worst xmas ever

exper · Post by **exper** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 6:04 pm

Also, if you have any skills (web design, construction, tech support, etc) advertise on Craigslist to barter services: Car Repair for such and such.

I know someone who designed a webpage for a closet remodeler in exchange for a new kitchen pantry that way!

gjm · Post by **gjm** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 6:27 pm

There is probably more to the picture than just car troubles. Its more than likely 'the last straw.' He has probably been struggling for a while now, but all this time realizing its not a great way to be living.

My experience tells me that these sorts of situations that people find themselves in are not the result of only one thing. Its this one thing that has finally exposed a more complicated issue. It's tempting to dwell on a solution that totally wipes all of the pressure away. There could be benefits (in his mind) beyond not having the credit repayments.

Sir, do you have a close friend who is level headed whom you respect that you can sincerely discuss this situation with? Its possible that the solution to your current situation is a combination of other things, not just, further debt or walking away from it all.

I have had a tough few years that involved changing direction significantly. I had other plans in mind for when I got to the age I am now. I can honestly say that even though it has been hard on myself and my family, The place I find myself today is much better than I ever thought possible. I was tempted many times to just walk away from it all, but I am glad I created another option.

I wish you all the best, and even though its been magnified by the 'Xmas' thing, this could be exactly the thing you need to move you on eventually to a much better overall situation.

All the Best (Sincerely). G.

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 6:33 pm

If he blew the head gasket, then likely he lost all his oil, seized a crank shaft, piston, or the like. That's where the cost is. Happened to me on my first car, never knew the head gasket had blown until it was too late and I had to tear apart the entire engine to get the crankshaft out and remachined, ungh.

Otherwise yes, replacing a head gasket is pretty easy to do.

Anyway, my old roomate did the same thing as you're contemplating, defaulted on his car loan and gave it back to the bank. Probably one of the worst things he's ever done. You'll hear a lot of people say it'll mess up your credit for 7 years (and in your position, like you really care about that), but in all likelyhood that will follow you around for much longer. Do whatever you can to avoid doing this, even if it means only paying $50 a month in payments. Still bad for your credit, but not nearly as bad as defaulting. I know things look tough now, but eventually you WILL get ahead again and that's when you're going to regret defaulting and giving the car back. My roomate has massively turned his life around, and just had a baby and is looking to get a house. Sadly some of the dumber decisions he made when younger are making this impossible now, even though he can more than afford it and is much, much more mature now.

Hang in there man, you have one thing on your side now in that most banks are hurting pretty bad and are much more open to renegotiating a loan versus letting it default. Explore some other options before you royally screw yourself like this.

chin up, we've all been there.

theque · Post by **theque** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:10 am

i have broken many cars, especially heads etc. i would really recommend shopping around a bit or even looking for an exchange motor or a car with a wrecked rear and. i am sure you can save at least a couple of grand of that price if you start asking around a bit or looking on some land rover owner forums.

don't give up yet and good luck