Can't work without my car and can't afford another!

[lookingfoxy]

Basically my car engine blew up on Friday night, im off on a weeks holiday this week.

I can't do my job without my car, Im a support worker and go to peoples homes in sometimes far flung places that stay far apart from each other.
Only had car (2nd hand) for 7 weeks, CAB have advised me that garage should refund or replace and if not take them through the small claims court which after speaking to garage is where im going to have to go.

Im due back at work on Sunday, there's no way I can do the job without a car. Im going to call my boss later and explain the situation.

Can't afford even a cheapy car just now and this one unrepairable, wouldn't be able to get credit either.

Im incredibly stressed about all this and the only solution I can see is to ask my boss to pay me off as im unable to carry out my normal duties, I can't resign as wouldnt be able to work notice period!!

Any suggestions, im not even sure what Im asking for here, just have to vent.

[BIWItheBold]

Have you checked your insurance - sometimes you're covered for a hire car when yours is in the garage.

[lookingfoxy]

The cars not repairable, insurance wont cover it as it wasn't an accident, would be classed as a breakdown.

[whyme2]

Could you afford to lease a car? Or is there anyone you know with a car that you could borrow for the time being?

[lookingfoxy]

Hi, can't afford to lease unfortunately, unless the company offers to pay for this which I doubt. If it has to go through the small claims process it will take a few months anyway.
There's no one I know that I can borrow a car from as I can only drive an automatic, tbh the amount of travel I do and the abuse the car gets don't think anyone would loan me a car anyway!

[PooPooInMyToes]

Nightmare!

Can work provide a car?

I've had before and have again at the moment, the problem of a broken computer. I can't do my job without it and as self employed am screwed without my job! In the past I've had to get into debt to get a new computer. Its probably what I'll have to do again. Its going to cost about 2 grand!

[lookingfoxy]

Work won't provide a car for me.
Im already in 2 grand of debt for 1 years work due to cost of cars to do the job, im really questioning whether its worth it!

[flowery]

I'm assuming your insurance doesn't cover a courtesy car...? Just thought I'd better check!

Anywhere you can borrow money for a 'new' car, even a very cheap one? Would have thought that would be financially more beneficial than having to leave your job.

If you can't do your job and can't turn up to work for a notice period, there would be no need for your employer to 'pay you off' tbh. But assuming you are a valued member of staff, and your boss is nice, and sensible, he/she might do all they can to sort out a temporary car for you while this is being sorted.

[PooPooInMyToes]

Is it decent money? The job that is?

[DiddyMary]

A wild thought - would a cheap moped or similar be an option?

[lookingfoxy]

'Anywhere you can borrow money for a 'new' car, even a very cheap one? Would have thought that would be financially more beneficial than having to leave your job'

I've already had to do this and this is the car that has blown up!! Im really out of options that are going to cost me any money.

The job is not well paying no, im £80 p/m better off than I would be not working, at this rate its actually costing me to work, however I enjoy my job, my boss is nice and sensible and I am going to pluck up the courage to call her very soon.

[PooPooInMyToes]

It depends on if its worth the investment. Any chance of promotion? Do not like you job enough to want to do it without a huge profit? Would you hugely miss not working, the social aspect? The mental stimulation? And what would quiting mean for your career long term?

[SecretPlansAndCleverTricks]

feel for you.

in a similar situation a few years ago, DH was able to borrow a grand from his work to buy a 2nd hand car, as an advance on his wages, which they reclaimed over a few months.

[lookingfoxy]

Hi, there is virtually no chance of promotion and no it wouldn't have any affect on my career, its not a career tbh its just a job.
I have a young son, tbh I would rather spend the time with him, no its not worth anymore financial investment.
I don't mind working for not a huge profit, but its really getting me down the amount of debt i've got into just to try and stay in work, even if i could, im not prepared to get into anymore debt for this.

[PooPooInMyToes]

Sounds like you've made up your mind

[lookingfoxy]

Spoke to my boss last night, its major hassle for her if I can't get to work but she couldn't see a clear solution. Is going to get back to me in next few days.
Off to visit trading standards today as they have an open office not too far from me, oh well it will be an event haven't been on a bus for years!!

[Putthatbookdown]

Could your boss not somehow rearrange your visits so they are in places you can reach by bus just as a temporary measure?

[Ponders]

definitely sounds like you should have a claim against the garage that sold it to you, but if they dig their heels in you might have to go to small claims court, which wouldn't be very quick I don't think

any chance you could afford to sign up for \link{http://www.whichlegalservice.co.uk/\Which Legal Service?} It's £68 upfront, but then they will give you advice, draft letters etc & tell you exactly what to say & do.

CAB/Trading Standards are free of course, but depends on the expertise of their people locally. Which is brilliant on consumer problems. Might be worth ringing them initially?

[Teansympathy]

Where you live do they have a car share scheme?, this is where you can use the car on a daily basis , pay a small amount for the use and take it back to the place you picked up in the morning, it is relativley new scheme but I think they are popping up all ove rthe place , just a thought feel for you, I know the feeling it is a worry good luck.

[LadyWidmerpool]

Could they alter your contract to a sessional one temporarily and just not give you any hours until the problem is resolved? If the isue is hanging on to your job rather than the income? Or could they give you office duties? What kind of organisation do you work for?

[BikeRunSki]

If driving is vital for you to carry out you job, can your employer not provide you with a pool car? Are you contracted to provide your own car for work?

[Jessiejames7]

Can't believe how niaive some of these answers you have received really are. Promotion, Borrowing money easily, claim against the garage etc etc. One answer seemed to suggest that you were looking to do something like claim benefits ie the lovely titled Poopooinmytoes, well if you are theres nothing wrong when you have no choices.
These people obviously dont have to live in the real world. I hope things worked out for you and that you didnt have to put up with any more stupid advice

[BusterGonad]

So you have no car. No car = no job. No one can lend you a car, you can't borrow any money and your boss has no car to lend you. As much as I'd like to ask a whole load of questions you've already answered the only solution is to not do your job. As much as you enjoy the job you really need to get a different one, if your job is ruining all your cars and cars are expensive it's just not worth it. Maybe in the future you could look for work in a care home or nursery or train to be a child minder but I cannot see any solution to your current problem. Jessie you are so right!

[InTheDessert]

The car broke down in 2012. I suspect the OP has made a decision by now!
ZOMBIE THREAD

[BusterGonad]

Ha ha. I expect she bloody has!