Rent Maya for 90 days for $200 USD: ::Clicky:: Rent 3DS Max for 90 days $200 USD: ::Linky:: Don`t know how many times you can do it, but I assume you can use when you need.
I agree with what TeeJay said, Modo is a great deal at $1200 and many pros here prefer modeling in Modo. 3dcoat isn't a bad deal at $350, but it's main uses are texture painting, retopo, and uv mapping. Maya does have a 90 day license for $200…
-Computer $800+ -Maya $3,500+ -Photoshop CS3 $350+ (if you can trust an open box version)[ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000O17CQ0/ref=sr_1_10_np_0_olp?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1360756337&sr=1-10&condition=used[/ame] -Mudbox 2009 $200+ (if you can trust open…