Scheherezade 

My grandparents needs to get rid of their car (unable to drive). My dad offered it to me, but I told I just didn't need one right now. I may get one some day (kids, long-distance clinical health care contracts), but right now I just have no need for one. I told my dad they would be better off selling it. I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting the car just to sell it.

I've gotten so accustomed to riding everywhere via bike that the idea of $1000 or more in insurance yearly plus parking fees doesn't make a lot of sense for a backup form of transportation, free or not.

lasauge 

I feel the same way, there's absolutely no way I'd be willing to resume paying for insurance, gas, and maintenance when I've gotten along perfectly well without a car for the past several years. But in your shoes, I'd probably take the car and resell it cheaply to someone in need for an easy win/win.

hamiltonian

My sister offered me her car for free last year—a lightly used Cavalier that she bought new around ten years ago—and I turned it down. Living car free pretty much pays my mortgage, and I have no desire to mess with that.

gerv 

That probably wouldn't be a cool thing to do... especially with your parents.

But you raise a good point. How much does a free car cost?

PedalingFool

I went car free for over a year back in 2008-09
Lost about 35 pounds, was in great health, finances were great.
Thought my social life was suffering though.

I ended up getting a vehicle... gained the weight back, spend $216/mo on payments, $130/mo on insurance, just put $1500 into all new breaks and a catalytic converter, and my social life still sucks!

Wish I never got that dam thing...
Thankfully I work at home so I don't spend another $400/mo in gas.

So no, I wouldn't do it.

Rootman

I would suggest either having THEM donate it to a charity for a tax break (only available if they can itemize) or YOU take it and donate it (again only works if you itemize). If the car has any value you can deduct the amount off your gross income. If neither can itemize at least someone will get a car at little to no cost.

Smallwheels

I might take one if my situation were different. Right now I'm getting rid of things instead of adding to them. If the car offer were just before the time of my next move then I'd take it right away. It could pay for itself by transporting me and my stuff across the country. It could be sold in the new location once I was settled in. Personal cars can be great tools when needed.

Blinkie

If the offer remains (if only lol but I know better), my car is on its last legs. Too bad Minnesota is so far!

Wait For Me

Hell Yes!

Artkansas 

Go with your gut. Since your grandparents are still alive, they'll appreciate the extra money. The good act will come back to you when you need it.

prathmann

Depends a lot on its condition and how much it's used. My car has seen very little use for the last 6 years - almost entirely for driving to bike rides that are too far away to bike to the start. Annual costs have been about $250 for insurance, $50 for registration, $100 for repairs/mtce., and $200 for gas. So about $600/yr. to keep the car around - mainly for pleasure (i.e. bike related) trips, but also to have it available for any unexpected contingency.

Wait For Me

You carless guys crack me up!

Aleksandr

In response to the original post: Of course! I would then sell it immediately.

Roody

I would not accept it even if all future costs of the car were paid also. My life is set up to be carfree because that's the way I want my life to be. No free gift or bribe is going to make me take something that will make me less happy.

Nightshade

Your response to the offer was a good and proper answer. Ya did good!!

iheartbacon

I'd take a free sports car, a Corvette or better. Somehow come up with enough money to insure it for 6 months and put gas in it. Then drive the ever loving hell out of it. Who cares if I rack up a crap load of tickets? I'm selling it when the insurance runs out. At the end of the 6 months I'd come sliding into the used car dealer sideways with the tires and engine smoking. Take a few bucks from the dealer, unload my bike from the roof and pedal home.

Nightshade

Wake UP!! You''re having a nightmare!!!

I-Like-To-Bike

As long as you are fantasizing about the cars toting around your bike, stretch your imagination. This car, seen at Hockenheim Germany, had a waterbed inside.

ukoro

Depending on your living situation you could easily take the car and just have it parked outside your home to hold onto; just incase a family member cant afford to get theirs fixed down the road.

I dont know what your state laws are like but if I am not mistaken it should be pretty universal that you can own a car and not have it insured as long as you're not driving it. As always check your state laws =P

If I was offered a car, I would accept it but I wouldn't use it. I would just as I stated above.

prathmann

Here (Calif.) I can leave an unregistered and uninsured car sitting in my driveway. But if it's parked on the public street in front of my house it needs to be registered and therefore also insured (although the latter requirement could probably be circumvented by canceling the insurance after getting the registration). Individual home owner associations may also have restrictions on unregistered vehicles even on private property.

Artkansas 

Yes, those wacky car-free. They're so picturesque, quaint and amusing. Observe their primitive tribal rituals. You'd almost swear they are human. Aren't you so glad you are so superior to them? We are so lucky that you have graced us with your presence, Bwana.

Artkansas 

That depends on the city and county ordinances. Many cities have rules against an unregistered car on your lawn.

I-Like-To-Bike

Registration for my second car 2000 Honda is $35 year and no insurance was required when it was parked in my driveway when I was overseas for a year. I am considering holding on to it even though I don't need it, now that I no longer need it to get to my job location each week that was 80 miles miles away. The insurance is only $280 year as a pleasure car, not used for work commuting, safe driver and under 7500 miles a year. I don't need the money from selling it and it is a useful backup in case my wife's car has problems. Plenty of room in my driveway.

CarFreeFam4

I took a "free" car once a few years back. Two months and a million headaches later, we donated the stupid thing to charity and haven't looked back since.

iheartbacon

Nah, I used to be pretty good at things like burnouts, bootleg turns, drifting, and other hooliganism. I used to blow stuff up for fun. Like I bought a POS 69 Firebird that some moron put a POS 305 in. Since everything needed to be replaced anyway I put the car in neutral and floored it til the engine blew. I've settled down now, but at one time in my life I was a real ******* and did stupid things. I will say this in my defense, I always saw a project through, and paid my fines.

All I need to put a roof rack on anything is a drill, some Grade 8 hardware, and caulk if it's a rainy climate. I'm uber handy.