Vehicles have increasingly become more expensive. Whether wanting to buy brand new or a used vehicle, the costs have gone up, making it difficult for some people to afford them. This is especially true when it comes to seniors, who may struggle financially due to living on a fixed income. It’s in such cases when it is imperative that they know about places offering free or low cost cards for seniors.
When seniors live on a fixed income, they get the same amount each month to live on. Despite this, their bills may increase, or their car may need to be replaced at some point. If they need a car, it may be difficult or impossible for them to save money to purchase one, even if it’s a used one that is low-cost. It will be necessary for them to try and get help so they can find a free vehicle or the least costly one.
Whether looking for a free vehicle or a low cost one, there are options for seniors. Turning the programs available can help ensure that they have transportation when they need it. Some seniors may have people who can give them rides or live near public transportation, but that’s not an option for many of them. Having their own car is the only viable option for many seniors.
How to Find Free and Low-Cost Cars for Seniors
Below, you will find some options that will help seniors find a free or low-cost car. Reach out to as many programs as seem like a good fit for your situation. The more programs you reach out to, the higher your chances of finding one that you are able to get a car through. They may also be able to refer you to other programs in the area that can help.
Facebook Marketplace – The Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find low-cost cars. For seniors who are looking for cars, this could be a good option, as many of them use Facebook. Check the listings to see if there are low-cost cars. Exercise caution when going to look at them, as some may be listed through dealerships, and others may be through private sellers. To get more information about the Marketplace, click here.
Free Charity Cars – This charity provides people in need with a free car. The cars have been donated, and they ensure that they are running. Then, they give them away to people who need them. You can fill out the application form online to apply to get a free car. To receive a car, they would have to have one donated in the area that you live in. They won’t take a car donated in Florida, for example, and give it to someone in Washington. They keep the cars they receive in the same general area when they give them away. To get more information and apply for a free car, click here.
Craigslist – This website is like a bulletin board, with people listing things for sale and items wanted. You can look over the items for sale and post what you are looking for to see if anyone is giving away a free car or has one listed for a low cost. Be sure you are looking at your geographic area because this website covers the whole country. To get more information, click here.
Buy Here, Pay Here Sellers – Most smaller towns and cities have many small, independently owned car dealers. They usually have less than 30 cars on the lot for you to look at. Many of them are what are considered “buy here, pay here” dealerships. They are the ones that will make it easier for you to get approved to buy a vehicle. Instead of taking out a loan from a bank to buy a car, they will personally extend the credit to you. Their place will be where you buy the car and make payments for it. This helps many people purchase a car who otherwise may not be able to afford it. They typically don’t make you put a lot down to buy it; you just have to show that you can afford the monthly payments.
Churches – There are many churches around the country. They have congregations filled with people who have a mission of helping people in the community who need it. Contact them to see if anyone in their congregation is willing to give you a car they no longer need or if they can sell you one at a low cost. They will ask their members about it, and you may find some options through this route. Congregations are usually willing to come through and help the people in the community who need assistance. You don’t have to be a member of the church to inquire about getting help.
Charities – Charitable organizations, both local ones and national ones, may help you to obtain a vehicle. While it is difficult to find one that specifically say they offer free cars or help seniors purchase cars, you may be able to get them to provide assistance if you contact them. Reach out to many charities to see if they have programs in place that will help, or if they can refer you to a program that will help.
Additional Things to Consider
Even if you get a car for free or purchase it at a low cost, it is still going to be mandated by law that you have insurance on it. You will always have the expense of having car insurance, along with any maintenance that needs to be done to it. If you have a car you are interested in purchasing, it is a good idea to get a couple of insurance quotes to ensure you can afford the insurance price. You don’t want to buy a vehicle only to then find out you cannot afford the insurance bill for it. Even free and low-cost cars continue to cost people money monthly and yearly in insurance bills, maintenance, gasoline, etc.
