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? asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 11 months ago

PLEASE READ MY CAR IS MAKING ME HOMELESS!?

Sep. 2019 my dad helped me with a $1000 down payment on my 97 Toyota Camry. Car in total was $3500 not from dealership it's inhouse purchase. $200 a month and I still owe around $2000, payments on hold until July because of Covid. There was SO MUCH wrong with the car. I lost my room I was renting in February because I couldn't afford the rent after putting $2500 into my car (I worked part time) Also lost my job when it broke down. I am now bunking with a friend for a few weeks.

My dad told me to take the car to his backyard mechanic when the engine shot from my car not holding oil. (Because my dad helped with the downpayment he tells me what to do with my car) The mechanic replaced my motor and he said he fixed the oil issue. It cost me my entire stimulus check which was all I had to my name. 4 days later the engine shot again. My car wasn't holding any oil. There is oil all over the bottom of my car and under the hood. Mechanic fixed it again for $500 and said he fixed the motor but oil was fine. But he didn't fix the oil issue because apparently it's holding fine. My car still doesn't hold oil after I left with my car.

 I don't know what to do. I have no money, my mechanic is screwing me over, I'm trying to get a job but I can't with this car always breaking down, I'm on the verge of being homeless, I still make payments on the car, and my dad is telling me it's my fault and I'm costing him too much money. (He loaned the mechanic $500 for the last fix) I really need advice

Update:

Also idk if it matters but I'm 20

Update 2:

Like I said, since my dad helped with the down payment, he tells me what to do with my car. He doesn't want me getting rid of it until it's paid off. He's my dad and I want to trust him but I feel like his way of handling it isn't helping. That's why I'm asking for advice.

4 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    11 months ago

    First, you paid too much for the car.  Where did you get it?  What does "in house" mean?

    Next, you must be able to repair and maintain a car if you are going to drive it (in addition to registration, insurance, and gasoline.) 

    Your room and board comes first.  It's a basic requirement.  The car isn't. 

    You'd be better off getting car repair help from the local high school auto shop.  Covid has messed up schools too, at the moment. 

    Your dad and his friend the mechanic don't seem to be helping or guiding you.  Don't go to that mechanic any more. 

    You have now learned that letting the oil leak out of the engine injures the engine. 

    Too soon old, too late smart. 

    Don't ever give up working.  It will get you out of your situation. 

    -Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972

  • Scott
    Lv 7
    11 months ago

    Nobody in their right mind finances a 22 year old car. That's just asking for trouble. The car will most likely eat you alive before it's ever paid off.

  • Who Me?
    11 months ago

    Tow it to a Toyota dealer and have them repair the oil leak as long as the engine is not damaged or if the repair costs more than $1000. Put the charge on a credit card. Very bad situation but I don't any other way out of it other than walking to work or bumming rides from people. Good Luck!

  • Nekkid Truth!
    Lv 7
    11 months ago

    So you paid almost 4 grand for a beater car that was only worth a grand at most?

    Why do you keep dumping money into repairs?

    The car isnt making you homeless.. Your bad decisions are

    Scrap this car..  Thats what you should have done when the engine was shot

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