First of all you need to understand some basics
1. The main problem and cost will be the car insurance
2. You don't need US driving license, but it's will much easier if you have one
3. Think about parking and check Street cleaning schedule in your neighborhood.
Ok now we can get to details. First things first, we need to chose a car and even more important where you gonna buy. You have few options A) Dealer B) Classified C) Used cars shop.
I decided option A because of quarantines on car (transmission and engine) and some level of confidence. Be careful with option C. When you decide on car model and place take your papers to dealer and see what options you have what is your credit score !!! And how much cash you need to pay upfront. In my case I chose Nissan Altima 2008 for $9000. And we get to main problem insurance this cost me $340 monthly(2016) what is the cheapest option anyway in my case with foreign driving license living in Brooklyn (Brooklyn is more expensive insurance). Try search yourself and check State Farm.
Next step is bank, your dealer will send the your applications to many banks and present you few options. In my case no credit history I got offer from Santander with 22% interest and $1000 down payment I know terrible but you need build you credit history somehow and this is the best way.
So you have insurance, financing and the car. Congratulations your Dealer will register car for you and give you temporary sticker. DMV will send you you registration and title (ownership document). You can drive your new car from saloon same day, don't need to visit any Registration Office!
Remember to register on ez-pass this will let you pay reducer fees for tunnels and bridges in New York and there is no way to avoid tolls.
And forget about leasing this is only for someone with great credit records and long credit history.
Good luck !
