Published Jun 29, 2026, 2:17 PM EDT
Buying your first car? Avoid five costly mistakes that can lead to high payments, expensive loans and long-term financial headaches.
Buying a car is exciting, but these common mistakes can make it an expensive lesson. Purchasing your first car can be a fun and exciting time. Everything from picking the car that works best for your home life or your life on the base, to finding the right price and securing the car in your driveway. However, if you're a first-time service member, you may overcommit financially due to steady paychecks and inexperience. To make matters worse, some dealerships near military installations heavily target young, first-time personnel, so we put together a guide to avoid the common car-buying pitfalls.
1.) Buying Too Much Car
Many junior enlisted personnel (E-1 to E-4) spend their first paychecks on expensive trucks or sports cars. Sure, that $700 monthly payment might seem affordable while you're living in the barracks with little to no bills, but it can become a financial burden quickly once living expenses add up once you move out. It's important to create a budget price and stick to it when shopping, and purchasing a car that fits your needs and your budget.
