<prompt> Human: I am in a long training pipeline in the Army, make 21,000 a year, and have minimal savings 3,000. I have some lingering student loan debt that went into default. My Transunion credit score is currently a 550. In the past few months I have consolidated that debt with the US Dep. of Education, have been making regular bi-monthly payments, and am hoping to see a significant improvement in my credit score soon.I need to purchase a vehicle ASAP to facilitate training and living on post. Although I can nearly afford to buy from craigslist outright in the 2,500 range, it seems like a bad idea. Sometimes random expenditures come up for gear, etc. Does anyone know anything about military auto loans? Whether or not thats a good idea? I really know nothing about the matter, and apologize for my ignorance. Can anyone give me advice surrounding a purchase of a used vehicle considering my current situation? IE. What I should prepare if working with a dealership? What I can expect in terms of being approved or denied a loan? etc.Thanks so much!  <response>: Warning: you sound exactly like the kind of guy that the care dealerships clustered around military bases love to take advantage of. They often come back to this forum in ten years owing 10k more on their vehicle than its worth anymore, because theyre stuck with a 20 interest rate. Dont be that guy! You should do your best to live within your means. I know 21,000 a year isnt a ton, but its pretty good for a single young person with no housing, food, or medical expenses, which I hope is the case for you. This is a great time in your life to start practicing financial responsibility. To start with, buying a 2500 car or holding off a month or two and getting a 5000 car sounds like a great idea to me. PUtting away as much money as you can right now into an emergency fund and then retirement savings will do sooo much more for you than enjoying the new car smell for a few months. Do you have specific questions about the auto loan process? Its not that complicated, but with your bad credit, low income, and ignorance in this particular area, I STRONGLY recommend buying the cheapest car that you can afford which meets your needs and is reasonably dependable. 