Thanks to all that have responded.
I do appreciate it.

I was able to secure a loan & have a few options on my plate than I had before.

Not too much but doable.

Don't think that just because your car is old and not running well that's it's worthless. Have you taken it in to get an offer? You should at least try because you'll probably be surprised.

My dad had a '91 Toyota Corolla that he loved, but after being in an accident in a newer, bigger car that seriously injured him, he was terrified to drive his old small car again. His car did the same shaking thing you described, as well. He'd have to pop it in N at red lights and give it a tad of gas to keep it running. It had around 150k miles on it and he still got around $900 trade in on it.

I know I had a single mom coworker with a car on its last legs that she was just funneling money in to keep it going to the next month. A guy at work finally convinced her to at least go look at some cars (not new, but used) even though she kept telling us she'd never be able to get one because she had bad credit. She eventually found a dealer who gave her $500 for her car and got her in a newer used car with payments just slightly higher than what she was putting into the old car to keep it running.

It may seem hopeless, but you need to at least be a bit proactive and look around at your options before your car does give out and you're without. Try some nice dealerships and then try a few of the shady corner used car dealers.

Anonymous wrote:I understand your plight. I too live in an area that is car dependent.

I drive a 1996 vehicle with 123,000 miles on it. I set aside $1,000 a year for maintenance on it. Last year was a doozy and I had to spend about $2,000 on it. But this year it has been fine so far.
I have a mechanic that is trustworthy, competent and realistically priced. That helps a lot. Sometimes when my vehicle needs a new part, he gets it from the junkyard, which is fine with me. When I finally get a new vehicle I plan to give my old one to my mechanic, since it seems to like hanging out with him so much.
If my vehicle breaks down to the point that it is not worth keeping it running, I plan to quit my current job and just work retail in one of the stores that is within walking distance of my house.
I am saving up for a new vehicle. If I can keep the current one running for another 4 years, I will be able to pay cash for a newer vehicle.

I hear ya!
The struggle is real.

-OP

I understand your plight. I too live in an area that is car dependent.

I drive a 1996 vehicle with 123,000 miles on it. I set aside $1,000 a year for maintenance on it. Last year was a doozy and I had to spend about $2,000 on it. But this year it has been fine so far.
I have a mechanic that is trustworthy, competent and realistically priced. That helps a lot. Sometimes when my vehicle needs a new part, he gets it from the junkyard, which is fine with me. When I finally get a new vehicle I plan to give my old one to my mechanic, since it seems to like hanging out with him so much.
If my vehicle breaks down to the point that it is not worth keeping it running, I plan to quit my current job and just work retail in one of the stores that is within walking distance of my house.
I am saving up for a new vehicle. If I can keep the current one running for another 4 years, I will be able to pay cash for a newer vehicle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have two choices:
-continue to spend $200 a month on car repairs,
-or, buy a car and spend $200 a month on it. (170 on car pmt, 30 avg monthly on maintenance)

1. Compare your 2-3 closest credit unions for their used car rates. Try the join the best one.
2. Get a loan approval. Keep it modest.
3. Start the car buying process, envisioning that car that will give you almost two decades again.

I truly want to help you, so if there is an issue with the above plan, speak up. From my perspective it’s a great plan. Sucks to start a loan, but, the key is trying to get as low of a payment/interest as possible.

Me again.
I believe in prayer and will say one for you.
I’ve hsd miracles happen with car issues. Needed a car because a second child was coming. The one great car we had was totaled in an accident!! But then, we received in value more than we assumed/expected; and we found a great deal on a used car that would fit the second kid. Because no one was harmed in the accident, and even the insurers called it ‘no one’s fault,’ I like to think it was a necessary miracle for our poor situation at the time.

That was 3-4 years ago, and life has changed a lot. That car is almost paid off, early.

Reading this makes me feel better already.

Thanks.

-OP

I'm sorry you are in this situation. Truly.

If I were in your shoes I would scrape together as much as possible through a hardcore savings plan.

For the next 30 days, do not spend any money aside from the absolute basics:

-rent/utilities
-cell phone
-gas
-food (*noting that you should not go out to eat or buy coffee; hit the grocery store...that's it; make your own food, and try hard to skimp)

No restaurants. No Starbucks. Pack your own lunch. Eat eggs or cereal for dinner. No meat. No bars/happy hours. No beer/wine/booze. No shopping (do not go to target, the mall or online...period!). Don't get your hair done/nails done. No movies. Don't spend any money.

Then see how much you can actually save.

If you don't see a difference in your bank account, then you either didn't actually stop spending or you have a serious cash flow issue (as opposed to a spending issue). If that's the case, then you need to find a new income stream: babysitting, dog walking, house cleaning, etc.

Anonymous wrote:You have two choices:
-continue to spend $200 a month on car repairs,
-or, buy a car and spend $200 a month on it. (170 on car pmt, 30 avg monthly on maintenance)

1. Compare your 2-3 closest credit unions for their used car rates. Try the join the best one.
2. Get a loan approval. Keep it modest.
3. Start the car buying process, envisioning that car that will give you almost two decades again.

I truly want to help you, so if there is an issue with the above plan, speak up. From my perspective it’s a great plan. Sucks to start a loan, but, the key is trying to get as low of a payment/interest as possible.

+1

you can buy a car that works on this budget; you just have to do it with a loan.

Anonymous wrote:You have two choices:
-continue to spend $200 a month on car repairs,
-or, buy a car and spend $200 a month on it. (170 on car pmt, 30 avg monthly on maintenance)

1. Compare your 2-3 closest credit unions for their used car rates. Try the join the best one.
2. Get a loan approval. Keep it modest.
3. Start the car buying process, envisioning that car that will give you almost two decades again.

I truly want to help you, so if there is an issue with the above plan, speak up. From my perspective it’s a great plan. Sucks to start a loan, but, the key is trying to get as low of a payment/interest as possible.

Me again.
I believe in prayer and will say one for you.
I’ve hsd miracles happen with car issues. Needed a car because a second child was coming. The one great car we had was totaled in an accident!! But then, we received in value more than we assumed/expected; and we found a great deal on a used car that would fit the second kid. Because no one was harmed in the accident, and even the insurers called it ‘no one’s fault,’ I like to think it was a necessary miracle for our poor situation at the time.

That was 3-4 years ago, and life has changed a lot. That car is almost paid off, early.

You have two choices:
-continue to spend $200 a month on car repairs,
-or, buy a car and spend $200 a month on it. (170 on car pmt, 30 avg monthly on maintenance)

1. Compare your 2-3 closest credit unions for their used car rates. Try the join the best one.
2. Get a loan approval. Keep it modest.
3. Start the car buying process, envisioning that car that will give you almost two decades again.

I truly want to help you, so if there is an issue with the above plan, speak up. From my perspective it’s a great plan. Sucks to start a loan, but, the key is trying to get as low of a payment/interest as possible.

Ugh!

I have an old ‘99 car w/only 111,000 miles on it.
I bought it in 2010 & it has given me zero issues until....

2017.

I have already spent $2,500+ on getting her repaired.
I kid you not.
Once I fix one thing, a few months it is always another thing!!

I have scrimped, saved & borrowed money to keep it on the road but now it appears something has to give.

When I am driving, the car shakes and feels like it will turn off.
The Check Engine light flashes constantly when I drive, and the car has severe issues w/acceleration and driving up even a minor hill.

I work full-time and do not have any spare time to take it into a shop.
And when I do, it will be $100 for a diagnostic plus usually a hefty bill follows which now I cannot afford.
I am depleted both financially AND emotionally.
I cannot sleep, I am so fraught w/anxiety!
And I have a nine-hour day ahead.

I am constantly worried that my car will die and do not have any $$ to repair it.
Which means I will not be able to commute to work (I live in CA where the public transportation is awful.)
If I cannot get to work, then I will be fired and if I get fired = I lose EVERYTHING.
Everything.

People tell me to just get another car.
I cannot.
I don’t have the funds, cannot borrow any funds and cannot sell/trade my current car in anywhere since it likely has 0 value.

I do not have good credit so basically my only option is to keep driving this money pit until it eventually dies out.

Which is my worst nightmare.

Thanks for reading this L-O-N-G vent!!!!
Somehow writing this all down has lessened my anxiety at least 10%.

To everyone who has a decent, good working order vehicle....
You are truly blessed beyond belief.

And if it might help me even a tiny bit, I could definitely use a prayer or two.

I hate living in limbo like this.
I KNOW I shouldn’t be driving my car in this condition, but I have no other options right now and I have to drive it every day hoping & praying it will hold on just until........
I don’t know.