Help! I Need to Get a Free or Cheap Car

This information is current as of July 7, 2022.

A vehicle is critical unless you live in a central metropolitan area like Boston or Chicago. We need cars to get to and from work, transport our children to and from activities and doctor appointments, and run errands.

Many low-income folks find that they need a car just like everyone else but can’t afford one. Cars are costly, not only for the vehicle but the maintenance and the gasoline, which is at a record high right now.

If you’re thinking to yourself, Help! I Need to Get a Free or Cheap Car! Don’t fret. So many organizations and charities can help you find a free or cheap car.

This article highlights the many organizations that can help bridge the gap between families that need cars but can’t afford one and getting the keys to a vehicle in their hands. So read on to learn about all the charities and organizations willing to help you and your family.

How Do I Get a Free or Cheap Car?

It’s hard getting to work and school without a dependable vehicle, even more so if you live in an area where the climate can be unpredictable. Not to mention doing your errands and the other day-to-day tasks that keep a family going.

Many low-income families, single moms, and disabled folks need help obtaining a safe, reliable, affordable vehicle. Let’s look at how you can make this work for you and your family.

800-Charity Cars

1-800-Charity works with FreeCharityCars to help provide free cars to those in need. They accept donated cars and raise money to assist low-income families with getting a car.

800-Charity Cars assist the following individuals:

• Those living in transitional shelters
• Victims of domestic violence
• Low-income workers
• Those who are medically needy
• Veterans and military families
• Victims of natural disasters
• Those making the transition from public assistance to the workforce

This organization is currently overwhelmed with applications and has postponed accepting new clients. However, the charity encourages you to continue checking their website to see when they will welcome clients again. 

Cars4Heroes

Cars4Heroes is a non-profit organization that assists first responders, military veterans, and their families with a free vehicle if they cannot find transportation for themselves.

Families who wish to apply will need to fill out an application stating the military branch they served in, their years of service, other pertinent information, and why they feel they need a vehicle.

If the organization doesn’t accept you on your first try, keep trying. Your application is held on file for three years.

Online Car Donation.org

The WithCauses.org network, which recognizes other individuals’ big and small needs, has partnered with OnlineCarDonation.org to provide free cars to those in need.

The process of applying is easy. You must only provide your basic information and why you feel you need a free vehicle. A staff member will review your application once submitted and help you look at the available cars if you are eligible.

This organization should reach out to you in 30 days if you can receive a free vehicle. Those who do not hear anything should reapply.

OnlineCarDonation.org assist with the following:

• Military veterans and their families
• Domestic violence victims
• Homeless folks living in a shelter
• Families aiming to get off government assistance
• Folks with disabilities

Cars4Christmas

Run by the same folks who fun Cars4Heroes, Cars4Christmas provides free vehicles for all low-income individuals, not just military or first responders. Operated by the same people who run Cars4Heroes, Cars4Christmas provides free and basic transportation to all individuals rather than exclusively military veterans and first responders.

Folks often find they are in financial trouble after a tragedy, illness, death, or natural disaster.

The organization receives roughly 200,000 applications annually and can only give away 20 cars as it relies on donations. Though the odds may not sound favorable, it’s worth applying.

If the organization can’t help you, you can ask about getting paired up with private donors or other organizations in your area.

Online Car Donations.com

Not to be confused with Online Car Donations. Org, this organization firmly believes that having a form of reliable transportation is crucial today. They understand that you need a vehicle to get from home to work or school or run through life’s daily activities.

The company aims to provide free vehicles to as many folks in need as they can. They also try to give away trucks or vans for those who may need a modified vehicle due to a disability.

You can apply by simply going online and filling out an application. They will reach out within 30 days to let you know if you have qualified for a free car. If you do not hear from them in the 30 days, they encourage you to reapply.

Good News Garage

Good News Garage is an excellent option for those residing in New Hampshire, Vermont, or Massachusetts. They also have a Wheels to Work program and a JumpStart program.

The Jump Start program provides donated vehicles to qualified folks. These cars are often refurbished and at an affordable cost. For those who don’t qualify for the Wheels to Work program, you can reach out to JumpStart.

Like many organizations, there is high demand, and JumpStart is not accepting applications but encourages you to continue checking their website. They also link to organizations that help you find free or cheap transportation.

Vehicles for Change

Vehicles for Change partners with local social service organizations to assist those on their way to being self-sufficient but also need a reliable form of transportation to commute to and from work.

The organization also offers a program for those who belong to their partner social services and job assistance agencies. They provide a vehicle to low-income families with a low-interest loan. Your caseworker or local agency must apply for assistance on your behalf.

Vehicles for Change has a lot of requirements for you to get assistance, including the following:

• The ability to pay for the taxes, tags, and title to the said vehicle
• A stable form of employment that provides at least 30 hours a week
• The ability to cover the cost of owning a car, such as fuel, repairs, and insurance.
• An active driver’s license from the state where you live
• No DWIs or DUIs on your driving record

Working Cars for Working Families

The National Consumer Law Center runs Working Cars for Working Families and takes pride in helping working families get a reliable vehicle at a fair price.

They partner with several other organizations to promote non-profit businesses that help families struggling to find reliable transportation.

Their searchable database is a great tool to help you find nearby programs that can help locate a low-cost or even free vehicle. You can go over the requirements of the individual programs to find out if you are eligible as you fill out the application. 

Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

If money is tight, you may be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.

Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.

Get a Tablet for $10.01

If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. Apply here to get started!

Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals

Are you looking to save on additional items? You may want to check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.