what to do?

[dmo]

i'm a childminder and last week one of my mindees mums had her car stolen from outside her house
we have two cars and because she couldnt afford to hire a car or buy a car we have lent her our second car for 6 mths (it was due to be taxed so she is taxing it) we have the car serviced and mot each year and the car is 4 yrs old
anyway her insursance note came on weds so she picked the car up (needs taxing on fri)
she phoned me today, she had to be towed off the moterway as the head gasket is about to go

how upset am i, she needs the car for monday for work and wants us to pick the car up from her and fix it
hubby thinks she should pay half as we are lending it her for 6 mths, he also thinks she was driving fast
dont really feel like spending £300 near christmas on something i do not really need
what would you do?

that is a traicky one...

you obviously dont need the car for the next 6 months either...

maybe explain to her that you cant afford that so close to Xmas... either she pays half, or YOUR car comes back to YOU and waits until you can afford to fix it...

and she hires a car or whatever... her lack of transport is not really your prtoblem and i think it is very kind of you to lend her a car in the first place so she should be greatful regardless IMO

thanks Nanny

think i will just get it fixed and be done with it

she is not paying me anything to lend the car only insurance and tax

dont really need the car at all as i walk everywhere and we use my dh's car at the weekend

going to give the car to my sister soon (she is taking lessons but will need at least another 6 mths) as a present for passing her test so will need it sorted for then

GOSH you are a very kind and generous person!
Personally I couldnt afford to do that - so i would make her pay for it all = she wants a favous she pays for usage.
But then if i had the money and more than enough then I would pay to be nice! but that will neva happen unless i win the lottery!

i do sort of have the money but would rather spend it on other things than i car i dont use

might fix it to be nice i want it right for my sister

OMG! you are waaaaaaaaay too generous!
i most certainly would not expect to pay the full amount,particually right on top of xmas!
you are doing this woman a HUGE favour in lending her your car free of charge for 6 MONTHS!,i understand its a tricky situation BUT you should def not pay the whole amount,half at the very most is generous enough.

You could pay the whole amount for her - then with 6mths wear and tear something else could be wrong with it so you'd have to get more work done before giving it to your sister.
If I were you - I'd give it to your sister now - Cant she have lessons it it now - that way she would pass her test quicker spending less of her money in lessons and its more of an incentive to pass her test....at the end of the day family come 1st and it should like this women doesnt deserve your kindness - so go on give it to your sister

Surely her own insurance will pay out on her stolen car?
Most companies pay up quite quickly so I don't understand why you are doing this.

Sally

Hmm, I'd do whatever you would do if it was yours and you were keeping it. so if you would ordinarily get it fixed, get it fixed. But a head gasket = lots of money and 4yo isn't old for a car. So no, I don't think she should pay as it's your car and you get ongoing benefit from it BUT it's equally not your responsibility to make sure she has transport so if you wouldn't get it fixed immediately due to cost etc then I wouldn't do so now either.

So if she wants it fixed now, she pays, if you want it fixed now you pay, if you'd leave it until after Christmas then leave it. You've been v kind, I don't tinhk you need do more tbh.

DMO i know you are a nice person but this is too much!
its christmas in 4 wks, explain to the mum that you cannot get the car fixed as you have lots more to be spending that kind of money on, tbh, she sounds very cheeky, but you must know her well to do this?, maybe you are more friemds?..even so, you should not repair damage done to your car, by her when your lending it to her f.o.c and right before christmas!

thanks Strawbeery
i have had her son for 3yrs so know her well but do not see her out of work

going to the garage this morning to see how much repairs will be

i thought you 'knew' her more than just few weeks!, i commend your generosity but maybe too generous??..im the same so im pot calling the kettle!

and Ahermmmm...i like the odd drink but i AM NOT strawbeery!!!!