Donations are below average in number and therefore we have had very few cars available for sale.
Used Cars — at reduced prices
Our program works mainly with families and single or widowed adults in need. (Example: Family of 5 making less than $48,500 annually.) It is not for a typical high-school or college student. A pastor from a Christian church or the Washington County Social Services must refer you. (They call 651-773-3083)
Used Car Purchase
Vehicle is sold at approximately 35% below “normal sales lot price” (20% below our normal price). The vehicle will include a list of repairs we have done (we limit our repairs to safety issues and basic operation) as well as anything our volunteers have found to be wrong. There may be other things wrong with the vehicle, but it will be because our volunteers did not find it. There is no warranty with the vehicle. It is sold as is. You receive a vehicle which has been checked over, at a reduced price and your purchase helps our ministry provide for others in need. This is limited to one purchase per family.
Option
2/3 of that purchase price, not to exceed $1,000, will be refunded if within 12 months of purchase date you complete the Bible based budget training requirements, as shown below.
Bible based budgeting course
Your mentor(s) and you attend and complete either the “Crown Small Group Study” (CSGS) or the 5 week version of "Journey to Financial Freedom" (JTFF) classes. You and your mentor(s) must attend all classes and be on time. Your mentor(s) and you will also meet at least with the instructor to discuss specifics of your budget. A conference takes about 1½ hours. See specific details in the Process for $$ refund…car grant.. handout.
Mentors
Most people we help do not belong to a church. Often they find a mentor by volunteering at a Christian church near where they live. By volunteering you rapidly get to know some people in the church. Mentors cannot be a friend, relative or employer and must be from a Christian church. By becoming involved with a local church you have a chance to give and receive as well as meet many new people. See specific details in the Mentor’s Involvement handout.
Buying a used car
Some averages — (buy from a reputable source — don’t be surprised!!)
- DEPRECIATION: Expect that for every $100 you pay you will be able to drive 1,000 miles before replacing the vehicle. (Example - $1,500 car expect to drive it about 15,000 miles before replacing it. If you drive 625 miles a month, the car will last about 2 years.)
- MAINTENANCE: During the time you drive that car, expect to pay as much in repairs as you paid in initial cost. (Example above – about $1,500 in oil changes, repairs, tires, etc., as you drive the 15,000 miles.)
- OPERATING COSTS: Insurance, license tabs and gasoline = 25¢ per mile.(Example above — Insurance $75 / month, license $3 / month, gas at 20 mpg $78.)
Average cost per mile driven
45¢. Make sure you have planned this in your budget – otherwise you will soon have a car you cannot afford to repair or replace. You should put a minimum of 20¢ into savings for each mile you drive. This will be used to pay for car repairs and replacement. Many cars require more than 20¢ per mile savings. Do not use more than ½ of this savings for repairs. At least ½ must be kept for purchase of a replacement car.
Additional information can be requested via e-mail at scvcia1@juno.com