Cash for Clunkers

Look at a Kia Rio--They start in the $6K range and have a 100K mile warranty. It seems like a better bet to go for the modest car payment than the undetermined car repairs and a car that may not be reliable and dependable. I know, have been there! Good luck.

Some auto shops---like Firestone and Goodrich---have no interest payment plans. This is what I do to keep mine running. Also cook dinner for a friend or brother in exchange for labor. Replacing radiator hoses for instance.
Warning! Know your car. Become aware of it's normal noises so you know when something doesn't sound right. When you have a mechanic look at it, say "Show me". (I was recently told I needed new radiator hoses for $165. I asked my son to replace them and when he came over and looked under the hood he showed me that my hoses are still sound. Guess what? I'll be back up there tomorrow!!! )
Places that sell batteries will check your battery and alternator for free.
Replace only 2 tires at a time. Best ones on the front! Buy middle grade tires and they will get you to work and back safely for a long time.
Some parts can be had at wrecking yards. Ask your mechanic if he will go that route.
Change your oil every 3000 miles on an older model car.
Prevention, maintenace and your awareness can help keep you from have major problems for a long time.
God bless!

Just a thought...our market went down because people were approving sub prime loans to people who couldn't afford the houses...now the government is trying to 'help' the economy (or the car industry that they now own) by this cash for clunckers deal that is currently drawing in SEVERAL hundreds of thousands of people who can't afford a car payment.

Please don't do it. Like someone already said-it's better to OWN a car that's not working then to fall behind on one you're paying off and someone comes to repo it.

Not a good deal...think long term!

If you think you can sqeeze any out of your budget-put some away each month and maybe in a few months or whenever-either fix your car or sell it and use the cash and what you've saved to buy a newer vehicle that doesn't need the repair your current one does.

Oh-and lastly-I work at an insurance agency and had a guy call last week who went in for this CFC deal. He about fell over and died when I told him his insurance was going up about $100/month because he had to add comp and collision to his policy...think about all aspects of getting a new vehicle!

Irving Bible Church in Irving Texas is having a Single Parent Back to School Event on Wednsday August 19th and they will have a Car Care event there as well. They can give you info on the Mechanic the church uses for Single Parents and they give you service that you can afford on your budget. The eventis between the hours of 6-9 pm and they free hair cuts that day along with dental and eye exams all FREE,back packs,and they are giving awya Shoe Gift cards to a shoe store. I am a single parent as well and Irving Bible has been my home church for alomost 7 years and I love the way they LOVE Single Parents.

Irving Bible is Kinwest Pkwy..Go to the

website..www.irvingbible.org

I hope this helps,

F.

Curious about this program, we toyed with the idea of trading in my husband's SUV (and giving him my car which is fine), and buying a minivan. We tried this TODAY and wanted to get a Chrysler Town and Country, but the one we could swing without changing our budget too much didn't qualify. They said we had to get the upgraded version that was $8k more than the one we were willing to pay for. I was a little disappointed, but not too bad....sounded kinda too good to be true, and it was. Go figure.
Turns out we could get $3000-3500 for a trade in and buy a van that's a couple years old instead. For us, that's the better route.

CFC was intended to help the auto industry sell new cars, not necessarily help those with limited means buy new cars. I heard someone the other day say the majority of cars being turned in were from people with over 800 credit ratings! These are folks that just need a little push to give up a car that is paid for. If it was truly for those in need,it would allow them to trade in for another used car. I've also heard that the resale value of the existing used cars is rising, because there are fewer used cars available for sale.

Im in the same situation. Can't wait to swee your responses. I am in desperate need but also I know I can not squeeze a payment if I had to.
D. S.

Not worth it...This is not a program to really help people in my opinion...Most people who are driving "clunkers" are driving them because they can't afford anything else. This program is trying to force people to make car payments that they can't afford which will eventually lead to car reposession and then you are really in trouble. When I need a car I wait for income tax and go get me what I can with what I get back.

Hello N....I'm in the car business and a single mom. I would rather stress over car note instead of car repairs and worry about the car not being dependable with my child,too. I rather have a dependable car to help me get where I need to go safe and sound. The dealerships i work with do not have new cars so we can not help you but I have a dear friend with over 17years in auto business at Freeman Hyundai Mazada in Irving can help you...call Terry Gibson ###-###-####. God Bless

Probably not worth it.

We have a minivan that qualifies but you are limited on the car you purchase instead.... Ex: the car we plan to buy next does not qualify.

We don't get into car payments, etc. If you can't pay for it when you get it or within a few short months, don't get it.

I agree that this program is getting people who truly cannot afford a new car to go get one and then have a car note they can't afford.

Your best bet would be a good used car.

Good luck

Good morning N.:
Whatever you do N., DO NOT UTILIZE THIS PROGRAM AT ALL, EVER!!!!!! Once you got their website and click on agree, you give all of government, police and many authorites TOTAL ACCESS of YOUR personal computer. This cash for clunkers program is just another way for the government to take our right to privacy totally away. Copy and past the link below into your browser and you can see and hear everything I am talking about.

www,youtube.com/watch?v=mgfuz7hiap0&feature=player embedded

Let me know if you have any problems viewing this. You can also tune into Fox news (on cable or satellite) and learn more about his government scam. I cannot stress enough to you and everyone reading this "DO NOT BUY INTO THE CASH FOR CLUNKERS PROGRAM"!!!! IT IS A SCAM! HOLD ONTO YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO PRIVACY AND LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!

Not a radical just strong believer in the constitution tha t my hubby and many of you out there fought to keep and maintain!

A. C
Canyon, Texas

If you buy a car and can't make the payment, they will eventually come and take it away. If you have a car that needs repairs you can't afford, it will sit there, but no one will come and get it, leaving you with a big bill that still has to be paid off even after you have no transportation. Good Luck. These are tough times. Since you are a single parent, I'd wager you are TOUGHER!

the other option is looking for a reasonably priced used vehicle. You can't use Cash for Clunkers, but your payments will be lower and chances are you will get more on your car, as a trade, than it probably is worth. My vehicle is very old, but 4500 is not enough to make me take on the payment with a new car, when a used car starts out much lower in price.

I used the Air Check Texas program. I got 3000 for for my 1997 Ford Escort that would not have passed it's next inspection. I went to Mr. Bill Motor Company in Arlington. I got a 2006 Chevy Uplander (mini van). I am fortunate that I was able to afford a payment. However, Steve was WONDERFUL! I drove off in my new car the day I walked in. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I had a very postive experience.

Dear N.,

I wouldn't use the cash for clunkers program because you must buy a new car with it and those payments will likely be over your head. On the other hand, if you can find a modest upgrade to a more efficient, more reliable car, now your clunker may be more valuable because the buyer may use it as a trade-in. Please do not get a car you cannot afford - it will be repossessed and you will be worse off.

Good Luck!
Jen