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I need help to fix my car. I can't afford to pay $1200 for labor to replace the water pump. I need a car for my Dr. appointments and to pick up my medication.

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You have been given some info. But in the long run, you may have to give up your car if you can't maintain it, afford registration or insurance. The part itself cost up to $400. Are you going to a dealer or an independent? Dealers are very expensive.

I hope you find someone to help you. If you do please come back and tell us how you got help. This question has come upon the forum a few times lately. Office of Aging may be able to help you with transportation.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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For free or low-cost car repairs for low-income seniors, check local non-profits like Autocare Haven or Higher Power Garage, dial 211 for local resources, and inquire with charities like The Salvation Army or Catholic Charities, as these organizations offer vouchers, discounted repairs, or direct aid for essential fixes like brakes, tires, and suspension, with some programs covering parts and labor for those in need, notes GoFundMe and AgingCare.com. 

National & Local Resources
Dial 2-1-1: Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local charities, grants, or repair shops offering discounted services for seniors, says spotfund.
Higher Power Garage: Provides low-cost fixes (brakes, tires) for seniors on fixed incomes.

Autocare Haven: A Texas-based non-profit connecting seniors, veterans, and low-income families with free repairs, covering parts and labor.
Local Charities: The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other local groups often have transportation assistance programs or repair help. 

Government & Other Options
TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families might offer emergency funds for car repairs for eligible low-income families, per Tiltify.

Warranty: If your car is newer, check if a manufacturer's warranty covers the repair. 

How to Find Help Near You
Start with 211: This is the best first step for localized programs.
Search online: Use terms like "free car repair for seniors [Your City]" or "low income car assistance [Your County]".

Contact major charities: Reach out to local chapters of national organizations like The Salvation Army. 

*I don't know why AI suggests contacting Agingcare.com for help with car repairs! This may be why we're being inundated with these inquiries!
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Reply to lealonnie1
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PeggySue2020 Dec 5, 2025
Wow, it’s ai doing this?

im married to a blue collar worker. It’s very insulting to presuppose that their labor is fun (it’s NOT) or should be free. It’s one thing to have Salesforce volunteers at your animal shelter to pet cats and dogs (as a shelter employee they contributed nothing) as opposed to assuming that same enthusiastic corporate energy will apply to mechanics getting under your car.

Seriously, most blue collar workers are themselves in survival mode and it gets worse the younger they get.
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By all means call around to the resources Alva suggested. However, the odds of finding a garage that will just donate 1200 in free labor are about as high as winning a thousand bucks on a scratcher. It happens all the time, but it’s never happened to me. Odds are, it won’t for you, too.

Free county senior buses exist to take you to doctors appointments. Or you can use paid ride shares you don’t have to schedule ahead for. Almost everything can be delivered.
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Reply to PeggySue2020
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If you have retired with low income it is a certainty that things will happen. Cars will need repairs, roofs will leak, hot water tanks will leak, and etc. I am uncertain whether you are still able to do some jobs but it sounds like you may need to try to find a way to do so.

Meanwhile there's the car, and believe it or not it is one of our most common question. Folks even call asking how to get free fence repair, roof work, tree removal. And less and less today are there any charitable entities out there willing to help.

I would check EVERYWHERE. Call local senior centers and ask if anyone is on a list to give low cost, or time payment repairs to seniors who can prove need. Call Faith-based communities. Call your local council on aging. You can even call some car repair places and ask what you can do to get a better price or a time payment. Ask if there is any barter or trade you can do to work out some help.

Other than throwing yourself on the kindness of friends, family I have utterly no idea how you can find free work out there. There is so much need now by so many in our country, I know you aren't the only one looking for help. I surely do wish you the best of luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Can you ask your church? They should help.
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Reply to Caregiveronce
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You have multiple resources to tap into. Free transport and meds delivery are viable options. I’m 76 and while I can still/do drive I choose to hire a neighbor to shop for me. I don’t enjoy driving anymore. Too many crazy people on the road. Plus I have deliveries from Sam’s club. Get your ducks in order because it will only get harder to navigate this world.
If you have health insurance contact them. They will provide you with a list. Consider Home Health Care or Hospice Care based upon your health issues and the ability to adequately take care of yourself. As far as income you might need to apply for financial assistance. Good luck!
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Reply to MisterThomas
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I suggest calling the Office on Aging in your community. They will tell you what transportation services are available for seniors in your area, low-cost or maybe even no-cost. You might want to check with a local charity or a school that offers mechanics training to see if they could help with your car repair.
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Reply to MG8522
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MisterThomas Dec 5, 2025
Good advice. I had a neighbor who was a HS Mechanics teacher. He took my vehicle to school and replaced my entire AC system top to bottom for $700, about ten years ago, which I guess just about covered the parts.
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