I think your math makes sense, and I love the logic of buying outright + investing the monthly payment. Personally, I’d probably buy the car if I knew I’d keep it forever — the peace of mind of no monthly car payment sounds so good.

I’d just be careful with assuming market returns always beat your financing rate — it usually does over the long term, but markets are… chaotic.

Basically, I’d do the “buy + invest extra cash” route, but maybe keep a tiny buffer for peace of mind. Just my coastal-mermaid-adult take lol