Municipal Parking @ Delancey and Essex (apartment, cost, moving)

[Desco]

I've been trying to figure out how best to conquer parking in Manhattan until I finish moving (from Staten Island) and can get rid of my car. I was looking online and saw there's a municipal lot on Delancey and Essex which is only ~15 minutes from my apartment.

The DOT website says it's 3$ an hour and 1.75 after that, my question is, do I have to pay in advance, or do I pay when I pick up my car? I'll probably drop my car off ~3AM, and won't be looking to pick it up until 5pm. But I don't know the exact times, and I don't want to under or overpay.

Also the site says $6 overnight 7-7, so If I park at midnight, is it 6$ to 7, then 1.75 for the rest of the time?

Anyone have any experience with the municipal lots? Do I stand a chance of getting a spot in the hours I mentioned what with it being tourist fricking central right now?

[Desco]

Well in case anyone else ever needs the info. The lot was exactly what I needed. It was a little further up essex than I expected, but I found it just fine. I parked at ~0300, maybe 0400 and had no problems getting a spot. I picked up my car at ~1710 the next day and it cost $25. Not too bad I suppose. The closest lot to me would have charged $35-45. It was only a 10 minute train ride from Delancy to W 4th. So in the end I'd have to say compared to a lot, if it's convenient, municipal parking isn't too bad. (Luckily alternate side parking has been suspended, and I found a nice spot on a side street that will hold me till xmas.