Do I need a vehicle for living on Fort Stewart (first duty station)?

2015-04-18T18:26:05-04:00

I'll be going to Ft. Stewart in late May and I do not own a car. I joined right out of high school so I'm pretty new to this doing things on my own stuff. So any advice on what I should do vehicle wise would be greatly appreciated. I don't wanna be stuck with no money because I've made a mistake and bought a car I can't afford you know? So any advice would be wonderful!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-04-18T18:32:56-04:00

Wait until you get to your unit to buy a car, your NCO's should take care of you in that aspect.

Also, learn the Dogface soldier song.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 18 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-04-18T18:48:00-04:00

Hi PV2 Private RallyPoint Member -- congrats on getting ready for your first duty station. My friends who were at Stewart often had really good things to say about it. Do you know what unit you're reporting to? What do your orders say? Perhaps you are just reporting to the Replacement unit and from there you will get pinpoint orders, but figured I would ask if you knew now.

Also, we have thousands of RallyPoint members who are at Fort Stewart right now. I would recommend connecting with some of them to start forming relationships prior to your arrival -- those can come in really handy!

One of our top RP members, CSM Private RallyPoint Member, is at Stewart now. I am tagging him here in hopes that he may have some professional advice. I know what you are thinking: "Why are you connecting me with a CSM?!?!" I know, I know. but CSM Private RallyPoint Member has shared incredible insights with SMs and Veterans/Retirees around the world by now, so he may well be able to shed some light on the experience awaiting you at Stewart!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 6:55 PM

2015-04-18T18:55:16-04:00

Hey SSG Steven Borders since you where once stationed at Stewart have any advice for someone heading there?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 18 at 2015 7:31 PM

2015-04-18T19:31:22-04:00

Hints on buying a car:
-buy used car
-compare insurance rate vs car you want
-do your homework: check consumer reports (reliability) and Kelley blue book (price info)
-consider buying from dealership because they may offer a warranty
-avoid used car lots located outside post gate
-check with the folks in your unit who bought a car to get names of dealers you should or shouldn't use
-check the better business bureau web site to identify complaints against dealers
-if buying from individual, make sure to get clean title and bill of sale (post JAG can advise)
-if you need to borrow money consider the credit union
-understand all purchase costs before you buy including tag, taxes etc

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 18 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-04-18T19:40:26-04:00

Welcome to the Army. I was stationed in the 3rd ID at Fort Stewart, GA from 98" to 01". The first thing you will do once you arrive to the welcome center is to ask for the black list of businesses. The black lists of businesses are places you are prohibited from visiting. Beware, at some of these locations, CID and MPI are waiting for service members or individuals who appear to be service members. They have the legal authority to detain and to apprehend off post. Next, you will not buy a car by yourself or with another unexperience person. You will consult your supervisor for all major purchases. The car markets on the local economy will take your money whether or not you can make a monthly payment. Additionally, if you are considering fiting your new room or housing with stuff like a TV, washer/dryer, or other things and you have the money, check local pawn shops other forms of second hand retail options. People get rid of their stuff all the time due to PSC, ETS and divorce sales. I wish your luck there in the 3rd ID, and more thing, learn the Dog Face Soldier song.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-04-18T19:45:35-04:00

Look for a decent used car, find a gear head in your unit that can help you this is always the best route. Avoid all car dealerships in the area of the base pay cash from a private owner. Also look at USAA for insurance best rates for a young GI. I spent 5 years a little north in Chuck Towne you always need a car to enjoy the local area.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 18 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-04-18T19:49:07-04:00

My recommendation is to start with a bicycle first, you can carry most things in a ruck on your back and ride back and forth to where you need to go.....(and I gotta mention this for the RP members that love the PT belt)....make sure you wear your PT belt (and helmet) when riding your bike.

By the way.....Save (invest) that car payment ($200 for a used car), insurance ($150 for full coverage for a young Soldier) and gas money ($75) totaling about $425 a month savings...times 12 months gives you about $5,000 after just a year there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-04-18T20:14:40-04:00

Good thinking ahead. The advice everyone's given is great stuff and it applies at every base you go to.
If you can swing it (I'm not sure what a PV2 pay is anymore, around 700 a month when I enlisted) a new small car with a good warranty (Hyundai 10yr) and decent history of trade in value might be a good idea. The trick is to stay in your budget. Don't forget insurance. I had an army buddy who bought a 02 WRX in 02. Drove it back to the barracks and our 1SG told him to park it until he had insurance. He dropped his savings into the down payment, didn't have enough to cover the "first and last month upfront" that most insurance companies ask. Lucky for him he knew a young newly promoted specialist with some money burning a hole in his pocket. Unlucky for him the penalty was he had to let the specialist drive it until he paid back the loan.
On a completely unrelated note, did you know the 0-60 time of an 02 WRX was almost identical to that of the camaro of the time?
Don't be that guy, I didn't let him drive that car for months....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-04-18T20:35:49-04:00

That's good advice and free pt.
What's the taxi situation there like CSM? For trips to Savannah and the like?

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 20 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-04-20T08:27:40-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member It depends on where you get put but more than likely your barracks will be right next to the company so you can walk. I would wait till you get settled before buying a car. Then after you are settled go and start looking for a cheap car you can get around it.

Most stuff is centrally located. But if you want to go anywhere it is a 45 minute drive to get to Savannah. If you need anymore advice just hit me up man. I would be happy to help you out.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 20 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-04-20T19:21:32-04:00

I'd hold off. I know how this scenario goes as I saw it too many times. Save your money, wait until you financially feel comfortable buying a used car. There are always other soldiers Pcs'ing/Ets'ing so there will be deals. Talk with your squad leader, if he's been there awhile he'll know the deal. Be responsible as it could come back to bite you.

Good luck at Ft. Gordon and always keep your eyes and ears open!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 20 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-04-20T19:25:07-04:00

Depends. On most "troop posts", barracks are usually centrally located so most of your immediate needs (DFAC, company S&A, etc) are within walking distance. For things that are not centrally located (PX, TMC, etc) you can always bum a ride or pony up for a taxi if there is no post shuttle.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 20 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-04-20T20:20:03-04:00

I would wait until you have ascertained the need versus the want. I would also ask your NCO'S to assist in your purchase if it is your first car purchase.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-04-20T20:58:26-04:00

Lots of good advice from the RP population. You are to be commended for your thought process about dealing with a car purchase.

Some items to consider - always remember that it is YOUR money when negotiating with a sales person. That is the last thing the sales force wants you to remember, so keep it high on your list! Financing is to be avoided if possible. If not, pre approval from a credit union or USAA is an excellent way to go to a dealership. Third - don't be afraid to pick up and walk away if the negotiations aren't proceeding to your satisfaction. Not a bluff - hike!

Good luck with your Army experience, whether it's an enlistment or a career.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-04-21T16:30:36-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member like you, I was a PV2 when I go to my first unit station. I had a budget set for a car and I was looking everything below it just in case any surprise. I had $3K and I found a good 2000 Nissan Maxima for $2k. I didn't, and don't, need a brand new car. As CSM Michael J. Uhlig said, start with a bicycle but don't go fancy with a brand new car. We're gonna have time for that when we rank up, for now, get something that goes forward, back and stops.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 21 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-04-21T16:34:35-04:00

PV2 Nicholas Scott, Asking for input is a great idea for a young Soldier. I agree w/ the idea of using a bicycle, saving $s and paying cash! Anothe wise move would involve you checking into 'Dave Ramsey', a financial guru who has some really good books on money management for young people. He also has 'podcasts' of his radio program.

Response by SSG Skylur Britz made Apr 21 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-04-21T16:44:04-04:00

I would get a bicycle like CSM Uhlig said but I would also get a cheap dependable car ($3,000- $4,000) to help build credit and for bad weather days.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Nov 29 at 2015 12:13 AM

2015-11-29T00:13:43-05:00

Odds are your unit may deploy in the future. Buying a car, putting it in storage, and making payments is not a good idea. Your unit will get you where you need to be and there is bus transportation.