Military + Evo's = Questions
 

Ok, here's my story (first post here by the way).

I'm a 17 year old from Nebraska (you may laugh now) and I have joined the Air Force. My original plan was to buy a Dodge SRT-4, but I decided that I might only have one shot at my dream car, the evo, and I may as well take it. I really want to buy an evo when I get on a base and I have a few questions.

First off, do you guys think that any dealers will have any evos by the end of this summer? From the rumors I've seen flying around these past few days of only 2 evos allowed per dealer, I'm beginning to worry.

Secondly, (this probably goes out to military members with past experience in this area) how hard would it be for me to convince a dealer to let an 18 year old buy a $30,000 car? I'll have a decent credit rating (I'm currently paying off a car so I should be in the 650-675 range) and will easily be able to afford it. Does being in the military get extra respect from a dealer?

Finally, do you guys think I should just wait for the evo IX to come out? Or maybe even shoot for a JDM evo VII :dunno: ?

Regardless, any info/tips will not be turned down, flame if you want to.




P.S. Nice site you guys have here, more information then I can handle.

welcome to the site,

right now there are plenty of 03 left over, not sure about summer, you might be able to get a used evo for a bargain by that time, so be patience.

when dealer find out that you are in the military they are eager to work with you, but if you are an E-2 then I dont think you can afford the car. wait until you become an E-5 or get the srt-4 if you want a car that bad after your basic training.
Air force do have basic training right? j/k

good luck

I did about the same thing myself and you will definitely get a leg up as a result of doing the military thing. Most dealers understand that you will have a steady paycheck and will do what they can to hook you up.

If you are going enlisted, which at 18 you probably are, you will have no life as a result of your car payment unless you are putting a considerable amount down for the car. I wouldn't recommend doing it. I am a Lieutenant and it is a pretty considerable payment for me each month.

Hope this info helps.

I'm an E-5 and it takes a signifigant chunk of my paycheck even after putting a $4,000 deposit.

I'm a Sgt and it also takes a nice chunk of my paycheck...

I am a Staff Sergeant and my payments are nice and cozy but I could not fathom paying out 500 a month as an E-1 (or E-3 if you come in for 6 years) But yes most dealers will try to work with you as a military member cause they and the banks know that they can get their money from you one way or the other if you default on the loan. (not saying you would do that). But if you have your ducks lined up and you have a nice sign-on bonus coming your way, I would suggest going with the SRT-4 unless you like having an empty dormitory room!
When I lived in the dorms there were a lot of nice cars owned by young airmen but they coldn't affort any t.v.'s, no computer and no entertainment so its up to you as to what your priorities are.

BTW...welcome to the Best Damn Air Force!

Re: Military + Evo's = Questions
 

Have you considered trying to pick up a used Evo8? I've seen a few for $26-27k, which would get your payments in the $550 range.

Another thing to consider is getting a cosigner (preferably a parent/relateive with extremely good credity) to secure a better interest rate.

Good luck!

Woahh.... I didnt know there are so many military members here!!! I'm in the reserve and I use my G.I bill and reserve pay to take care of my payment, which is not so bad. Anyways, the first EVO that I ever saw was a yellow EVO at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. I was mobilized for 1 month and was sent back b/c unlce Sam decided he didnt need my service anymore. Anyways man, why dont you shoot for a used EVO. You can get one for 24k even. Or wait alittle bit longer and you can certainly get a used one for a good deal. Alot of people on this forum are selling their EVOs. This car is a high maintenance toy man.

On the side note, how is life for an officer in the Air Force??? I'm thinking about switching over to the Air Force and becoming an officer after college if I can't find a job in the civilian world. For those who are thinking about joining the Army, look at the Air Force first and decide!!!! It's like thinking about buying an STI and didnt consider an EVO!!! JK, it's not that dramatic but you guys got the point. :lol:

I have no input on the military side of things...but...Why do you think that this will be your only chance to get your dream car?

Once you have served your time, you will be free to get a great paying job with the excellent experiences you garnered while in uniform. Once that time comes, you will be able to more easily handle the payments, the insurance and the maintenance.

Remember, being able to get your 455 into the seat of an Evo is one thing. Being able to afford to keep it running is another. In most cases you will have to fork over $800 for new tires within 6 months of buying the car. You will have to fork over $12-1500 for a new clutch if you like to drag race or street race. You will have to take aserious look at your finances to decide if you would be able to swing it.

SC~

Secret Chimp brings up a very important point. Buying the car and affording the payments and insurance are one challenge. Keeping up your maintenance and covering the suprise costs that always seem to pop up are another thing.

Go over your budget very carefully before jumping into any high performance car and make sure you have all of the above covered plus some money left over - not matter what you budget, it always seems to take a bit more.

Oh, best of luck with your militay advanture. I spent my time in the Marine Corps and it was great; remeber that you only get out what you put in. :)

I have to agree with the rest, wait to get an EVO. I'm an E-7 in the Navy, and it still cost me a bunch of money to have this car. Plus you will need to see where you will go after boot camp and any schools you may have. When I first joined, I had a new Camaro I was paying for, and I got sent to Japan for 3 years. Had to sell the car, and lost a lot of money.

I also would have to agree, I'm an E-3 in the Marine Corps and have 2 cars to pay for and none of them are here with me. I don't regret buying the cars because I love cars and I miss driving them. I make my payments every month with a good amount of money left over to save or go out but if you have good financial management skills go for it. Also another thing to look out for is when the dealers see military the see $$$$ and a high ass APR and we're talking above 15%. I can have all Military members vouch for that.Good luck on your decision.

Its not your only chance at your dream car... you are 17 with a lot of living in front of you and sounds like you are headed the right direction. Got my Evo at 32... and I am still young enough to enjoy it. You will have a time later in life to have your dream machine. Go for the SRT-4 now... hot car, very cool, fun and affordable. I am sure you will have an Evo in a few years when you are in a little more comnfortable financial situation. Enjoy being young and having a life... save a little money for fun besides the car!!

I'm an E-5 in the AF, I suggest waiting until you have completed basic, and tech school. Find out what job your going to be doing where your going to be stationed. Start saving your money for whatever car you want, don't blow it all partying when you get out of basic.

I am a E-5 in the Air Force, if you want the Evo you should save every dime you have for a long time. The dealers are more than happy to see a E-4 and below walk into their doors cause that means your young, they wont give a deal and the interest rate they are going to give you will suck. I have seen too many of you young pups come in buy a new car and dont even have the money for gas after the payment and insurance. These guys were parking their new rides at the dorm and catching rides with others. Do not make the same mistake as the others. Save up your money!!! The gas prices are going way up this summer, some say $3 a gallon. Your insurance will be outrages. Play it smart.