Military in Japan

[Mile6453]

This thread is mostly directed towards anyone stationed on the mainland.

In about a year, I'll be going to Misawa AB. Very far north in the, what I assume, is the coldest area of the country for those of you who aren't familiar with this base or military installations of Japan. I'm trying to calculate the amount of money it would cost to buy a car, insure it, pay taxes and any other expenses needed to own/drive a car. I've read some sites saying it's cheaper to own a car if you live in the countryside compared to the city. Is this true? Will I have to show certificate of ownership of a parking space if the car will be parked on base? What type of cars have what type of license plates? Is the convenience/fun of having a car even worth the cost?

If you could, please write prices in US dollars (if that's not too much to ask). I understand everything will be paid for in Yen, however.

Thanks in advanced for checking the thread and replying