Looking for advice about buying a new Camaro.

[Blakout]

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

Remember though, you can only use this outside of the US. If you get a chance, I'd highly recommend goin for an overseas duty station. I was in Okinawa for two years, great times!

Yeah, I'm actually going to try to get into one of the three bases the USAF has in Europe: Britain, Germany, or Italy. AFAIK that's the only three bases the USAF has in Europe last time I checked, but I could easily be mistaken...

[nards444]

i would never use the oversees program usually the prices are not any cheaper if not more than you would find from a dealer. Of course they will help you out to make it seem like its a good deal. Nothing from AAFES is a truly a good deal

[gtjacket]

If you are stationed overseas, then you will probably be there for 2 years. I was in the Air Force and I spent all 4 years State side at the same base (Moody AFB Valdosta GA).

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by Blakout

WHY DON'T THEY HAVE CHEVY ON THERE?!?!?! My life has ended.

hm, didn't notice that... I was told they support all domestic brands though

[mutant chicken]

ok, my turn for a dumb question .... how do you know that you will be ranking up quickly ? ocs guaranteed ? College degree ? ( you're only 20... ), daddy a Gereral ??? Or did you get sold a package of goods by your recruiter ?? Don't get me wrong... I really hope things work out for you and that you get every thing you want, the ranks and the car, but it just sounds too good to be true. I don't want you count on something from the military and then get your heart broken ....

Good luck !!

[Blakout]

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

hm, didn't notice that... I was told they support all domestic brands though

Is there another similar program that does support GM?

I really hope I can get stationed somewhere in England, second choice Germany and third Italy...all other choices any random place in the states. From what I've heard, your choices you pick at MEPS don't really come through in the end most of the time. It's basically wherever you're needed, you go. I've heard it's that way from several former and current service members. Maybe I'll get lucky.

[gtjacket]

Germany and Italy are good choice, but England is boring and dreary. I travel overseas often and visit these places often. So why do you want England?

[Blakout]

Originally Posted by mutant chicken

ok, my turn for a dumb question .... how do you know that you will be ranking up quickly ? ocs guaranteed ? College degree ? ( you're only 20... ), daddy a Gereral ??? Or did you get sold a package of goods by your recruiter ?? Don't get me wrong... I really hope things work out for you and that you get every thing you want, the ranks and the car, but it just sounds too good to be true. I don't want you count on something from the military and then get your heart broken ....

Good luck !!

Again, this is mostly speculation and as far as the money goes, it could change. The only constants are as follows:

1) I've never been a big spender. I don't feel the need to waste money "nickel and diming" myself to death. I can put almost all of my extra income away in a bank and let it gain interest. The only money I need is for living expenses and bills and things of that nature.
2) The figures I'm doing now are based off E-1 to E-3 pay grade. It could be accurate, or could be way off. Like I said, I don't know much yet, but I'm trying to put the pieces together as best as I can right now. I did ROTC in high school so I believe that helps me go in as a higher rank from the get-go.
3) Most important, I really want this car. I can, and will, make sacrifices if required to get it.

As far as the questions you asked above, I don't have any of that. Closest thing to that is my dad was in the Army, my best friend and his brother are enlisted in the Army, and I know a few people from the different branches that can give me a good push in the right direction with some good advice.

[Blakout]

Originally Posted by gtjacket

Germany and Italy are good choice, but England is boring and dreary. I travel overseas often and visit these places often. So why do you want England?

I always thought it would be cool to live there, and see how life is there. It may not be the prettiest place to go but I like the accent, the dialect, and believe it or not, want to learn more about where we, Americans, originate from. I was a history nerd in school, and it's one of those places I want to experience.

[rickerda]

I bought my ’92 Miata from the Exchange program when I was Germany. They had the best prices back then.

The last two car I purchased I did online.
1) Do your research find out what the car is selling for
2) Decide how much you can afford to pay. (don't forget to hold back some cash for taxes and title)
3) Search online inventories to find about 3-4 cars that matches what you want.
4) Send the dealerships an email asking if the car is still available. (I do this late Saturday or early Sunday)
5) The dealerships that are hungry will get back to before Monday! (repeat until you find a dealer that want to sell)
6) Make your offer as an Out-the-Door price, any thing the dealer want to add is on their side.
7) You can do the Title and Taxes yourself, check with your local vehicle registry office (DMV)

Bought my ’08 Challenger in Boston MA and the ’10 Camaro in Columbus OH, we live Virginia

[Blakout]

Originally Posted by rickerda

I bought my ’92 Miata from the Exchange program when I was Germany. They had the best prices back then.

The last two car I purchased I did online.
1) Do your research find out what the car is selling for
2) Decide how much you can afford to pay. (don't forget to hold back some cash for taxes and title)
3) Search online inventories to find about 3-4 cars that matches what you want.
4) Send the dealerships an email asking if the car is still available. (I do this late Saturday or early Sunday)
5) The dealerships that are hungry will get back to before Monday! (repeat until you find a dealer that want to sell)
6) Make your offer as an Out-the-Door price, any thing the dealer want to add is on their side.
7) You can do the Title and Taxes yourself, check with your local vehicle registry office (DMV)

Bought my ’08 Challenger in Boston MA and the ’10 Camaro in Columbus OH, we live Virginia

I like this. I think I'm gonna do that when the time gets closer to actually buying the car and I'll know a little more about how much I've got to spend and work with. If the price stays about the same as it is now, I'll be happy to get mine for around $30k give or take a couple grand. That's my goal. But I'm still going to save up as much money as possible for the next two years to guarantee the fact that I will be able to get one.

[GIJedi]

I'm currently stationed at Aviano AB, Italy and it's a beautiful area!!

Sounds like you have a good plan and there has been some great advice being sent your way. As for AAFES car sale for overseas, GM opeted out a couple of years ago because they said they can offer a better deal. Don't know how that works and haven't been able to get any info on it. So I'm getting mine though the dealership back home and my Mom is going to take care of it in my name via POA.

As for living expenses, all you really need is the basics, as you are going to be single Airman, you will be living in the Dorms for the 1st couple of years and you will be on meal card, so unless you eat out alot, you meals are taken care of though the Dining Facility. As for rank, are they still offering a higher rank for a longer service commitment? If so, a 6 year contract will get you A1C after graduation from Tech School. Also, with the Trift Savings Plan, you can set aside up to 10% of you paycheck for investments. I'm no expert on this, so talk to a financial councelor as soon as you can when you join up. You probably won't be able to do this till after you graduate Basic, but keep this in mind, so you can do this as soon as possible.

Good luck and remember, your Career is what you make of it, so keep a good attitude and you will go far.

P.S. I officially put on Tech Sgt this Sat (1 Aug), Yee Haa!!

[gtjacket]

I went TDY to Aviano AB in 1992 and I can vouch that it is a beautiful area. You get a good blend of Italians, form dark haired dark eyed (like you expect) but a lot of blonde haired blue eyed as well. This is because it is located in Noth east Italy and the Balkan Mountains are not far away. I went to a beach that was called lingarno (sp) and it was nice and also went into the mountains and hung out by a beautiful lake. Enjoy your time there GIJedi, I know I did.

[Blakout]

@GIJedi: Thank you for all of your input on this. That second paragraph you wrote was surprisingly helpful to me, because I'm still in the dark on most of this military stuff. You say GM claims they can offer a better deal through themselves as opposed to AAFES, this is interesting...I'll have to do some research on it. As for the military stuff... I don't eat out a lot, especially if I can just be lazy and stay on base and eat for free. I hear the food is pretty tasty, and I'm not a very picky eater. I believe they do still offer higher rank for a longer service commitment. I see no issues as of now with committing to 6 years or even more as of right now. I have no plans to leave the service unless a better job and living situation literally land in my lap. Another thing... The Thrift Savings Plan... it's limited to just 10%? I planned on having some sort of similar plan set up, but for more than likely, over half my check each month. Like I said in a previous post, I don't waste a lot of money on small things for myself. I'd much rather save up for something truly spectacular such as this new Camaro, than buy a bunch of "meh" little things. I've never really been the type that has to spend lots of money to have fun. This is just something I've wanted since I was like 12 years old. Nothing like being able to live your childhood dream, so to speak... Haha.

And by the way, congrats on your promotion! What's your MOS?