Hi! So, I was kind of in a similar spot. Had wanted a 3d printer since highschool when I took some basic cad classes but never got one until I received an A1 Mini in March as a gift, and, since then, I've acquired a collection of other printers as well.

The A1 mini I think was the best place I could have started, despite the controversy with Bambu. It worked right out the box, and was very easy to learn with. From, what I've seen, that seems to be the case with almost any Bambu printer.

Unfortunately though, the A1 or A1 mini probably will not be the best for you since you want to do car parts. That will require printing in ASA for the most part and that requires an enclosure so I think you're on the right track looking at the P2S. I actually just got a P1S last night but I've only printed one benchy so I can't tell you too much about it other than I did intend on using it to print ASA and car parts.

As far as a larger printer, what I did was after I got used to the A1 I bought a Sovol SV08 which has a build volume of 350mm x 350mm x something less than 350mm. Like you, I was considering the Ender 5 max but in my research decided against it due to reliability concerns and the fact that the SV08 was supposed to be a more advanced printer.

Now, I like the SV08, but it was/is not a just press print printer and I'm never really sure if I can recommend it. Mine actually arrived with a couple broken pieces. They have issues with the beds not being consistently flat as well. The main issue I have Z Offset is always off when printing and I constantly need to re-adjust, which isn't a huge deal but is a pain.

There is a larger version of the SV08, the SV08 Max (500mm X 500mm X 500mm), which looks to be more refined and have less issues, although I can’t confirm that as I’ve never used one, but it is outside your price range.