefully you think this over. There are a number of good used cars out there, so long you take care of theme and have an emergency budget. I also think its better to own a car outright - imho
