A common dilemma that our donors face is the decision to sell or to donate their car. In this article we will consider both ideas.
Cars 4 Causes® gets a large number of inquiries from interested people asking for information to help them make a very important decision. There are a lot of reasons to consider donation. Many are looking for a way to use their vehicle to support their favorite cause, and we are here to help with that. Children go away to college, and elders stop driving. Car owners upgrade to new vehicles, which means they have no more use for the old car, even though it may still be in perfectly serviceable condition. When dealing with an extra car that still holds some value, there are options to consider with sale or a car donation.
We recognize the fact that your family car is a huge initial investment, and as time passes, repairs and maintenance costs continue to increase that investment. As the vehicle ages and depreciates in value, the chances of a need for mechanical repairs increase exponentially. Many vehicle owners come to that “last straw” breaking point when one more thing (even a minor repair) will push them to decide that they just don’t want to invest anymore. By the time Cars 4 Causes® comes to the owner’s attention, some cars have spent more time recently with the mechanic, than with the driver!
For some, the family car becomes an emotional attachment, sort of like a family pet. We hear from donors constantly how, “Junior learned to drive in this car.”; or, “Mom drove all the kids to soccer in the minivan.” It is difficult for them to think of anyone but them driving their Baby. They want to know it will be used in a meaningful way, and hope that someone can get some use out of it. This happens when the car can be reconditioned and put back on the road.
We understand what an important decision this is and offer you some thoughts to consider. While the best of all scenarios is for the car owner to sell their car privately and donate the entire amount to charity; this is not always practical. Cars often need mechanical work, and laws in some states require a valid Smog Certificate to be provided by the seller. This is not an option for those car owners who have decided not to invest anymore time or money into the vehicle.
Donors are often under time constraints to get their vehicles moved due to space considerations, and registration deadlines. Some dislike having strangers come to their home, or having to take test drives with them. Others state the inconvenience of scheduling for prospective buyers and the worry of haggling over price as reasons why they will not attempt a sale. Often they are not offered what they feel is the value of the vehicle as a trade-in (especially on older cars). Also, what can you do if the buyer is unhappy with the car and brings it back? You may be obligated to pay for repairs to bring the car into compliance for smog certification; or, in the worst case take the car back and refund the buyer their money.
Some good reasons to sell your car:
• Cash in your pocket, or you can donate the proceeds from the sale to charity.
• Car is off the driveway, off the street or out of the garage.
• Some lucky person will be able to benefit from the use of the car.
• There is some value available if used as a trade-in on a down payment at a new car dealership.
Some concerns about car donations are how the car will be handled once the owner releases it to Cars 4 Causes®. Some people worry that Cars 4 Causes® will not attempt to get the value that they feel the car is worth.
Every year Cars 4 Causes® reconditions and resells thousands of cars. If we can effectively repair them, there is a second life that awaits the car as affordable transportation for someone in need, and an increased tax benefit potential for the donor. We are committed to doing all we can to extend the life of that vehicle. Because of the way Cars 4 Causes® operates, we are able to control our administrative costs and maximize the potential tax benefit for the donor (get a higher price for the cars), and increase the bottom line for the charity. We endeavor to refurbish, re-sell and recycle as many cars as we possibly can.
More good reasons to donate your car:
• Cars 4 Causes® will arrange to tow the vehicle at no charge to the donor. We do our best to pick-up cars quickly and hassle-free.
• Cars 4 Causes® has friendly Donations Specialists and Website support on www.cars4causes.net.
• Cars 4 Causes® handles DMV paperwork and advises donors on how to release of liability in all 50 states.
• Cars 4 Causes® provides a tax receipt for a potential tax write-off for the donor (charitable donation of a vehicle or vessel).
• Donor can designate the charity of their choice to benefit from the donation proceeds.
Donating a car to Cars 4 Causes® gives donors the satisfaction of knowing their generous contribution will benefit many charitable programs and services and make a positive difference in the lives of people in their community. In today’s economy, not-for-profit organizations are thankful for every penny!
Whether you own a car, truck, boat or recreational vehicle, you must decide for yourself;
we hope you will make an informed decision about how to dispose of your car; the when is up to you.
Tags: Car Donation, Cars 4 Causes®, charity
