The Last Chapter of the Windstar Saga

[Lorizael]

So, I haven't driven my old minivan in several months because (A) I was poor, (B) it was having a lot of problems, and (C) I had no where to go for awhile.

I'm finally back on my feet financially so I took it in to a trusted mechanic and had him take a look at it. The diagnosis: a crapload is wrong with the car, with total repairs coming to $1300 and absolutely critical repairs coming to $700.

I bought this car - a 1998 Ford Windstar - for $500 initially and then pumped another $3000 into for various repairs. But now I'm done spending money on it; it's time to go.

Without setting it on fire and driving it off a cliff, what's the best way to get rid of it?

[Koyaanisqatsi]

I'm not sure we're going to be able to help if you limit our options like that.

[Asher]

A 1998 Windstar is only $500?

****, American cars devalue faster than I'd thought.

My dad just sold his 98 Camry for $10,000 (mind you it's low-mileage and in mint condition).

Without setting it on fire and driving it off a cliff, what's the best way to get rid of it?

Park it on a busy, windy street frequented by teenagers and/or driver training schools. It'll get hit before you know it.

[Lorizael]

Originally posted by Asher
A 1998 Windstar is only $500?

It belonged to my then girlfriend's parents, so I think they may have given me a discount.

Actually, I remember looking up the KBB value for it awhile back and it was roughly equal to how much I've spent on it so far.

[snoopy369]

You can donate it ... 1-800-kars-4-kids or something like that. They pick it up, and you can declare it on your taxes

[Lorizael]

Originally posted by snoopy369
You can donate it ... 1-800-kars-4-kids or something like that. They pick it up, and you can declare it on your taxes

A legal suggestion!

I'm aware of this as a concept, but don't know much about it. Anything I should be warned of? Any organizations I should avoid?

[snoopy369]

I'd avoid the ones that donate the money to terrorists

[Lorizael]

Thanks.

Also, athough I'm loath to do so, I have to admit that Asher was right about my car.

Originally posted by Asher
Buying a used Ford is just asking to get ass-raped in repair costs.

[snoopy369]

Used Honda

Used Ford
except
Used Model T

[Japher]

Donate it for a tax right off
or sell it for scrap metal

or strip it down, reinforce it, and enter it in a demolition derby

[Elok]

Phew, I was afraid Lori had taken up writing crappy high-fantasy stories and wanted feedback. Glad it's just about a junky car.

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by Lorizael


A legal suggestion!

I'm aware of this as a concept, but don't know much about it. Anything I should be warned of? Any organizations I should avoid?

Number One caveat: Do you itemize your tax deductions? If you don't have a deductable item won't do you any good.

[snoopy369]

Well, even if he doesn't itemize, he still gets it towed away for free, which was sort of the point

[Lorizael]

Originally posted by Elok
Phew, I was afraid Lori had taken up writing crappy high-fantasy stories and wanted feedback. Glad it's just about a junky car.

Nope. The crappy fantasy I write isn't the high type.

[Elok]

I don't want to read "fantasies" involving you getting spanked by a chick named Windstar either.