Life is expensive. Every day, we need to spend money so we can put food on the table, own decent clothing and even set aside funds for entertainment. Alongside getting free clothes, cutting down grocery bills by price comparing at supermarkets and budgeting, have you ever thought about your transportation expenses? Guess what? Depending on your financial situation, it’s possible to get a free car.
Learn how to get a free car so you can reduce your living expenses while practicing frugality!
Read on to learn how to get a car for free.
Introduction: How to Get a Free Car
Cars are a major expense for most people. For the majority of people living outside a large city with a solid transit system, you need a solid, reliable vehicle to get to and from work, the grocery store, sporting events and more. If you do own a vehicle, I’m sure you know how much it costs. Even if you don’t, I’m sure you know how expensive it can be. In the year 2020, the mean cost of a light vehicle was slightly more than $46,000 USD! Even if you buy used, it’s still not cheap. To handle this expense, many people choose to make small monthly payments over time to pay off the vehicle.
“There must be a better way!” you might say. Guess what? There is! While you can buy used and pay in cash with savings, what about getting a car completely for free? Let’s learn how to get a free car. Does that sound impossible to you? Cars are expensive and valuable, right? Well, it is possible, especially for those who fall into specific demographics such as:
- Persons on a fixed income
- Those with a disability
- Low-income seniors
- Single working parents
If you fall into one of those categories or if you’re just trying to be frugal and thrifty with your vehicle situation, here are the best ways to get a free car:
Check Online Marketplaces
When starting your search to get a car free, take a look at an online market such as Facebook Marketplace. Online marketplaces have thousands of vehicles available for sale every day. Some people are even willing to give away cars for free. However, proceed with caution. Sometimes, there’s a reason why the car is free. Does it leak oil? Does it make a strange squeaking noise? If you don’t ask or check the car before buying, you might acquire a piece of junk. Before buying, ask the owner if you can test out the car.
Additionally, check to see the vehicle history. Has it been in any accidents? Consult with an auto insurance company before buying to make sure the car can get insured. Despite the upfront work, it’s well worth it to get a car for free – you’ll save thousands of dollars you’d normally spend!
Work At a Company That Offers a Car
Another easy way to access a car? Work for an organization that gives you a car for your job. You don’t own the vehicle, but depending on company policy, you may be able to use it outside of work. However, be sure to check with your company, some places are quite strict with using the car for work versus personal tasks.
Ask a Friend For a Free Car
Know a friend who has 3 or 4 vehicles and is only using 1 or 2? If you’re close to them and the car is quite old – but in decent condition – why not ask if you can have one of their cars? If the car needs repairs and your friend doesn’t want to repair it, why not ask them to give it to you? Depending on your relationship, you might want to offer some money first. Remember, it’s important to not be cheap or stingy. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask! Alternatively, do you know someone – a family member or friend – who is savvy at finding cheap or free vehicles? Why not enlist them to help you find a car? They’ll be happy to help you.
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Ask a Charity That Provides Cars
Struggling to make ends meet? It’s definitely worth checking out charities that provide cars to those who need them. Many organizations are dedicated to finding, acquiring and giving out free cars for single moms, veterans and other people in need. Some organizations also have free cars for unemployed persons who struggle to find steady work and free cars for the disabled. If you match the criteria for someone who qualifies, you may be able to get one of the organizations’ free cars given away to those in need. You may still need to pay for repairs, gas and insurance, but not having to pay for the car will be a huge load off your shoulders. Located in the US? Check out these organizations that provide cars to families in need:
Working Cars for Working Families
Working Cars for Working Families provides safe and reliable vehicles to Americans in need. This organization was created by the National Consumer Law Center to ensure that families can acquire and use a car at a fair or free cost. Working Cars for Working Families has a section called the Find a Car Program where you can search for an organization that provides free or low-cost cars in your state.
1-800-Charity Cars
1-800-Charity Cars is a program for American families who need a car. To find out if you qualify, fill out the application form. The application asks you to give reasons why you need a car. You’ll create a profile and others can vote for you. When a vehicle becomes available, those with the highest amount of votes will be notified. 1-800-Charity Cars will choose an eligible candidate.
Keep in mind that to qualify for an organization giving cars away for free, there are several requirements. One of these is to be at or below 200% the poverty line. Additionally, you’ll need to be someone who cannot afford the registration, insurance and title fees. Before you apply, be sure to ask yourself if you’re a viable candidate for a car!
If you have an extra car, you can also donate it to the organization.
Good News Garage
Good News Garage is an organization that was founded in 1996 with the mission of repairing and giving cars to those in need who want to obtain self-sufficiency. They’ve given over 5,500 cars to American families and have three locations: one each in the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Before applying, contact the location closest to you to review eligibility criteria.
Cars 4 Heroes
Cars 4 Heroes provides free cars for veterans and those involved in the military. This organization understands and responds to the fact that many people live outside an area with reliable public transportation. To apply, fill out the form on the Cars 4 Heroes website. Keep in mind that to qualify, you’ll need to be a Veteran or Active-Duty military. If you know a deserving and qualified individual, you can also nominate them by filling out the form.
Ask a Local Church
Need help getting a car? Why not ask your local church for assistance? Many churches have a specific ministry dedicated to helping people in the community with their financial situation. Reach out to the administrator or minister of your local church to set up a meeting. Even if the church doesn’t have a free car available, they’ll likely be more than happy to redirect you to an organization that can give you help with getting a car.
Ask a Local Dealership
Another way to get a free car that’s a bit less obvious? Ask a local car dealership for a donation. If you’re a family with a low-income, why not give it a try? Many organizations want to help those in need. Here’s a tip: try asking around the holiday season when people and companies are feeling more charitable and in the giving spirit.
If you’re feeling nervous about showing up and asking in person, why not write a letter? Address it to the manager of your local dealership. Explain your situation, including your family’s approximate annual income, how many hours you need to work, and the difficulties of obtaining and keeping a reliable vehicle. Additionally, add in how a gently used free vehicle will help your family get on your feet.
Remember that while the organization might be happy to help you out, be sure to add in what you can provide in return. If you receive the donation, be sure to offer up promotion via social media and word-of-mouth.
While it may be daunting and a bit nerve-racking to ask, if you can get a free vehicle, it’s well worth it! There are many places where one can find free cars for low income families – it just takes time and effort to find them. While you may want to get a free car now, the process could take a while. It’s important to practice patience – it pays off!
Win a Free Car
Another alternative to finding a free vehicle? Enter a contest to win a free car. Each week, search Google for a list of available contests. Survey sites often have sweepstakes for free cars and other prizes. Important note: before you enter a contest, check to see what you’re getting into. If you win the contest, which one-time and recurring costs will you bear to own the vehicle long-term? Look into vehicle registration, repair, maintenance and gas costs. There may be hidden costs. Sometimes, due to all the hidden costs, it might just be best to get a free used vehicle.
Benefits of Finding a Free Car
Outside the obvious benefit of saving on the initial cost of a vehicle, there are several other benefits of finding and acquiring a free car. When you acquire a free car, you’re helping someone get rid of something they no longer need. Additionally, since you aren’t buying a new car, you’re helping cut down on emissions produced in car factories.
Do You Really Need a Free Car?
Finding stuff for free is thrilling and exciting. What better way to practice frugal living than getting a vehicle for free? However, it’s crucial to ask yourself, “Do I need a free car?” Not everyone has the opportunity to finance a vehicle, new or used. Around the world and even in America, hundreds of thousands of people struggle to cover their bills each month. Frugal living is a great way to live, but it’s not always something people choose. Some have to be frugal with everything, even cutting corners on essentials – just so they can pay the bills and feed their families.
When you’re looking for a free vehicle, slow down and think about whether you really need it. If you’ve asked yourself “Do I need a car for free?” and the answer is honestly “No,” it’s good practice to leave the car to someone else who might need it. For example, a college graduate who has been job hunting for 8 months and needs a car, the single mom of 3 working two jobs to make ends meet, or the senior on a fixed pension income. If you have an extra car, why not donate it to an organization like Online Car Donation?
Transportation Options Outside of Getting a Free Car
Buy a Used Vehicle
If a car is within your budget, why not compromise? Instead of buying brand new and getting a free car, there’s a happy medium – buy used! While there’s nothing wrong with bargain hunting and cheap living, there’s a difference between being cheap vs frugal. When you’re trying to get everything for free, you may sacrifice quality.
Get a Ride from a Coworker or Friend
I know, I know – there’s nothing like owning your own car! The independence that comes with it is great. No need to wait for the bus or rely on anyone else. However, it’s important to think: “Do I really need a car?” If you commute to an office every day and a friend or colleague lives close by, why not ask them to drive you? If they’re okay with it, you can pay them for the cost of gas and wear-and-tear expenses.
Take Public Transportation
Ever thought “Do I really need a car?” If you live in a big city, why not take public transportation? While some cities and municipalities don’t have the greatest transportation systems, many do have reliable ways to get to and from your destination. Check out your local public transportation schedule including how often the bus, train or tram arrives, the cost and how long it’ll take to get to work. You may be able to get rid of your vehicle completely! Even if you have two vehicles now, you might be able to cut down to one – saving you money long-term.
One note to keep in mind: as I mentioned, it’s important to check how long it’ll take to get to work. Also check to see how many transfers you’ll need to make. If it normally takes only 20 minutes to get to work driving but taking the bus will take over an hour and 3 different buses, it’s really not worth it to get rid of your car. Time is money! If you’re spending all your time commuting, you’re losing out on valuable minutes spent with family and friends or working on other ventures. As with anything, do a cost-benefit analysis of using public transportation versus driving a car and determine the best fit for you.
Frugal vs. Cheap with Transportation
Trying to get everything free borders on being a stingy person. Keep in mind that many people need clothing, food and shelter at a lower price than you do. How can you be less stingy while being frugal? You can still shop for items in stores, but avoid buying in bulk excessively. Why? Not everyone has the privilege of buying 50 cans of tomato soup – they might only be able to buy 1 or 2 for the week! When the shelves are cleared, those with less cannot buy anything.
Being generous and kind shows that you’re mindful of other people and what they need.
Conclusion – Get a Free Car
There are so many ways to find a free car – or at the very least, a car for very cheap. While there is a lot of work involved when finding how to get a car for free, it’s well worth the time and effort. You can save thousands of dollars in the long-term. When finding a free car, be sure to ask yourself whether you really need it or not. If you have an extra car, be generous and donate it to someone or an organization in need!
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Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
