OT: Donating a Car (need advice)
 

So, my 1993 Mazda 626 with 236,000 miles on the original clutch recently started slipping gears. :( The mechanics just called up and confirmed that the clutch is starting to go. The cost is $1,000+ for the clutch, and possibly another $750 if the flywheel is bad.

I really enjoy owning this car (it's a great car), but I think enough is enough. I've been averaging about $250/month in maintenance for this car the past two years, but on the flipside the insurance is dirt cheap and it gets great mileage (30+ mpg).

Anyway, I've more or less made the decision to give it up. Instead of just junking it, I'm thinking of looking into donating it. Does anyone have experience with this? Or should I just junk it? Advice appreciated.

Thanks. :)

I've never donated a car, but know some people who have and according to them it's a simple and rewarding process. Basically just call the charity of your choice, your church, etc...and let them know what you want to do. Some places will actually put you in contact with someone who needs the car and you give it directly to them, just sign the title over and that's it.

BTW - that is a great thing to do :)

If someone wanted to, and knew how, to fix it themselves, it would be about a $200 job. The clutch itself takes about 5 minutes to replace, but you have to pull the engine and transmission to get to it. That's why it is $1000. However, I'd be super surprised if the flywheel was bad. It might need to be turned by a machine shop to make the surface where the clutch contacts smooth, but usually the flywheel only needs replacement when the clutch disintegrates and makes deep gouges in the surface.

As for the donation part, I don't have a clue.

cartman: That's encouraging to know, especially if I can give it to a charity who can get it fixed minus the labor costs.

The first google hit I get for "donate a car" is http://www.donateacar.com/ , which looks interesting. Anyone have any experience with this, or would I be better off canvassing local charities?

I donated a car 4 years ago. At the time, you just needed the slip saying you donated X vehicle and then documentation from various sources (blue book, for sale ads, etc) showing what the value is and you could take that value as a deduction.

Although, in 2004, they changed the rules. You can no longer just use the fair market value except under certain situations. (such as they keep the car). I think they now have to provide you with what value they got from it so, if they fix it and sell it at auction for $750.. that is your deductible even though the blue book value could be $1,500.

Oh.. make sure that you are donating to a place that you can actually use a a deductible. (501(c)(3))

Yeah, I wanted to point that out so you don't feel like you are dumping a money pit on somebody. If it goes to one of those places that does vocational training, it will be perfect for them.

Yes. Alot of places exist like those. In Wisconsin, mine was donated to the Rawhide Ranch so, any work would have been done by the kids they are supporting.

IIRC, the National Kidney Foundation has a specific program for what you're talking about.

We donated a car last year (or filed the paperwork for it, was actually picked up in early January this year) through a local organization and had them donate any money to our church. It's a relatively painless process, though of course your local laws will probably dictate what steps you need to take.