How do I continue to live with no car?

Question

I work for a state agency - low pay that just covers my living expenses (rent, utilities, food, insurance). I have no money left over at the end of the month to put aside for emergency. No credit, because I don't make enough money to add a credit payment to my list of expenditures per month. My late model car needs a major repair that I cannot afford. It is sitting in my driveway - We have terrible public transportation here - would take me over 2 hours each way to commute a distance of 12 miles each way - a daily cab is too expensive - I have advertised to pay for carpooling - I am simply stuck. I don't own a bicycle - not that that would be an option - I live in SW Florida - you must have a car to survive. Does anyone have any ideas about what I can do? I'm scared out of my wits and running out of sick leave that I've had to take because I have no transportation. HELP!

Answer 1

Limited options here. Impossible to sell a late model car in need of major repairs, unless you can find a way to get rid of it for real cheap and get it off your hands. The other options would be to either move closer to your work or  try to find other work closer to where you live and suffer through the public transit system in the meantime.

Answer 2

Sell your car and get a moped. They get crazy good gas mileeage and they're cheaper than cars. Or get a part time job to help pay for it.

Answer 3

Talk to your boss. Tell him your situation, and ask for a raise. It seems like your only option in this case is to make more money.

Answer 4

Why did you buy a late model car if you are in this situation?

I can get a reliable car in good running conditions for about $2000, perhaps less.

In any case, buy a biycle or a moped and go to work with those, 12 miles is not very far at all.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

It may be time to look for another job.  A job where you can't save an emergency fund for all the little, and big, things that happen in life isn't going to cut it.  Even if I can you a new car free the next time something happened you would be in trouble.  You have an income problem.  The car problem is an symptom-not the cause.    

How much is your car worth as it sits? If it's worth more to sell it as is and get a get-me-to-work-car then do so.  If you could fix it and it be worth more then do so.

You may have to work extra hours or get a second job to get to where you have an working vehicle and an emergency fund. At the same time you need to be looking down the road because you need to either cut your expenses, increase your income or both.  Probably you need to do both.  Get on a written budget, cut expenses to the bone, and work more.  At the same time work out long range plans so that 3-5 years from now you are in better shape and have options.

For the present talk to fellow workers, neighbors and church members.  Surely someone goes to work in the same direction as yourself.  You only need a ride for the near future until you can get back in your car-or get another one.