My car is not worth fixing. What do I do with it?

[gberardi]

I have recently determined that my car isn't worth the cost of fixing it, but I don't know what to do with it.

I need catalytic converters replaced, the horn assembly replaced, the headlamp assembly replaced, and the brake line and some belt under the hood probably need to be replaced as well. Repairs would cost a little over $2,000.

I would pay for the repairs, but my car has almost 90,000 miles on it and is a 98 Ford Contour. I was advised by a service technician that it would just end up costing me more in repairs over the next few years.

Ok, so the car won't get fixed. What do I do with it? I don't think I want to donate it anywhere since there are so many things wrong with it. I could trade it in for a new car, but I have no plans to spend enough money to get a decent car right now. What are my other options?

If this post belongs in a better forum, feel free to move it.

[Angela]

your local high school or jr. college will almost certainly accept your donation of even a junk car, and it is tax deductible.

[Erin Pavlina]

We recently donated our 12 year old car to a company and PETA got credit for the donation. Any money the car makes at auction will be donated to them in our name. We were told that due to the condition of the car it probably would be turned into scrap metal, but that there would still be some profit in that so PETA would benefit. Something to consider.

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by gberardi

I would pay for the repairs, but my car has almost 90,000 miles on it and is a 98 Ford Contour. I was advised by a service technician that it would just end up costing me more in repairs over the next few years.

I'm in the same exact situation, and my car is six years older than yours. Sadly the car works fine, but it failed inspection due to exhaust leak and failed emissions test. The exhaust leak is understandable, but they really should make old cars exempt from passing emissions. The thing is 15 years old for cryin' out loud. Do they expect it to sing and dance too?

But going back to your question, the options as far as I know are to: trade it in, donate it to a non-profit/charity/school or whoever else will take it and get a tax deduction, or send it off to a junk yard. I don't know if the junk yard will pay you anything but they will definitely take it off your hands (tow it) for free.

[haup9]

I have been in this situation a couple of times before. The first time I just had a junk yard come and get it. They towed it away for free and I did not get anything for it. The second time I donated it to a local charity that advertises requesting used cars. It is a place that then teaches young men how to repair vehicles. Once the vehicles are repaired they will be sold at auction. Look into that option, at the very least you get a tax deduction and you have helped to teach someone something.

[munish]

Why used cars cost more to drive than new cars (and other uncommon personal finance advice)

[gberardi]

Thanks for the advice everyone, and thanks, Munish, for that article. I now need to think seriously about getting another car.

As for my current car, I wonder if my old high school might want it. I will also look into donating it somewhere where people learn to repair them, since that sounds like a good deal.

[dgorila1]

People Eating Tasty Animals :-)

Sorry, I just had to add that. Its a popular bumper sticker since their headquarters is based here in Norfolk. I am an animal lover, but personally I don't support or agree with their tactics(can you say "domestic terrorist idiots"). They are always in the news for pulling stupid "campaigns" and stunts that end up backfiring and making them look even worst than they already are. The only one that was amusing was the one several years ago when about a half dozen of the young women stood naked in the freezing cold to protest something or another. They got dressed pretty quick once the cold set in and they realized noone was taking them seriously. I think one of the reasons PETA continues to thrive in this area is because of several local colleges that they can get new idealistic "recruits" from on a regular basis to replace the ones that leave after seeing what they are really about. I support more reasonable and professional organizations such as the local SPCA'a and various pet rescue organizations. They are all much better run and actually have a mission and purpose that helps the animals while still educating the public in a way that works. Just my 2 cents.

[SeriousKidding.com]

I know you've already gotten plenty of suggestions about what to do with seemingly worthless vehicles. My first choice would be to ask any of my friends and/or their children. Lots of folks love tinkering, and the parts could be very recyclable for other vehicles. Even a junk yard might take it off your hands. I haven't ever done this, but certainly have considered it. I have a '77 Toyota truck, and it won't last forever. But, it runs so fine, still. And, I live in a city where there is no emission testing requirement. Lucky me!

[Minsc]

It'd take it apart...

Then you'd probably have to do something with the hull and any other parts you don't need though.

[Cassie]

Originally Posted by Baltar

Do they expect it to sing and dance too?

haha, cute.

[TechnoGuyRob]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

We recently donated our 12 year old car to a company and PETA got credit for the donation. Any money the car makes at auction will be donated to them in our name. We were told that due to the condition of the car it probably would be turned into scrap metal, but that there would still be some profit in that so PETA would benefit. Something to consider.

Well, gberardi, if it is PETA you are going to donate to, then in my humble opinion, better just scrap the car and not sell at all. ;-)

[gberardi]

Hah, I think everyone is really jumping on this PETA suggestion, and I had to double check to figure out where it came from the first time. What I got from Erin's suggestion wasn't "Donate it in PETA's name" but "Donate it, giving the proceeds to your favorite charity."

That video was kind of funny, though. B-)

EDIT: Ok, I realized that it wasn't funny after a while. Eep!

[Erin Pavlina]

Yes I meant you should donate it to your favorite charity.

[Beloved]

After our car cost us $2000 to repair last year, I hear your pain. It's only 5 years old too. I remember the old days when I drove a Datsun 120y, I used to carry a bit of 2 x 4 around for those times it wouldn't start, all it took was a bash on the alternator. I wouldn't know where to start these days.

Check out your local schools, do they need cars for driver's ed or repair classes?

[coollikeme]

do not put any work in it .You will be surprised who may buy it . Just be honest about what is wrong with it. There are a lot of people who like to work on cars, and can fix it themselves. You will not make a lot but you will save on fixing it. And you may still help someone who needs a car get one. good luck.