I had to do about 3 months of car living back in 2019. At the time I had a Honda Element. It was perfect. Because the back seats folded up against the sides and you had a whole flat floor you can lay out on. Not sure if that's an option for you but something like a minivan, or some kind of SUV where you can remove the chairs in the back. You're just going to have to shop around and get creative.

As for some tips that I learned on the fly or through trial and error. Get a gym pass to someplace that is 24 hours. You never know when you can have to take a dump or need an emergency shower. I use 24 hour fitness at the time. I later found out that the better deal would have been planet fitness who also had a 24-hour location near me.

For quick restroom use. One of the wide mouth 30-something ounce Gatorade bottles work really great. I used to dump mine into a planter in the morning and switch it out at least every couple days with a new bottle.

You definitely will want a windshield cover. One of the metallic ones that can also keep in heat would be great if you're in the cold climates. (I'm SoCal so it was more about keeping the heat out)

For the rest of the windows if you can get them tinted. that would be helpful but you'll also want some kind of curtains that you can put up over the passenger windows on back window. Another one of those windshield covers for your back window. For the side windows what I did was cheap curtains from Goodwill and magnets from home Depot. That way I could just put them up and take them down without any problem. Just maybe paint the magnet the bright color so they're easy to find if you drop them.

As for where you sleep, most of where I am is Urban to suburban metro area. I basically found neighborhoods near the gyms that had quiet sections. Basically a segment of street where none of the house is actually face the street but it's not necessarily a side alley. You just kind of want to be out of their site but in the neighborhood so you don't stand out.

Also for not standing out, absolutely do not leave a mess wherever you go. If you have to return to a spot and you have a habit of dumping trash the neighbors will notice you. And it will piss them off. Do not do that. It will play to your benefit long-term.

Also get yourself one of those external pocket chargers. One that you can use to recharge your cell phone or other small electronic devices. If you ever go someplace where they allow you to plug in charge that. Always keep that thing charged. It will be a lifesaver that way you don't have to run your car battery to charge your phone or other small electronics.

https://www.google.com/search?q=external+pocket+charger&client=ms-android-tmus-us-revc&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8&inm=vs

If you ever have a situation where you can't go to the gym in the morning to shower or do any kind of morning routine. Keep a gallon of water on hand so you can brush your teeth, or have some water to drink. You don't want to be caught with a little bit of a choking fit and nothing to drink. Side note. Keep your water bottle and your piss bottle in separate places, never switch it up and make it routine that you know where they're at. You don't want to accidentally reach for the piss bottle in the middle of the night when you need a drink.

Those are the first things that come to mind and I was only in my car for 3 months. It was mostly just to save money while also paying off debts. I worked a full-time 40-hour office job while I was doing this. Made a point to charge my phone and external charger while at work. Would Shower and shaved at the gym in the morning. Hang out at a park or a public place with the remaining sunlight. And then find a nice quiet spot around sunset for bunking down for the night. It's just going to be a matter of working a routine into a non-routine lifestyle.

Edit: I also bought the cheapest smallest storage unit I could. That way the majority of my stuff was in the unit so if my car got broken into most of my valuables were locked away somewhere else. I also kept a small rack for hanging clothes so that way every couple days or so I could go to the storage unit and rotate clothes out. I even kept a dirty laundry basket in the unit so that when it was time to wash and do laundry at a laundromat the clothes were already in a basket and ready to go. Once laundry was done I would go back to the storage unit hang up my dry clothes and keep a few pairs folded up in the car for the work week. It was also super helpful to have a couple towels on hand. Not to get all "hitchhiker guide to the Galaxy" but those towels can save your life. Especially if it gets freezing cold and you need extra layers on top of your blankets.

I paid 1800 bucks 3 years ago for my car. I actually enjoy car living. I have a Toyota Avalon and I have no problem sleeping in it.

It’s winter now. I have a fleece blanket and a down comforter. Stay nice and warm. Bathroom is at Walmart or the gas station. I live in my car roughly 2 weeks a month.

How much money do you have saved?

I recommend figuring out what you enjoy in life. What you can't live without and what gives it meaning to you. And then incorporate that into car living. Otherwise you won't be happy. For me, that's adventure and playing guitar.

Toyota Prius with a hybrid battery means you can run the heat or AC all the time without burning gas or leaving the engine running. Was going to get one of those but turned out I didn’t need to after all. Would still get one if I’m ever in that situation.