Kooter, sounds like a good deal for Dad to take care of the car, and for you to save up some coin. Take that COLA you are getting and hide it in a bank (that's hidden from yourself, don't play that game with the wife), or at least resist the urge to drink it all away. It disappears quick, trust me, I know. Another option is to start buying parts and ship them to dad's and you'll have a pile of stuff to do on leave when you get home. Lots of ways to skin that cat.
Dave, I would still be on active duty if I had been sent to Iwakuni for a 3 year tour instead of being sent to Va Beach. Absolutely loved it there while on UDP, had a blast in Atsugi (ahem, won't lie, only flew in to go to Rapungi). Its also a great place from which to see a lot of history. Toured a good bit of Okinawa, Hiroshima, ROK (including going to the DMZ), walking Mt Surabachi and the landing beaches at Iwo Jima, etc, etc. Incredible experiences. I have heard from more than one reputable source that after 6 months there I was downing a fifth of JD by myself, and that I have a tendency to run around naked and urinate on the outside of buildings when I am excessively inebriated. I cannot personally attest to any of those accusations though.