Tuesday 16 June 2009

Used Car Donation - Where Do You Begin?

By Daniel Gulberry

So you're contemplating getting rid of your unused car, and are unsure about what to do? Luckily the choices involved with used car donations are numerous. You will have no trouble. Before you go donating though, here are some things you might want to think about first.

What condition is the vehicle in? Charity organizations don't need decrepit or unroadworthy vehicles as these will be of little or no use to the people they help. Only fairly reliable cars in reasonable condition will be of any value. Don't donate cars that require lots of repairs or extensive maintenance.

Who needs the old car the most? This isn't a simple question to answer to yourself, but vital if you want your donation to be of most benefit. Why should I even bother? Because there are a lot of folk in need who could use a reliable car. Besides, if you have one you're not using, its just gathering rust.

Which charity should I make a donation of the vehicle to? This is undoubtedly the hardest question you have to ask. There are many charities that could use a roadworthy car. Everyone from youth groups to outreach programs. If you feel real saintly you could give it to one of those groups that's fighting global famine, or another global catastrophe.

However, if none of these choices tugs your heartstrings, you could always ask inside your family.

Not all charities expect you to give freely. Some of them have programs in place that will give you cash for your donation of a reliable car. Some government related places will also give you a tax credit, which is very good around the end of the finanacial year. However keep in mind giving just to get the credit may make you look like a bad person. The opposite is also true for giving without asking anything in return, your choice.

If by some chance giving out of the kindness of your heart doesn't appeal to you, there are incentives. Some charities will give you cash. Government programs might also give you cash, or a tax credit. However giving out of the milk of human kindness and not looking for, or accepting any reward for the donation can make you look good in your community.

One of the final options you might consider is also donating it to your city. This is a choice that would help out your town. It allows them to use a car without having to purchase one. If your a person that loves his town this can be the most satisfying of choices available for a potential donation.

Have you asked your questions, and thought about the options? Made your lists and checked them? Have you made sure your vehicle is in operating condition, and not falling apart? Good, it can be a very mindboggling process, but we hope this has helped.

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