My car broke down on me. Needs a new alternator, battery and wiring. It costs $800 to fix. How can I come up with the money? I have $0 to my name, 1 maxed out credit card, and no way to take out a payday loan because I just started a job 4 days ago after a lengthy unemployment. I can't borrow the money or bum rides from friends/family. I'm required to drive for my job and I'm in danger of losing it. I've also just started making new friends after years without them and now I can't drive to meet anyone anywhere. I'm worried my life is going to fall apart. I have one thing that I can sell for maybe $150. Are there ways to come up with the money I'm missing? I'm freaking out. Thank you.
posted by Pericardium on Jan 16, 2013 - 38 answers

What could be causing the sudden steering wheel vibration/shake and sudden pulling to the right with my 96' AWD Subaru Legacy? [more inside]
posted by pilibeen on Dec 29, 2012 - 16 answers

After a theft, how much DIY car repair is too much? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 21, 2012 - 11 answers

How do I sell a non-working car and potentially purchase another as economically as possible? [more inside]
posted by JackT on Aug 29, 2012 - 14 answers

My relative backed into my '09 Civic in the driveway. The front emblem and fender are bent; it appears that the radiator is bent as well. The car starts without problems. What am I looking at? Should I drive it into the shop, or have it towed? Relative doesn't have the wherewithal to fix this; should I make a claim against my own insurance?
posted by sonic meat machine on Aug 14, 2012 - 22 answers

How do I convince the dealer to fix my car? Lonnnng explanation inside [more inside]
posted by clarkstonian on Jan 24, 2012 - 17 answers

Can (should) I ask my mechanic not to do a job we agreed they would do, after they've ordered the part? [more inside]
posted by ramenopres on Jun 20, 2011 - 10 answers

What do I need to do before driving this car? A car (2000 Toyota Corolla, previously in good shape) sat outside (in Maryland), unused, for two years. [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell on Jun 1, 2010 - 12 answers

My car 'skips' when I'm stopped at red lights. Please help me try to diagnose what's ailing my sad, old car. YANAM/YANMM. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski on Feb 8, 2010 - 19 answers

I'm looking for a charity that will take a non-operational car, use it to train people in auto repair by fixing it, then sell it or give it to someone that needs a car. This is in the SF bay area. [more inside]
posted by EatenByAGrue on Jul 14, 2009 - 3 answers

While changing the lightbulb in the front turn signal on my car (a 2003 BMW 330i), I managed to lose the screw that connects the turn signal assembly to the car. What kind of screw can I get to replace it? [more inside]
posted by Zonker on Jul 4, 2009 - 12 answers

I love renting a house in urban Atlanta! I hate renting a house in urban Atlanta! Can anyone help me find a place to fix my car... myself? [more inside]
posted by TheNewWazoo on Apr 21, 2009 - 4 answers

My blinker on my 2000 Dodge Neon has been working only intermittently. Could this be a fuse issue, or would it not be working at all? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix on Dec 31, 2008 - 10 answers

My car died far from home. What's the best way to get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by NortonDC on Nov 6, 2008 - 12 answers

CarRepairFilter: Can I fix a broken trunk indicator light myself or does this have to go to a mechanic? [more inside]
posted by jeffderek on Sep 22, 2008 - 4 answers

Do you have a mechanic to recommend near Arlington, MA? My beloved old Volvo has a bunch of little issues that need addressing. I'm in Arlington Heights, but I will go a bit out of my way if anyone has someone reliable, reasonable and fairly timely to recommend.
posted by Mayor Curley on Jul 13, 2008 - 6 answers

CarMaintenanceFilter: Do I really need new spark plugs and a fuel-injector cleaning when I just got them done? [more inside]
posted by bitteroldman on Dec 12, 2007 - 12 answers

Standard-transmission-filter: the point of engagement of the clutch (in my mid-90s Acura Integra, if it matters) has suddenly moved, and I now have to push the clutch pedal almost to the floor in order to get the transmission to disengage. What's going on, and how much is it likely to cost to repair? [more inside]
posted by killdevil on Dec 2, 2007 - 18 answers

Should I worry about my car tail lights or not? I have a 98 Saturn station wagon (150K+ miles, I've owned it all this time) and today when I took it in for inspection, they told me the brake lights - in fact, all the tail lights - weren't working. Then, 30 seconds later, they worked fine. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry on Sep 13, 2007 - 12 answers

car question: timing belt replacement on Hyundai 2003 Accent at 60k? [more inside]
posted by advil on Sep 5, 2007 - 13 answers

Hollywood, FL Car Repair Filter: help us maintain our 2000 Isuzu Rodeo and our 2001 Honda Accord. It's time for a tune-up. [more inside]
posted by bilabial on Oct 9, 2006 - 5 answers

I drove for about nine months on a bad oxygen sensor. Will my car suffer any long-term ill effects? [more inside]
posted by donpedro on Oct 8, 2005 - 12 answers

I want to fix a couple of things on my car. However, looking under the hood causes to me to collapse with the vapors, forcing me to go purse shopping for an hour to mitigate the effects. Does anyone have an online walkthrough-to-fixin-up-your-car for guys like me? (Details inside.) [more inside]
posted by billybunny on Jan 6, 2005 - 28 answers