For those of you who are getting ready to make the final purchase, I'd like to remind you of the Car Donation option. Instead of trading in your old car for less than market value, you can donate it to charity and decrease your tax exposure (you have to do an itemized return to take the deduction). They round up the old cars and put 'em on the auction block. If you don't expect to get much in trade in or on the street, it's a great alternative.

Last night I took my '95 VW Jetta to the Mini dealership for trade-in valuation. The car has 182K miles and a blown head gasket--they offered me $100. Instead, I'm going to donate it to the MS Society and take the tax deduction.

There are loads of charities that accept used cars. Just type "car donations" into Google.

Boston area Mini buyers might look into the Greater Boston Aid to the Blind organization. I happen to know they're an excellent group that helps people with low vision and blindness maintain a level of independence.

March of Dimes also accepts Car Donations.

 

Of course you have to donate more than your standard deductions anyway, You don't automatically get the mony back at tax time.

If your the sort that gives lot's to charity it's worth it.

If you want uncle sam tou give you $500 for some junker you'd get $10 for at the scrap yard but have no other recipts for any other charitable donations you would still be better off selling it yourself.

Of course don't forget your Karma. I have given a car to charity cars even though It wasn't "Worth it" for me. I would rather have some charity profit from my car when I'm going to get next to nothing at a junk yard.

Most places will even come and tow your old car if it is not driveable.

Pebble.
:smile:

 

This is exactly what I've been planning on doing since I decided I was getting a new car. Well I have my new car and I should probably start moving on this decision. So, do people have suggestions on where to donate?

I am looking for a charity that will help economically disadvantaged people since I feel pretty damn privileged to be able to buy a new car at 22 years of age. Any suggestions?

 

I donated an old car to charity a few years ago. Ask around town....a lot of local charities like rescue missions and religious outreach ministries accept cars. You can also donate to national charities like the Salvation Army, although I think it has to be to a SA Adult Rehab Center. Look around the web; there's plenty of places out there.

 

I just donate my 85 GTI to charity.. not sure how big it will affect my tax return.