I’m an E-2 at Nellis. And I’m kinda in need of a car. My co workers are kind enough to give me a ride to the morning pt and work and back to the dorms. But I don’t wanna rely on them too much since I know a few of them will be leaving the dorms very soon. But I make about 840 a pay check(15% in TSP). So I was wondering what’s the best way for me to buy a car if I have $5k down? Any tips, things I should look out for, where to even look, is this a smart decision etc.
Looking to purchase first car
byu/Aggravating_Elk_6685 inMilitaryFinance
Posted by Aggravating_Elk_6685
10 Comments
Please don’t buy a new car. Just do your research, if you buy from a private seller (sometimes risky) ensure there are no underlying issues. I would just buy a beater for the foreseeable future, cheaper payments if you even end up having payments and cheap insurance.
Side tip: In case you haven’t, move your TSP allocation OUT of the G fund. GOOD LUCK OP
There’s always cars In the lemon lot on Nellis. Check over there.
Consider an e-bike if your real need is just an alternative mode of transportation for your short daily commute. Huge potential to keep your paycheck working for you instead of covering insurance/gas/registration/inevitable car repairs. Save up to buy a more reliable car when you eventually move out of the dorms.
Bring the units resident mechanic with you and buy ~6yo Civic or Carola. Please don’t get an “Airman” car
Check out Nellis auctions. It is a website not associated with NFB. There are always cars for sale near the south gate round about as well.
Lemon lot as some have said. Join the base buy, sell, trade page to inquire. Many people who PCS OCONUS won’t take their vehicle.
If buying private the auto hobby shop will usually do a free or cheap assessment to make sure you aren’t getting screwed.
Go used right now, USAA and Navy Federal have programs where they renegotiate priced with local dealers. Talk the AFRC financial peeps and see what % of your budget fits your need. Get an insurance quote before you go to know what total cost would be.
Get a cybertruck.
Consider a bicycle.
With a car don’t forget you’ll have fuel, maintenance, insurance, and registration costs.
Buy a Honda or Toyota beater no more than 6k
E-bike > Old Honda (fit,civic) > old Toyota (Camry). Don’t spend more than 5k. If you go the e bike route, start putting more in your tsp. You’ll thank yourself later.