Discouraged

[mummsie223]

We are 9 months into our 13. My husband's car gave up the ghost. Water pump, alternator and transmission have crapped out. Hubby tried to get to the alternator to at least do that and go from there. Can't even get to it. It is a VW and a total mess. Half the car has to be taken apart to get to things. Radiator needs to be put into "service" position. Bolts are stripped. A general mess.

We put $2300 into the car last year. $1100 to get it through inspection this past June. Year before that was $1200. Each year it has been a ton of money to keep it going. It now has 184,000 miles on it. It looks fabulous. Just doesn't run.

We have been down a car for the last month. DH works 90minutes away from the house. I stay home with the kids. 2 homeschool and the other is in brick and mortar school. We have made it work with the 1 car. But, things are now getting more and more difficult. Upcoming dentist appts for all 3 kids, orthodontist appts, allergy shots for the youngest. The youngest hasn't gotten his allergy shots in the last 2 weeks. I have to get him there. DH leaves for work at 7am and doesn't get home till about 7:30-8pm each night. Last Friday it wasn't until 10pm.

So, I looked at everything. We can do a car payment. We have a downpayment and using the car for some sort of $$$$. I applied to sub prime auto lenders. Even Roadloans said no. 1 place called and we went last night for an appt at their approved dealer. That was a mess. Torrential downpours and all. The lender would do 2007 or newer, 50,000 miles or less, $13000 loan. Pay every Friday of $105. Could only put 15k or less miles on the vehicle. AND, it would be a lease. We walked out. That just won't work.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[lrprn]

Sounds like the Volkswagen is kaput. It's a shame that knowing that this car had such high mileage, your lawyer didn't recommend that you replace it before you filed to get better loan terms and add a car payment to your expenses which may have reduced your payment a bit. But that's water under the bridge.....

Finding a lender now who is willing to finance a car during an active Ch 13 is (as you found), very difficult. To make things harder, to take on new debt, you must also have your trustee's prior permission to take on a new car loan.

First thing Monday morning, contact your lawyer. Explain to the office staff that your second car has been out of commission a month and you need to replace it as soon as possible. Ch 13 lawyers often are aware of auto lenders in your area who are more bk-friendly than others. But even then, you'll be paying high-interest terms .

Once your trustee gives the ok, then your best bet is to look for a used car in decent shape at local dealers or a private owner sale (but only if you can be certain the car is in good shape) that can get you through the remaining years of your plan for the least amount of money. If you have family that can help you with a cash gift or co-signing a loan, this is the time to swallow your pride and ask.

Good luck. I hope you can find your way out of this mess with your lawyer's help soon. Hang in there!