Many people may have missed out on the recent Cash for Clunkers offer to get a discount on a new car.  An option to explore is to donate your car to charity.  Perhaps you are looking to get a new vehicle, but have a current car that will not bring much for a trade in.  You may want to donate your car to charity so you can take an income tax deduction.  It is a great way to help others in need.  Charity organizations hold auctions to sell cars and use the proceeds to fund programs within their charities.  Donate your car to charity, or buy a used car from a charity, both are great ways to help.

 

If you do not have a donation and would still like to help a charity, you can seek out the auctions in your area that are held to sell the donated cars.  This option of car buying is a great way to save money.  Buying a donated car is equally important to help the organizations help those in need.  There can be many cars donated, but unless they are purchased by future owners, the charity does not make money from the donation.

 

To seek out auction times and locations you can contact your local charity organizations via phone or visit their websites.  If you are unable to attend an auction, you can use an online auction site such as, e-bay.  You must beware of anything you purchase online or at an auction, make sure you are buying your car from a reliable group.  A trustworthy charity normally has the cars inspected by a certified mechanic and you will know details of the vehicle prior to your bid.  You can also take your own personal mechanic to look at the car, there is usually time before an auction to browse the items up for sale.  A good website to use when looking for auction times is www.DonateACar.com, you can narrow your search by city and state to find sales in your area.

  

You can find a reliable car at auction in the $1,000.00 price range.  Many cars still in good running condition are given up by the former owners for many reasons.  If you are buying a used car from a car dealer, an individual or a charity auction, make sure you factor potential maintenance costs into your monthly budget.  To keep an older car running, it is important to keep it well maintained.  Having the money set aside for potential car repairs is much cheaper than a car payment, and older cars run very well if you pay attention to the basics.  An oil change and overall check-up every several thousand miles or months is necessary on both new and old cars, and can prevent high cost repairs by fixing small problems before they become major.