Randy, instead of a college, try a trade school where students learn through actual practice, and there's more benefit to them, and more than likely insurance that's appropriate for their educational mission.
Did you try the VA yet?
Dealerships in my experience are scalpers; they charge the maximum and always find extra problems. Belle Tire isn't a scalper, but I learned from my mechanic that the workers are trained by BT and taught to do a very, very thorough examination of the car to identify anything that could be repaired.
I plan to take my cae there before I buy another one; that way I'll have a thorough list of issues so the dealership can't make up problems to get out of paying a reasonable trade-in offer. (Doesn't mean they won't try though.)
Randy, A mechanic at the smog repair shop told me that it won't cost $3000 to fix my car, and to not take it to a dealership for that reason.
I agree with signing up for neighborhood sites, and community chats local to you. There are many questions like yours, needing a reasonable good mechanic.
Networking, keep asking, keep a conversation going. Today someone posted how great the mechanic was that helped us with our car, and I agreed!
Grants for paying for car and automobile repairs. Low-income individuals and welfare recipients may be able to qualify for transportation assistance from the federal government or non-profits near them. The program can help pay for car repairs, such as new tires, transmissions, and other needed work. The emergency service that they have created is known as Job Access and Reverse Commute, or JARC. There may be welfare car vouchers from the government or DHS to pay for repairs as well as non-profit resources. It is limited in scope and funding, and is run by a number of non-profit organizations across the nation.
Search: Federal Government help for car repairs or Do States help with car repairs?
If you are a vet there is an organization called Code of Vets that can help you with programs for vets. There is one that will give you a car for free if you need it. She is a great lady with lots of resources. Google Code of Vets. She is on twitter too. A lot of Vets don't know there are many resources out there to help them.
Randy, your profile indicates you have PTSD. Are you a Veteran, and if so, have you contacted the VA to see what alternatives might be offered? When we got VA services, I recall that a van could pick up seniors for VA appointments, and that mileage otherwise was reimbursed.
I think the idea of students working on the truck is a great one; everyone benefits.
In the interim, I would explore the option of Senior Center or transit direct small bus services, which are cheaper than cabs, and typically have wheelchair accommodations. I also endorse MJ's suggestion of a human interest story. One or more of the local media outlets (TV) might do this. In SE Michigan, the Detroit news outlets periodically feature activities volunteers who have performed services for Vets and/or other seniors.
I'm going to guess that truck is old, so honestly, the cost of fixing a transmission is more than the value of the vehicle.
Consider contacting the CO Springs Gazette to see if they might do a human interest story on your plight. Call Focus on the Family and churches to see if they have any suggestions. Eve contact the local car dealers and see if they have any suggestions.
I actually won a car (a 30-year car!) at the Sky Sox's Used Car Giveaway Night about 10 years ago. I don't know if it's still a promotion, but it was at a July game. The cars were all donated by local dealers (and real junkers), but we turned mine around and sold it for $1,000 a year later. That could get you on your way to a better car.
Sorry, just throwing ideas out there -- some are crazy, I know.
It’s only a 2005 with all highway miles. It’s in excellent shape. I really hate to get rid of it because it use to be my dads and it’s a reminder of good times
"Average transmission repair costs range from $300 to $1,400. For example, if your manual transmission needs a new clutch, you can reasonably expect to pay around $800 to $1,500. On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can get. Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400."
"The average cost for a transfer case replacement is between $2,655 and $2,755. Labor costs are estimated between $379 and $479 while parts are priced at $2276."
Seems both of your problems are expensive to repair or replace. I doubt there is any place that will do this for free. Like said, you probably will have to pay for the parts even if labor is free. The repairs may be more than the car is worth. I know, its worth a lot to you.
See if there is a charity where you can get a car. What type of bus service do you have. People on disability ride cheaper.
Thank you for the reply JoAnn and others. Ihad taken it to GMC where dad got it and that shop manager told me it would be around $6,000 to fix it. So I went up front and asked about trade in because dad paid $35,000 new then this guy came back to me with this number of $500 for trade in. Shoot I have at least $1,000 sitting on the ground in rubber. That kind of upset me beings dad had it serviced their since he had it. What a joke.
Check with your local High School or Community College. They often have classes and students can work on cars. You may have to pay for parts and some labor but it sure would not be as much as a dealer or private mechanic. It may also depend on how old the car is and what the problem is. Contact your local Senior Center they may have a list of other seniors or volunteers that would do work on a car. If you are a member of a church or other religious group they may have a member that could do work.
I had called Pikes Peak Community Collage because I know that they do, until I was told that they no longer do it because its a reliability on the school so they no longer do hands on training for anything anymore including electronics. No body does anymore. Its like how are these kids going to get jobs without hands on training? So you can graduate with high scores and honors but your not going to get a job, Everyone asks if you have any hands on. Companies are not going to want to waste their time and money to train you. Heck anymore once you have been at a certain job for a while and ready to get medical insurance, vacation and all that good stuff they lay you off so they dont have to pay.
You could join Nextdoor.com and make an appeal to your neighbors for a discounted repair; you can contact your local area's Agency on Aging for possible resources. There may be government programs if you qualify by income level.
Did you try the VA yet?
Dealerships in my experience are scalpers; they charge the maximum and always find extra problems. Belle Tire isn't a scalper, but I learned from my mechanic that the workers are trained by BT and taught to do a very, very thorough examination of the car to identify anything that could be repaired.
I plan to take my cae there before I buy another one; that way I'll have a thorough list of issues so the dealership can't make up problems to get out of paying a reasonable trade-in offer. (Doesn't mean they won't try though.)
A mechanic at the smog repair shop told me that it won't cost $3000 to fix my car, and to not take it to a dealership for that reason.
I agree with signing up for neighborhood sites, and community chats local to you. There are many questions like yours, needing a reasonable good mechanic.
Networking, keep asking, keep a conversation going. Today someone posted how great the mechanic was that helped us with our car, and I agreed!
Low-income individuals and welfare recipients may be able to qualify for transportation assistance from the federal government or non-profits near them. The program can help pay for car repairs, such as new tires, transmissions, and other needed work. The emergency service that they have created is known as Job Access and Reverse Commute, or JARC. There may be welfare car vouchers from the government or DHS to pay for repairs as well as non-profit resources. It is limited in scope and funding, and is run by a number of non-profit organizations across the nation.
Search: Federal Government help for car repairs or
Do States help with car repairs?
Thanks for sharing this very helpful information.
I think the idea of students working on the truck is a great one; everyone benefits.
In the interim, I would explore the option of Senior Center or transit direct small bus services, which are cheaper than cabs, and typically have wheelchair accommodations. I also endorse MJ's suggestion of a human interest story. One or more of the local media outlets (TV) might do this. In SE Michigan, the Detroit news outlets periodically feature activities volunteers who have performed services for Vets and/or other seniors.
Colorado Springs VA:
https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=506
Colorado VA PTSD info:
https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state_PTSD.cfm?STATE=CO
Veterans' Transit Assistance:
Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) - Health Benefits (va.gov)
Veteran's housing assistance:
Pikes Peak Veterans Housing Fund | Colorado Springs
($800 monthly seems too high a rent for someone to be charging a Veteran!)
Veteran In Charge program:
Veteran In Charge Program | The Independence Center
(this apparently offers housing assistance as well).
Good luck, and please let us know if (or when!) you find assistance.
I really do hope you find something that helps you.
Consider contacting the CO Springs Gazette to see if they might do a human interest story on your plight. Call Focus on the Family and churches to see if they have any suggestions. Eve contact the local car dealers and see if they have any suggestions.
I actually won a car (a 30-year car!) at the Sky Sox's Used Car Giveaway Night about 10 years ago. I don't know if it's still a promotion, but it was at a July game. The cars were all donated by local dealers (and real junkers), but we turned mine around and sold it for $1,000 a year later. That could get you on your way to a better car.
Sorry, just throwing ideas out there -- some are crazy, I know.
"The average cost for a transfer case replacement is between $2,655 and $2,755. Labor costs are estimated between $379 and $479 while parts are priced at $2276."
Seems both of your problems are expensive to repair or replace. I doubt there is any place that will do this for free. Like said, you probably will have to pay for the parts even if labor is free. The repairs may be more than the car is worth. I know, its worth a lot to you.
See if there is a charity where you can get a car. What type of bus service do you have. People on disability ride cheaper.
It may also depend on how old the car is and what the problem is.
Contact your local Senior Center they may have a list of other seniors or volunteers that would do work on a car.
If you are a member of a church or other religious group they may have a member that could do work.