MitchS Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) Hi all, I'm headed to UPT in April, and want to buy my fiancée a new car to replace her 2004 Saturn Lemon as soon as it fits the budget. She'll be commissioning when she's out of law school in a year, and I want to give her something that will make her feel good and serve her well over our first few PCS's--probably a middle-of-the-market crossover. I hope to fly C-17s, and as a JAG, it's likely that she'll be stationed at the same bases as me. (The following question is assuming that everything goes according to plan and understands that nothing is guaranteed. Humor me.) She's from Texas, so she isn't experienced with driving in winter weather. (And, well, she isn't the best driver altogether, so I don't expect her to really go out of her way to master it.) So, for the bases we'll probably see over the next 10 years, is AWD a must? An appreciated luxury? A waste of fuel efficiency and maintenance costs? What are your thoughts? Edited January 3, 2017 by MitchS Added disclaimer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 1 minute ago, MitchS said: What are your thoughts? Thoughts? You're way ahead of yourself on several fronts. Don't buy her a car until you're married. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MitchS Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) Her car won't last much longer than our engagement, so I want to be ready to replace it if and when we have to. If that's before we're married, fine, if it's a year after we're married, also fine. I'm doing the research now, while her car is still running, so it doesn't have to be a chore for later. Edited January 3, 2017 by MitchS removed snark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Hi all, I hope/expect to fly C-17sNothing wrong with hoping. That said, those who "expect" something out of UPT are often those who need a heathy dose of expectation management. A guy in my pilot training class expected to become a FAIP, so he bought a house in Enid. Halfway through Phase II he DOR'd. Another friend, instrument rated prior to UPT, expected to fly A-10s. He couldn't make it through T-6 instruments.Go to UPT, work your ass off, and learn to love whatever airframe you rightfully earn.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 OK, to answer your question, C-17 bases are too diverse to answer your question. AWD would make a lot of sense for Elmo, maybe McChord. Not so much for Charleston. Welcome to the world of no right answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MitchS Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 Okay, that's fair. You're right, I shouldn't expect my first choice. Just trying to plan wisely. Sorry for the entitled language. Let me amend my question: I live in Texas where weather isn't an issue when it comes to car buying. Would winter conditions at the average AMC pilot's likely first 3-5 assignments be significant enough to factor in to a decision to buy AWD or 2WD on a new car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Okay, that's fair. You're right, I shouldn't expect my first choice. Just trying to plan wisely. Sorry for the entitled language. Let me amend my question: I live in Texas where weather isn't an issue when it comes to car buying. Would winter conditions at the average AMC pilot's likely first 3-5 assignments be significant enough to factor in to a decision to buy AWD or 2WD on a new car?If you appropriately drive for the wx conditions, FWD, RWD, or AWD won't make much of a difference. AWD is the most idiot proof, followed by FWD, with RWD being the most squirrelly on ice or snow. I'm at McChord and am just fine driving my RWD car. Since I've been here the wx hasn't been too shitty, but I'd consider taking an Uber to work if it gets really bad. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Man Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) used Subaru Impreza wagon, you'll be safe anywhere edit: take her to a parking lot when it's icy and let her learn the limits of the car...AWD doesn't equal AWBraking Edited January 3, 2017 by Day Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the g-man Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Dude you're counting way too many chickens.If you really want to do this though, cast a wider net to all AMC bases and you'll find Fairchild and McConnell are in there too.Anecdotally after 1 winter in Philadelphia, we had one snow storm. I was on a mission during that whole time, so the amount of snow I've seen here is low.You'll be fine with FWD. I drive a Civic to work every day.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guineapigfury Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 4 hours ago, nunya said: Thoughts? You're way ahead of yourself on several fronts. Don't buy her a car until you're married. This is the correct answer. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viper154 Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Way to many variables. Majority of Air Force jets have several basing options in vastly different climates as well as overseas where that big ole 4 wheel drive ain't going to fit. (Assuming UPT works out) Your basically asking what clothes should I pack for that mystery vacation you haven't won yet. Also don't buy shit until your married. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prosuper Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 (edited) 7 hours ago, MitchS said: Hi all, I'm headed to UPT in April, and want to buy my fiancée a new car to replace her 2004 Saturn Lemon as soon as it fits the budget. She'll be commissioning when she's out of law school in a year, and I want to give her something that will make her feel good and serve her well over our first few PCS's--probably a middle-of-the-market crossover. I hope to fly C-17s, and as a JAG, it's likely that she'll be stationed at the same bases as me. (The following question is assuming that everything goes according to plan and understands that nothing is guaranteed. Humor me.) She's from Texas, so she isn't experienced with driving in winter weather. (And, well, she isn't the best driver altogether, so I don't expect her to really go out of her way to master it.) So, for the bases we'll probably see over the next 10 years, is AWD a must? An appreciated luxury? A waste of fuel efficiency and maintenance costs? What are your thoughts? Not a pilot, never will be a pilot, just a humble A&P that fixes the jets you hope to fly one day. Stop worrying about your girl and cars. When you get to UPT just worry about getting through to breakfast, then lunch, then dinner in that order. Old joke; How do make God laugh? Tell him your plans. Spent 23 years on active duty and never got an assignment that was even on my dream sheet if they even have those things anymore. If you are at Vance or Shepard I would get a used car you would not mind driving that has hail damage and is going to get some more hail damage. I.E. a 2004 Saturn Lemon. Edited January 4, 2017 by Prosuper more info 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrodgsxr Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Drive that lemon into the ground. Tell her to start saving so she can buy a replacement cash. Paying interest is for chumps. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Drive that lemon into the ground. Tell her to start saving so she can buy a replacement cash. Paying interest is for chumps.So, paying interest at a percentage less than inflation is for chumps?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guineapigfury Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 I bought a convertible as a Lt waiting to start UPT. After UPT, I sold the convertible to buy a wedding ring for my fiance. 5 years down the road we got divorced and now I have neither a wife nor a convertible. I miss that car. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeA10 Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 I'd say you are putting the cart in front of the horse but you don't even have a horse, yet. Opportunities to buy cars come and go but your shot at successfully completing UPT will only occur exactly one time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polcat Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 (edited) Make her buy her own car. But really, what if you end up with an overseas assignment? Are you willing to pay to ship the second car overseas? I'd run that car into the ground until 1) You're married 2) You make it through UPT and 3) You know where you'll be going. Edited January 4, 2017 by polcat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 21 hours ago, MitchS said: I want to give her something that will make her feel good and serve her well over our first few PCS's What are your thoughts? It's a car. Take a best guess about what you think is needed. If you PCS somewhere and it's not the right vehicle, trade it in and get something else. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M2 Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Get a Jeep... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bb17 Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Ask her to buy you a car instead. It will show that you are an alpha male and call the shots. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATIS Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 7 hours ago, polcat said: Make her buy her own car. But really, what if you end up with an overseas assignment? Are you willing to pay to ship the second car overseas? I'd run that car into the ground until 1) You're married 2) You make it through UPT and 3) You know where you'll be going. 1) Shack 2) Shack 3) Shack ATIS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matmacwc Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 I've seen this fall apart more than work, don't buy crap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 On 1/4/2017 at 4:25 AM, guineapigfury said: I bought a convertible as a Lt waiting to start UPT. After UPT, I sold the convertible to buy a wedding ring for my fiance. 5 years down the road we got divorced and now I have neither a wife nor a convertible. I miss that car. "You'll always lose money chasing women. But you'll never lose women chasing money" -My mom 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger41 Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 If you're going to be a C-17 guy, the last thing you want is a lawyer wife that's drained your cash on a new car. You'll need income to pay for the flock of bastard children you have in Rota/Constanta/Germany, etc. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 If you're going to be a C-17 guy, the last thing you want is a wife.Fixed that for you. I kid, I kid. Maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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