To wish I had enough money to replace the fucking car?

[JakeBullet]

Okay I need to rant a bit so bear with me!

Two years ago I had a job, a lease car and life was predictable.
The a year ago just as my lease was due for renewal the policy relating to lease cars changed. Suddenly I no longer did enough miles to qualify and as my son is autistic and needs me a fair amount I couldn't increase my hours to meet the criteria. Fair enough and his sleep issues are so awful I was constantly exhausted.

I sold bits and pieces and saved enough to buy a cheap car (£250) from eBay. My friend who is a car mechanic chose it for me and its been a real boon. However it can be a tad unreliable as all older cars can and in the end I could no longer do my job which needed me to drive and have access to a reliable vehicle. This also coincided with DS having huge issues at school and at home....I was so tired I was making mistakes in work and as a nurse this was a huge problem so I had no option but to resign and become a Carer so have been doing this since around March this year after 30 years of full employment .

It's not what I want long term and am about t volunteer with Signpost helping people at a work club with writing CVs, IT skills etc and helping signpost them to things like childcare and support. It will keep me in the land of the living and ensure I d t get out of practice with stuff. A bit of a diversion there.....

Anyway all of a sudden the car is more of an issue. I have just abandoned it at our local shop because it wouldn't start after we had been up there for milk so I have abandoned it there. I feel like screaming because this has been an ongoing issue over e past three weeks or so....all of a sudden I have no idea when I get in it if it will start or not.
It would all be fine of DS was not autistic but he is and as such is hard to manage on public transport and in the street.. We live in a HA house which is lovely but miles from his school. The LA feel he should attend the school local to me but he is autistic and as such moving him is not an option. But obviously he doesn't qualify for transport either. The bus service comes nowhere near means its a 15min walk to the nearest bus stop.....this would be fine if DS was able to cope with sirens etc but he can't and ends up on the ground with his hands over his ears

I am so frustrated about the car, all I can see is a nightmare time ahead trying to get DS to a bus stop so I can get him to school or wherever else.
All I want is a reliable car and am so so fed up and frustrated with everything. My friend who works on my car cannot identify why it is doing this....nor can the RAC who I have had to call out four times in 8 weeks! So far have had a new battery at a cost of £80, new distributor cap, new radiator (as the old one cracked) and new leads. It's been horrendous and I am so so fed up (and broke) now.

A supposed to be taking my 87 year old Uncle to the airport on Tuesday...he is terminally ill with cancer and is going to be with my cousin in Switzerland. Now looks as though I won't be able to do this either.

I need a new car.
I have no money.
As a Carer on benefits no lease company or car sales people will touch me.
DS does not qualify for Motability as he can walk and DLA will not entertain an increase in his mobility allowance (issued as he needs someone with him while out and about).

So fucking fed up.

If you've read this far the. Thank you....don't need responses especially as just needed to vent!

[CatsRule]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. I don't really know what to say as I can't imagine having to deal with an autistic child. Makes me grateful for what I have and I should stop moaning about thw little things!

Are you alone or have a partner for support? I don't know anything about dla or benefits but from what I hear it never seems fair!

It always helps to rant even if it doesn't solve anything

[PessaryPam]

JakeBullet, I am so sorry for your troubles. I hope something turns up for you. It angers me that someone like yourself is being let down by our welfare state. It seems to fail the neediest quite regularly.

[healstorturepeople]

Sorry that you are going through this. I don't know what to suggest about the car but my friend's autistic son walked more easily when wearing really powerful ear defenders so he couldn't hear the traffic and alarms (industrial ones). This might help him cope with the sirens etc. Have you spoke to any garages about getting a new car with no deposit? i.e. just the monthly payments?