Money✓ Follow-up at 8 weeks2,230 views
My car keeps breaking down and I can't afford a new one
A car crisis management plan covering repair vs. replace decisions, emergency transportation, saving strategies, and smart used car buying.
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Follow-Up Result
8 weeks laterFound a reliable used car for $6K after saving aggressively and selling the old one for parts
The Problem
My 2008 sedan has broken down three times in the last four months. I've spent $2,400 on repairs and my mechanic says the transmission is going next, which would be another $2,000+. I can't afford a new car — I have maybe $1,500 in savings. I need my car for work and there's no public transit where I live. Every time it breaks down I miss work and risk losing my job. I feel trapped.
The Plan
Week 1-2: Assess and Stabilize
Get a second opinion from an independent mechanic — not the dealership. Ask specifically: "Is this car worth putting more money into?"
Calculate total repair costs over the last year vs. the car's value — if repairs exceed the car's worth, it's time to move on
Set up an emergency transportation plan: coworker carpool, Uber budget, bike for short distances
Talk to your employer about the situation — many are more understanding than you'd expect, especially if you're proactive
Start a dedicated "car fund" — even $100/week adds up fast when you're motivated
Week 3-4: Plan the Replacement
Research reliable used cars in the $4,000-8,000 range: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra — these run forever
Get pre-approved for a small auto loan from your credit union (not the dealership) — credit unions have the best rates
Sell your current car for parts or to a junkyard — even a broken car is worth $500-1,500
Have any used car inspected by YOUR mechanic before buying — never skip this step
Consider a slightly older car with lower miles over a newer car with high miles — age matters less than maintenance history
Resources
Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) — check fair prices for used cars
CarFax — vehicle history reports to check for accidents and maintenance
r/whatcarshouldIbuy — community recommendations based on budget
Credit union auto loans — typically 2-3% lower rates than dealership financing
Follow-Up Result
8 weeks in: stopped putting money into the old car after the second opinion confirmed the transmission was dying. Sold it to a junkyard for $800. Carpooled with a coworker for 6 weeks while saving aggressively — cut every non-essential expense and saved $200/week. Got pre-approved for a $4,000 credit union loan at 5.9%. Found a 2015 Honda Civic with 89K miles for $6,200 — had my mechanic inspect it and it was clean. Between savings, the junkyard money, and the loan, I covered it. Monthly payment is $180 which is less than I was spending on repairs. Should have done this months ago instead of throwing money at a dying car.Know someone with this problem?
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