To sell used car or donate it?

[extension]

Mom has a 96 Dodge Neon, its in 5 out of 10 condition. Car runs great, tries are ok, everything is ok for a used car. Dash is busted, cracked from the sun. Basically any mechanic will tell you the car is crap. $600 is the cost and it might be pushing it. But who knows maybe more, depending on the buyer.

Should this car be sold or donated?


I heard donating can get you tax refund. Is this a gurantee thing? How much tax refund could she get?

[rond100]

I donated a car a few years ago. You can get a up to $5000 tax deduction for the car donation without an appraisal. If you want more than a $5000 tax deduction you will need an appraisal if you get audited.

This can work out to 1000-2000 tax check depending on your tax bracket. I would donate closer to the end of the year as you will see nothing til 2009.

You may want to check the current rate as I donated my car several years ago.

[twdell]

yeah, a 96 neon is worth next to nothing if you were to sell it. probably like $800 tops.

[aspkin]

If you can get a tax break on it... donate ftw!

[extension]

Taxes already filed this year. How to find out if I can get tax break?

[jscan]

donate and you mite get some good karma lol