Thanx

 

+1

get a beater, concentrate on real assets like house/savings etc

once your up some rank or after a few tours/cruise you should save enough for a reasonable car.

p.s sucks to have a nice car with no garage
and or getting a car and being sent to somewhere outhere and ending up paying for car/ins w/o using the car.

 

I was in the Army and I'm telling you now as a Sergeant. You won't be able
to afford that car especially if you are a fresh E-1 private. People will
eventually make fun of you and you might even get credit counseling when
they find out how much you pay just for a damn car. If you really want it,
save then make down payment and buy.

 

I say:
1. Live off base if you can and get a roommate so you can make money on BAH.

or

2. Go on a deployment or two and save save save.

3. Build your credit score up by getting a credit card w/ 0% for your purchases BUT be able to pay it off before they charge you.

4. TSP maxed out.

If you don't know, talk to a financial counselor in your unit.

 

I was going to save for a DP anyway...I will take all this advice into consideration also. Anyone else should too.

 

Ditto to all the above, and glad to hear you've decided to save up first and think about a car later. Hopefully as in WAY later!

But I do want to add my thanks to you and congratulations for serving in the military. It isn't for everyone and you've signed up for something that takes a lot of personal courage. I commend you for that and have honored you and all the other service members yesterday (Flag Day, for those who weren't aware). Good luck to you, and stay safe.

And listen to the sarge when it comes to advice on saving your money!! ;-)

 

One of the first things young enlistees get in trouble with is their financial situation. In most cases, they splurge on buying an expensive new car and they are struggling with paying the monthly payment & insurance. And unfortunately, with our current situation, most get deployed and don't get to enjoy their new cars for months, and sometimes, even years.

Like most posters here have recommended, hold off on buying a Z until you have at least 1-2 years and have attained some rank & stability in your life. I know the word "stability" is an oxymoron now in the military because of the war but I think you know what I mean.

In the meantime, bum a ride from your buddies if you need to go off-post. Nothing wrong with that. In most installations, taxis are readily available and you can share the fare with a few of your friends. Trust me, you'll learn to adjust, and more importantly, enjoy your bank account when you start saving your $$$s instead of spending it on the Z.

 

Thanx for the continued advice.

Air Force bound.

 

I am a section sergeant in the army, I have had many soldiers work for me throughout my 15 years. The bigest mistake I always seem ti see is a young troop try and live outside of their means. Their usually 19-21 and they try to hang with people that make a lot more money then them and drive the kind of cars thy drive.

If your young live like someone your age. get a starter car and work your way up in life. The youth of today want everything now! Take your time the car isn't going anywhere. Besides, with the current situation the odds of you getting deployed is very good. you go out and buy a car right away and all you will be doing is thinking of the car your NOT driving that is sitting on blocks collecting dust and dirt.

Wait, get a little older, save some cash up, you won't be able to afford it. Enjoy your youth, don't sink yourself in debt.

you will thank us later.

 

I wish I would've joined the Air Force but the Navy worked out well for me. I didn't regret joining.

Have fun. Best of luck on your career!

 

for all the guys who's retired the pay is wierd and messed up now.... cuz for E-1 i was making only 500-600 every check.. it was good thing i got stationed in korea... no need for a car... lol... so i was able to save for my Z....

but yeah kid just like everyone said save save and save.... it took me 4 1/2 yrs to save plus a reenlistment bonus...... started saving in 02 for an M3 but got the Z instead... lol...

if i were you i'd wait till you were an E-4 then start thinking of getting a Z if you still want it..

now an E-4 w/ 4yrs in the army baught a 05 Z in late 04.. now its 07 w/ a twin turbo Z and about to have a built motor... lol oh btw im deployed.... only spent 8months in the states in my career so far... hahaha.... well good luck with the military man... its not for everyone...

 

$1700 a month? I didn't even make that when I was in the Navy...so you have it good.

I would advise against it. Buy one when you get out. I left my car at my parents house when I went to basic and during my entire time in the service.....never needed a car. Everything you need is on base.

 

Yeah it sucks if you're deployed the whole time and never even get to drive it.

 

I was in your shoes once. I wanted to buy my first new car after joining the military so I decided to go overseas my first assingment and sent a monthly allotment to my credit union and had enough money saved to pay for 80% of the cost of the car. Stationed in Okinawa I really didn't need a car due to great public transportation and getting rides with friends. Club was in walking distance from the barracks.

Like others stated don't become a slave to car payments, I have counseled many soldiers on thier finances when getting over their heads with car payments. Along with saving for your dream car put something aside for a home or to further your education.

 

it can be done!

married E5 here, just bought an 07 Enthusiast two weeks ago and the payments aren't killing me. plus my BAH/BAS has yet to kick in.

my advice, set up an allotment to pay your car note, that way you never see the money.

jim

edit - okay, just read the whole thread. i agree with everyone else, you can't afford it............yet. get deployed and save every penny you can, then you can come home and buy a used Z cash! if you are army anyways, doesn't sound like it, but we have the longest deployments, thus making the most on said deployments.

 

orrr you can convince a fellow e-3 and below to get a car...make sure he takes care of it, maybe buy a kit YOU like and then when he cant afford to manke the payments offer to take it from him at a good price.

when i came to the service i got a rx-7 94 tt from a friend...it was a pos but it was a good price ( - maint fees/eng rebuilt after 3 months )

the car buying stategy also works on westpac widows and barracks hoe's

 

I thought when you're in the army or whatever.. you don't have time for personal stuff. To get around I thought all you guys drive are jeeps or jog with your whole platoon while being yelled at by your drill sergeant.

Also, I thought most of the time you're busy trying not to drop the soap and get assraped.. and plus.. don't you guys fight everyday because some other army guy is masterbating to your gf's bikini pics? I don't know.. I could be wrong or I just finished watching G.I. Jane..

Get a civic..

 

Get your facts straight!


...they don't fight everyday.

 

I would say no because of your post in another thread about driving like an ******* once you get your Z.

I see a thread about you in the future; you'll rip your car in half and have brain damage.

 

Here's the post I'm referring to.
https://my350z.com/forum/showpost.ph...5&postcount=79