Some things to keep in mind: first, you get free fuel at Scout bases.  Second, the ship isn't 'yours' per se.  The Scout Corps is just lending it to you until they need it for something.  The upside is that you don't have to pay it off.  The downside is that if something happens to it, and you survive, you owe them the price of a new ship.<br/><br/>You do get to name it, though.