Trying to give car away

[tractor]

I have a decent 2009 Chevy Malibu with 180,000 miles on it. We've owned in since new and recently put all new brakes and tire on the car. I think I could sell it for $1000-$1,500, but I really want to just give it away to someone who could use it.

What I don't want to do is give it to someone who just wants to flip it for some quick cash (looking at you BIL). Anyway, so far I've had two different people look at it, and neither one was interested in a free car.

I can't figure it out, I think they're just suspicious that there's some hidden catch. I really don't need the money and just want it to be a blessing for someone who has nothing (or needs basic transportation to get to work, etc).

I'm currently thinking about putting a price of $500 on it just so someone buys it, then donate the money to charity. Any other suggestions?

[chiver78]

can you donate the car directly to charity? the charity will sell it and use the cash that way, and you'll get a write-off for it. if you have a Make-a-Wish chapter locally, I know my chapter accepts donations like this. 

[billisonboard]

I periodically see local ads to donate your car to the Union Gospel Mission.

[tractor]

I may go that route, I selfishly would like to have a personal connection with whoever gets that car, even just to say "hi" before sending them in their way. That's might be too much to expect.

[jerseygirl]

Go to local churches that might know someone in need

[daisylu]

We have a "neighbors helping neighbors" Facebook group for stuff like that. I wouldn't post it as free, but could look through posts to find someone in need. There are often people posting in the regular local groups asking about cheap cars or place that will take payments too.

[weltschmerz]

Jun 9, 2023 9:04:42 GMT -5 tractor said:

I have a decent 2009 Chevy Malibu with 180,000 miles on it. We've owned in since new and recently put all new brakes and tire on the car. I think I could sell it for $1000-$1,500, but I really want to just give it away to someone who could use it.

What I don't want to do is give it to someone who just wants to flip it for some quick cash (looking at you BIL). Anyway, so far I've had two different people look at it, and neither one was interested in a free car.

I can't figure it out, I think they're just suspicious that there's some hidden catch. I really don't need the money and just want it to be a blessing for someone who has nothing (or needs basic transportation to get to work, etc).

I'm currently thinking about putting a price of $500 on it just so someone buys it, then donate the money to charity. Any other suggestions?

I gave two cars away to the Quebec Kidney Foundation.  They have their own mechanics who fix them up, and then they're given to kidney patients who need to go to dialysis. It's a good cause. You also get a $300 tax rebate.
You probably have one in your area.

[busymom]

My DD would love a car like this.  


Seriously, check with your local place of worship.  They may know someone who desperately needs transportation.  You're a good person to do this.  

[toomuchreality]

2 years ago, I would have been all over this! (Beginning of the pandemic). I was broke and wrecked my car, with no way to get another one.

Somebody out there will really appreciate what you're doing.
It's so kind of you!
Seriously. ♡

[Opti]

You can also try your local food pantry to get suggestions of people who might want a free car. Also are there any organizations that specialize in meeting and giving tips to job seekers? Someone there might be in need too.

[tractor]

Final post to close the loop. The car needed new wheel bearings, so when I dropped it off to get repaired, I mentioned that I really just want to give it away. The lady behind the counter said "really?" I confirmed and she told me about one of their employees who's car is beyond repair who has been riding his bike to work (20-miles each way).

I told him to take it. His wife called me yesterday to thank me and started crying on the phone (which got me crying). Anyway, I dropped off the title today and it is now theirs! It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help someone out like that.

[daisylu]

Jun 15, 2023 7:26:59 GMT -5 tractor said:

Final post to close the loop. The car needed new wheel bearings, so when I dropped it off to get repaired, I mentioned that I really just want to give it away. The lady behind the counter said "really?" I confirmed and she told me about one of their employees who's car is beyond repair who has been riding his bike to work (20-miles each way).

I told him to take it. His wife called me yesterday to thank me and started crying on the phone (which got me crying). Anyway, I dropped off the title today and it is now theirs! It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help someone out like that.

Glad it worked out. You have done a wonderful thing for that family.

[plugginaway22]

Awww what a wonderful thing to do and the right person received your car! 

[jerseygirl]

Very nice tractor!!

[notagain]

We need more people like You! Kudos

[TheOtherMe]

So happy for the family and for you for doing such a wonderful thing.

[tskeeter]

Jun 15, 2023 7:26:59 GMT -5 tractor said:

Final post to close the loop. The car needed new wheel bearings, so when I dropped it off to get repaired, I mentioned that I really just want to give it away. The lady behind the counter said "really?" I confirmed and she told me about one of their employees who's car is beyond repair who has been riding his bike to work (20-miles each way).

I told him to take it. His wife called me yesterday to thank me and started crying on the phone (which got me crying). Anyway, I dropped off the title today and it is now theirs! It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help someone out like that.

You’ve done a wonderful thing.

I suspect that you have identified why your car was difficult to give away.  At 180,000 miles, many domestic cars are getting worn and require frequent repairs.  Even if it is free, a broken car that a recipient can not afford to fix is a burden, rather than a blessing.  Seems like you found the perfect solution.  You made the repairs that the car needed.  Then you gifted the car to someone who has the skills to make future repairs, access to parts at better than retail prices, and access to the specialized tools required for some repairs.

It’s worth noting that many car donation charities do not have the wherewithal to repair the cars they receive.  If it’s not a drivable, safe, lower mileage vehicle, it’s more likely the car will be taken to the crusher than it is that the car will be repaired and sold, or gifted to a deserving recipient.  Even though you were anticipating a tax deduction based on on your vehicles sale value as a operating vehicle, you may find that your deduction is based on the scrap value of your car.

[toomuchreality]

Jun 15, 2023 7:26:59 GMT -5 tractor said:

Final post to close the loop. The car needed new wheel bearings, so when I dropped it off to get repaired, I mentioned that I really just want to give it away. The lady behind the counter said "really?" I confirmed and she told me about one of their employees who's car is beyond repair who has been riding his bike to work (20-miles each way).

I told him to take it. His wife called me yesterday to thank me and started crying on the phone (which got me crying). Anyway, I dropped off the title today and it is now theirs! It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help someone out like that.

Wonderful! Just what you wanted and he works where he can fix it. This turned out perfectly! It was so kind of you (which doesn't surprise me). I'm really happy for you both.
Thanks for the update!

[Opti]

Jun 15, 2023 7:26:59 GMT -5 tractor said:

Final post to close the loop. The car needed new wheel bearings, so when I dropped it off to get repaired, I mentioned that I really just want to give it away. The lady behind the counter said "really?" I confirmed and she told me about one of their employees who's car is beyond repair who has been riding his bike to work (20-miles each way).

I told him to take it. His wife called me yesterday to thank me and started crying on the phone (which got me crying). Anyway, I dropped off the title today and it is now theirs! It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help someone out like that.

Yay!  There are always people who need this kind of help. I am glad you were able to lift one up. 

[tractor]

Jun 15, 2023 14:13:47 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

Jun 15, 2023 7:26:59 GMT -5 tractor said:

Final post to close the loop. The car needed new wheel bearings, so when I dropped it off to get repaired, I mentioned that I really just want to give it away. The lady behind the counter said "really?" I confirmed and she told me about one of their employees who's car is beyond repair who has been riding his bike to work (20-miles each way).

I told him to take it. His wife called me yesterday to thank me and started crying on the phone (which got me crying). Anyway, I dropped off the title today and it is now theirs! It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to be able to help someone out like that.

You’ve done a wonderful thing.

I suspect that you have identified why your car was difficult to give away.  At 180,000 miles, many domestic cars are getting worn and require frequent repairs.  Even if it is free, a broken car that a recipient can not afford to fix is a burden, rather than a blessing.  Seems like you found the perfect solution.  You made the repairs that the car needed.  Then you gifted the car to someone who has the skills to make future repairs, access to parts at better than retail prices, and access to the specialized tools required for some repairs.

It’s worth noting that many car donation charities do not have the wherewithal to repair the cars they receive.  If it’s not a drivable, safe, lower mileage vehicle, it’s more likely the car will be taken to the crusher than it is that the car will be repaired and sold, or gifted to a deserving recipient.  Even though you were anticipating a tax deduction based on on your vehicles sale value as a operating vehicle, you may find that your deduction is based on the scrap value of your car.

I agree that this was part of the challenge, but having owned the car since new, and having almost everything fixed on it as needed, I was hoping it would last some another year or two.

Time will tell. Thank you for all the nice comments, I'm nothing special, but I have so much that I don't need and it's time to start sharing with others who have less than me (my friends call me a socialist, as I try to convince them to do the same 😀).

I actually find my "excess" to be a burden at times, but that's a topic for another thread...

[toomuchreality]

Jun 16, 2023 9:04:36 GMT -5 tractor said:

Jun 15, 2023 14:13:47 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

You’ve done a wonderful thing.

I suspect that you have identified why your car was difficult to give away.  At 180,000 miles, many domestic cars are getting worn and require frequent repairs.  Even if it is free, a broken car that a recipient can not afford to fix is a burden, rather than a blessing.  Seems like you found the perfect solution.  You made the repairs that the car needed.  Then you gifted the car to someone who has the skills to make future repairs, access to parts at better than retail prices, and access to the specialized tools required for some repairs.

It’s worth noting that many car donation charities do not have the wherewithal to repair the cars they receive.  If it’s not a drivable, safe, lower mileage vehicle, it’s more likely the car will be taken to the crusher than it is that the car will be repaired and sold, or gifted to a deserving recipient.  Even though you were anticipating a tax deduction based on on your vehicles sale value as a operating vehicle, you may find that your deduction is based on the scrap value of your car.

I agree that this was part of the challenge, but having owned the car since new, and having almost everything fixed on it as needed, I was hoping it would last some another year or two.

Time will tell. Thank you for all the nice comments, I'm nothing special, but I have so much that I don't need and it's time to start sharing with others who have less than me (my friends call me a socialist, as I try to convince them to do the same 😀).

I actually find my "excess" to be a burden at times, but that's a topic for another thread...

I bet it lasts them several years. Especially if he maintains it.
I have a BroIL who is a mechanic, but he doesn't maintain his cars at all. When he saw me driving my same car 27 yrs later, he asked my sister, how that was possible? She told him, I take care of it.
Eventually, I sold the car to my niece and her husband, for their 2 teenage kids to drive. ($400 & running) It lasted 4 more years, I think. I got rid of it because parts were hard to find and my mechanic offered me a good deal on a newer one. 😊