Military AutoSource (MAS) Croughton On Base

Why sell LHD vehicles for use in UK ?
Mar 15th, 2021

Great car dealership! Ben Harvey took me step by step throughout my entire process of getting my vehicle, he always kept me updated and made sure I recieved the vehicle as soon as possible. Showed that he cared about my customer satisfaction and went beyond and above to fulfill my needs! Would recommend to everyone. -Jorge Valencia
Apr 18th, 2019

(cica 2018) As a brand new Airman in RAF Croughton, a salesman attempted to sell me a brand new, US-spec car. Even after letting him know that I was brand new and could not afford to buy a new car, he persisted. From this experience, I concluded that MAS personnel, on at least RAFC, are exploitative of young, impressionable Airmen and should be avoided if possible. For any Airmen that see this: The salesman may tell you that a new car is an investment. That statement is not false. A new vehicle is an investment, just a poor one at that. First, a US-spec car will offer you nothing that a UK-spec can't besides a slightly unusual driving experience (UK drives in the other side of the road than the US) and awkward drive-thru encounters. Second, the resale value of a new car is miserable. Just after purchase, it could lose up to half of its value and will continue to depreciate every subsequent year. Unless you bought a brand new car in 2020 and sold it in 2022, you've made a significant loss in your investment. Know that in England, you could get a used UK-spec vehicle for 15% or less of a brand new US-spec vehicle. At the end of your tour, you may be able to sell that car to someone else for 50% or more of what you paid for it, condition dependant. Weighing how much a new car could cost you per month to what an E1-4 makes, it's clear how much of a burden such a purchase could bring. Though if that isn't something you're concerned with, then please consider the benefits that a UK-spec car will bring during your tour as the convenience alone may justify a delay in the purchase of an American vehicle. Additionally, do not immediately trust the salespeople here. I understand that you may be new here, your job provides a steady income, and someone from MAS may be one of the first people here to speak with you, but they are not your friend. Anyone who is willing to capitalize on your youthful naivety while knowing the financial burden that they could place on you is nothing more than a wolf in sheep's clothing. In a cutthroat economy, many are willing to do anything to get ahead regardless of how it affects others. It is my hope that, equipped with this knowledge, you resist those who try to prey in you.
Feb 19th, 2023