alrighty guys well I'm 90 percent sure on enlisting into the military, whether it being the Marines or Navy. For the enlisted guys, is it affordable? When I'm in I'm sure the car is one of the few things I would be paying for. So any tips and advice?

 

I bought mine as an E-4 and never felt cash-strapped. Though, the ONLY other bills I had besides the payment+insurance was a cell phone and internet.

 

Not sure if it would be a wise decision to buy a new Evo on E-1 pay. But there are tons of military Evo owners on this forum.

 

I plan on or at least hope on getting it with an e-3 or e-2 pay.

 

I don't like owing money, so I saved for 2 years and got it then. Got it as an E-5 (Sgt, USMC).

Yes, It can be afforded as an E-3 and below; IF YOU ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. There are young Marines out here with them.

 

My advice would be to choose you NEC wisely. Make sure it's something you really want to do. And when you sign your contract, make sure you have your school and rate on paper before you go to basic. Don't fall for the " go in undesignated, and pick your school after BT." as long as you smoke the ASVAB, you should be good to go. If you go into the NAV, you can save a lot of money by staying on board.
Good luck!

N

 

WTF are they teaching kids in school these days?!?!

As an E1, no way. In a couple of years, as a SINGLE E4, yes.

Keep in mind, car payment + insurance + gas + maintenance = WAY more expensive than a simple monthly car payment.

When you finance a car you are required to maintain full coverage, and in the military they check your car insurance regularly. Full coverage insurance on an Evo for a younger, single, guy is expensive!

My advice, keep your current car, or buy a cheap/reliable used Honda...in cash if possible.

Keep your driving record clean.

Save up for the largest down payment you can afford for 18-24 months. Find a clean used Evo (a lot of these cars are abused so be careful which one you buy). Finance as small amount as possible, make payments on time EVERY time! Keep your insurance up to date.

Just my 2 cents.

 

first off, what kind of evo are you trying to buy. You can afford an 03-05 MAYBE if you find one under 15k, but even still, I'd get a beater till the E4-E5 range. Then you can have your evo AND a daily driver.

 

oh, and theres no way you can reasonably afford a newer Evo.

 

Anyone care to explain what is E1 E4 E5 and all the salaries and how much do u guys pay for insurance ?

 

That's not true. I know Marines that are E-3's and own Evo's. E-3 is not much more than E-1 pay..

It definetely wouldn't be easy.. But it's possible even as an E-1. Especially if you don't have any bills like most entry level servicemembers.

OP, your biggest worry financially should be insurance. That could easily be the same amount as a car payment..

 

http://www.militaryfactory.com/military_pay_scale.asp

http://www.defense.gov/about/insignias/enlisted.aspx

 

Bought my sexy evo as an e-4. i would have some money to throw.. but all i do is spend spend spend on mods

 

I suppose I should toss in that I joined when they were still handing out big enlistment bonuses and I used 6k of the $10K initial payment of mine for the downpayment for the car.

I was paying $150/month for insurance when I first got it, after an accident it was $230 for awhile then I switched to USAA and it's $120something now.

 

There is a big difference between being able to make your payments every month and being able to afford an Evo.

I'd not, in good conscience, recommend buying an Evo to an E1, entry level with no bills or not, it's a bad idea. I'd just hate to see the op posting about how his Evo broke and he can't afford the repair costs, so now the car is sitting and he has to bum rides to work...especially in the military.

OP, to your question "is it affordable". Not really, can it be done, yes, but again, I recommend waiting 18-24 months, save your money. If you go Navy and end up on a ship it won't be hard and it won't take long to make E4.

Just my 2 cents.