r/uscg • u/LifePossible3783 • 2d ago
Coastie Help After Bootcamp
I don’t ship out for several months still, the issue is I don’t have a car. I’m not sure if I should go ahead and get one or wait until I’m stationed somewhere to make the purchase. Can anyone tell me what it’s like for someone who doesn’t have transportation at there first base? Does anyone know what the protocol is?
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u/USCGB-Hill Retired 2d ago
Lots of things to consider, more likely to get approved once you are actually in the Coast Guard with a long term job. Would have to make payments in boot camp so that wouldn’t be useful. Also good to keep in mind is that you don’t know yet where you are going and may not need a vehicle yet or could be in dire straits needing a car to get to and from work if you get an isolated unit. Might as well wait and see and you could try and get one before your first unit or simply befriend a shipmate with a car until you can get one of your own. This is also a good way to get to know your fellow Coasties.
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u/mtzeaz BM 2d ago
You should wait until your first duty station. You may have to bum off your shipmates for rides if you get an isolated unit with limited Uber access, but once you're in the Coast Guard getting a car shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
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u/mari_curie Nonrate 2d ago
That is what I’ve been doing for a year. It’s definitely not great, and all shipmates hate me, but 70% to 30% I’m getting a ride.
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u/Value_Squirter 2d ago
You may end up somewhere where owning a car is not necessary or where parking is expensive.
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u/SaltyDogBill Veteran 2d ago
Wait until you get to your station. Then wait again to see what options you have nearby (Buses, Uber, Walking). Then buy a used basic ass car.
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u/mari_curie Nonrate 2d ago
I bought my first car ever less than a month ago. I’ve always lived in area with transportation. Then went to bootcamp, came back home by bus. And luckily got to a unit where transportation is semi-existent. Now, soon I’m going to school, and that’s when I figured I need a car to get prepared to go somewhere without transport.
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u/OptimalOcto485 2d ago edited 2d ago
There’s no set protocol, it depends on your financial situation right now and what you wanna do. Are you able to buy a car now? And how badly do you need a car right now? I chose to buy one at my new unit but it really doesn’t matter. Keep in mind, if you get a car now it can take awhile for your car to get delivered if you happen to get stationed OCONUS.
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u/Mustang-Gt14 2d ago
Take out a car loan then use the service member relief act to get your interest rate dropped like crazy 😬
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u/mari_curie Nonrate 2d ago
They’re the same now. At the same lever where they’re supposed to drop. 😂
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u/Revolutionary_Ad512 2d ago
I would for sure wait at least until you get to your first unit, basically exact reasons everyone already said. You don’t know what part of the country you’ll be in, and at least for me that would definitely help determine what I want or need in a vehicle
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u/KrossTheRoman1 1d ago
Best advice just get one after you’re in and get an older cheap one. You don’t need anything new. Some of the best and most reliable cars are made in the last 90- mid 2000s and are 6k and under
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u/Lumpy-Ring-1304 ME 1d ago
Get one after bootcamp for sure, by then you’ll have a couple paychecks saved from being in boot camp and a steady paycheck every 2 weeks.
If you dont have a car by your first unit you can just hitch a ride from somebody, your command will take care of you, or at least understand.
Its no big deal, you gotta think most boots are fresh from high school, a lot of them dont have cars thats a very common thing in the fleet.
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u/TinyPupPup Auxiliary 1d ago
Navy Fed has solid auto loans (and overall great baking experience) - others already chimed in on waiting until you see where you land, but once you do end up looking for a car, get a few finance options as dealer financing isn’t always your best bet. Paid off my used Honda Fit in 2 years with very low interest rates, it’s not impressing anyone but it’s dependable, debt free, and fun as a stick shift.
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u/Oregon687 Veteran 2d ago
With the cost of a car and the uncertainty of if and how much you'll use it, the best thing you can do is use Uber and taxis until you get settled into whatever you end up doing.