What is the best thing to do with my old car?

Question

I have a '99 Pontiac Grand Am with engine problems and very minor body problems. I haven't driven it in a while but I know it doesn't run very well. Should I try to just sell it or give it away for a tax write off? If I do give it away what is the best place to give it to? THANKS!

Answer 1

Try selling it on www.craigslist.org. It's free.

Answer 2

You might contact the local high school(s) in your area and see if they have a auto shop program. Your car would give these teens a perfect opportunity to learn about problems with engines. Talk to the shop teacher and see what he says.
I know there are places where you can donate your car. Just don't know the names at this second.
Perhaps if you get on the web, you can find a non-profit group that will take your car and give you a tax write off.
Hope this helps some. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, you could sell it for maybe for a grand or two. Maybe you can find someone who likes to tinker around with cars (like me) and they could buy it from you. You could put a AD in the paper stating "99 pontiac grand am, doesnt run well, needs engine fixing" and someone will look into it and maybe call you.

Do you know possibly any young teen who would like a car or someone who would like a car but wouldnt have to worry about spending too much money, so if it breaks down they dont really care lol

Just offering some help. I'm 16 and i would LOVE a car like that lol

Answer 4

Almost always you are better to sell than give away as a tax write off. Assuming that the book value of the car is $4,000 you can only deduct that on your taxes and your cash that you recover will only be your tax rate times the $4,000. Even at a 35% rate (federal and state combined) that is only $1,400 in cash. If you sell it for more than that price, the $1,400 you are better off in terms of real dollars and don't have to wait for the tax refund next year. You can probably sell the car to a private party or go to a large used car lot and sell it there. If you want to donate it, you have a number of options, any charity will take it, although they may immediately sell it.

Answer 5

It sounds like you just want to be done with the car in which case donation would be the way to go.Selling a car with problems can be a hassle if you're not used to wheeling and dealing unless of course you happen to know someone that is willing to take it off you hands "as is"

Answer 6

You can donate the car and it will serve a needy family. I think the tax write-off has either been discontinued or has been capped by the feds -- besides, it only effects your tax INCOME anyway so selling it would bring much more money.

Answer 7

You can donate it to public television most of their operating money comes from private donations and I'd like to think it is a good cause.Another great charity is saint judes childrens hospital they help children with cancer I'm not sure if they accept cars.You could also sell it and donate the money if your motivated to help charity.Either way good luck with your decision.

Answer 8

sell it as a mechanic's special, if you know what it needs subtract that off the blue book quote to get an adjusted fair market value to ask for it

which will be fair to you and your buyer... advertise it in your local thrifty paper... priced right it will go quickly... cheap cars always do...

where I live that paper is called the American Classifieds

Walt

Answer 9

Donate it to charity. You can then claim it as a tax deduction.

Answer 10

contact me I am a struggling college student in need of a vehicle