WT Forums

I was looking at a car forum to put this on, but I figured you guys would probably know enough to help me out well.

So, like the title says, I'm looking for my first car. VERY first. And I know NOTHING. So, now that we know where to start, here's the deal:

I was looking originally at an SUV type thing. Something small, with decent gas mileage and towing power. If I go on a road trip like I've been thinking of doing, I might be renting a trailer from outdoor rec. I'm willing to go with a car though, to get the price range.

No more than $8000 was the price range, with <5000 being preferable. I've been told that the allowance given at the AFA would be high enough to support a car payment, but I'm not sure I want to mess with that, and I'll hopefully be going on the next application cycle. It also means four years of not much driving. Also, with this being my first car, the chances of accidents are up a bit, and a cheap car means less insurance to pay for a new one. And not having to get credit will be good to, because I have none.

I gotta go in the morning to see if I can get some more info on the cars on the lemon lot, but I can post a few of them now. Mostly these are the cars, there's only one truck-type.

'94 Chevy Caprice w/ 144k @$2000
'96 Mercury Sable w/ 127k @$2500
'93 Honda Accord w/ 203k @$3100, though he can probably be lowered
'92 Chevy Blazer S-10 @2600, I gotta call the guy tomorrow to get the mileage, though I don't think it'll be good.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

WWW.AUTOTRADER.COM
I buy all of my used cars from there.

Pick out a car, and i bet you can find one in your price range.

Snipe Repos cars, and know what to look for or to sway away from.

He may even beable to hook you up...

"The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader

gifted -

If you're wanting an SUV-type car for 'preferably' under $5k, I'd check out an early 90s Jeep Grand Cherokee. I don't know where you live, but here in Texas they're all over the place. We're looking for a vehicle for my fiancee's younger brother, and I've seen probably 3 of these so far, averaging $4-5k with ~70-90k miles.

Can't speak for the durability but Jeep's a pretty decent company, and most of their vehicles that I've seen have lasted for quite a while. Good luck man.

“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Benjamin Franklin, 1759

I actually prefer the square Jeep Cherokees(had one for a repo ride for a while), sharp looking, smaller than the grand cherokee, and they have an indestructible 4.0L stright six.

The high output version really hauls ass too, lots of power.

Then again, you could always get a GMC Typhoon....

"Molon labe".
Leonidas, King of Sparta,
Thermopylae, 480 B.C.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Then again, you could always get a GMC Typhoon<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

http://www.supercars.net/cars/1992@$GMC@$Typhoonx.html

zoom zoom

"Live every day like it's the last, 'cause one day you're gonna be right!" Ray Charles (6/10/04 was the day)

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

"Molon labe".
Leonidas, King of Sparta,
Thermopylae, 480 B.C.

30Mike-mike, you're link's broke.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

In all honesty, I would recommend an inexpensive economy car, and start establishing a good pattern of Credit.

Here are some thoughts on things needed to have a succesful military career.

Dependable Transportation, and Good Credit. I would not even contemplate getting involved in a sports car or anything expensive. until your 4th year of Active Duty service. I recommend this as in the beginning you will not have the finances and you are not within certainty of where you could end up for your first duty assignment.

Another issue to contend with is the duty commitment you may have. a 600 Dollar car-Insurance payment, does you no good in a short tour in iceland, japan, germany, anywhere not in the United States.

Consider that your first 3 years of service is professional career development training. Most Training locations do not allow personally owned vehicles. And you will move around a bit to pick up the essential skills needed. I know this sounds uncool on the surface. But if you absolutely must get a Vehicle and wish to live off installation. I highly recommend a low Cost vehicle. Allot has changed since I began my career.

Establish your credit, but dont make your life uncomfortable.

Most of us Drove beaters for a very long time. If you are on the Go, Like I have been. Around the time you hit Captain, you should have some equilibrium and stability in your career and finances. Around this time, some of us met a Girl, and started a Family, the rest just whore along and enjoy a expensive hobby. Either way. You mature and see what is really needed in life, and wont have a damadged credit history or career becasue of ill advised decisions when your young.


"The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>30Mike-mike, you're link's broke. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote> gripe. gripe, gripe.

Try this one. Nice, clean, used:

http://www.sounddomain.com/member_pages ... 4BShtZPA__

"Live every day like it's the last, 'cause one day you're gonna be right!" Ray Charles (6/10/04 was the day)

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

"Most of us Drove beaters for a very long time"

Couldn't stand my beater for more then 2 years.

I went from a 1991 Mercury Tracer to a 1996 Ford Explorer limited 4x4 (which i still have but am saving up to trade to a Supercharged SS Chevy Monte Carlo)and finally to my Georgous 1983 Porsch 928 (thanks to Sniper)

I refuse to deal with a "beater" ever again just to get back and forth to work. I live for fast cars at high speeds! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

_________________
\"I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives\"

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>'92 Chevy Blazer S-10 @2600, I gotta call the guy tomorrow to get the mileage, though I don't think it'll be good. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote> So how would this do, or would one of those others work better? They all are pretty much on the way out.

What's a polite way to ask if I can have a mechanic look at it?

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

Gifted dont worry about being polite, its your money. Just tell them you want a mechanic of your choice to go over the vehicle. If they refuse run the other way.

Fender
"A woman drove me to drink
and I hadn't even the courtesy to thank her".
W.C. Fields

A Jeep Cherokee is a good choice. You just gotta find the right one. If you get the 4.0 inline six, it will run forever. Run away from the 2.6L V6s. The 4.2L inline 6s can give you trouble with the carbs. The 2.5L inline 4s are downright aneimic. Anything from 1991 up would do nicely, and last you a long time. I have a friend with over 280,000 on her 4.0 with no rebuilds.

~Mike (a Jeep guy)

The 4.0L L-6, particularly the High Output, is among the greatest engines ever made.

A cherokee of 1991 or newer would be a fantastic choice. Mine was a 93 i think...



"Molon labe".
Leonidas, King of Sparta,
Thermopylae, 480 B.C.

One of my former Crew Dawgs had a 4.0 Straight 6 Jeep wrangler, He never had any issues. until he went to work with an airline...then he trade it in for a Diesel...and runs it on sump gas...

Talk about an opportunist. <img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle>

"The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
"Most of us Drove beaters for a very long time"

Couldn't stand my beater for more then 2 years.

I went from a 1991 Mercury Tracer to a 1996 Ford Explorer limited 4x4 (which i still have but am saving up to trade to a Supercharged SS Chevy Monte Carlo)and finally to my Georgous 1983 Porsch 928 (thanks to Sniper)

I refuse to deal with a "beater" ever again just to get back and forth to work. I live for fast cars at high speeds! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>


<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

Just so were clear on this. A beater to me, is anything under 250HP and insurance company wont crush if wrecked....<img src=newicons/anim_lol.gif border=0 align=middle>

The point I was getting to is that. If your focus is academics and reliable transportation plus haveing all the other expenses an Academy student and Junior officer i going to have in his or her follow on training. a 400-600 Dollar a month car payment is the last thing they need. It is best to go to a low monthly payment and get established earlier.

In todays age, Commisioned or enlisted, you cannot have any unauthorised abscences or "lates" they will right you off and send you home. It is not a risk worth taking, On the monetary finance issues it is the same. 1 BOUNCED CHECK AND YOU ARE HISTORY!

The risk taken for expensive or unreliable property can end your career, heed the advice.

"The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader

" a 400-600 Dollar a month car payment is the last thing they need."

I agree with mudd.

The last thing you want is the car dealer calling your first sergeant because you missed a payment. It is uneeded hassle.

"Molon labe".
Leonidas, King of Sparta,
Thermopylae, 480 B.C.

I agree with Snipe. That's why we sold my wife's car to 30MM jr when he needed wheels to get from school to base for his weekends.

"Live every day like it's the last, 'cause one day you're gonna be right!" Ray Charles (6/10/04 was the day)

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

What do you guys say to the '93 Honda Accord wagon with 203k miles on it? The guy says it runs great and has not had any trouble. New tires, struts, and a bit of body damage, a ding in a door and a faded hood. I'll probably go look at it tomorrow, if I think I'll have a few hours before I get my chaulk number. He wants about $3100 for it, I'm thinking from some research online I might be able to get him down to $2500-$3000.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

Not so sure on that one gifted!

I don't like the idea of vehicles with over 200,000 miles on it, especially ones with body damage. For that price you can get a nice Jeep 4x4 (i personally like the wranglers). If high $2000 is your price range look around the 1991 models!

_________________
\"I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives\"

That honda sounds like it's worth about 500 HUNDRED bucks.

No, i am not kidding.

"Molon labe".
Leonidas, King of Sparta,
Thermopylae, 480 B.C.

I had a "91" Jeep Wrangler with a HO 4.0 inline six....Been a very strong runner as well as reliable. Switched out engines at 160K because I threw a connecting rod, but I am convinced that poor oil changing habits on the original owner led to that. There is no reason that a Jeep 4.0 inline six shouldn't be good for 200K miles. Those who have owned one will probably agree with me. I personaly like the early 90 Wranglers with the SQUARE headlights...I know thats not being a hard core jeep guy, but I think they look cooler....Plus, Jeeps only depreciate to a certain point, I garantee that if you take care if it you will at the worst get your money back, and more than likely make some coin on the deal...Good rigs.



Edited by - chadrewsky on Nov 19 2004 5:45 PM

I ended up with an '02 Impala. Got a good deal on the finance, insurance is about average for a first timer, and I like it alot.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

"Police engine"?<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

So, you have trouble. We all have trouble. Build a bridge and get over it.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

Congratulations!

Don't miss a payment...

"Molon labe".
Leonidas, King of Sparta,
Thermopylae, 480 B.C.