How low-cost car programs work
A nonprofit receives donated vehicles, keeps the reliable ones, repairs them with certified mechanics, and sells them to qualifying families for a fraction of their value. Examples include Wheels4Hope in North Carolina (cars typically sold for about $500), Vehicles for Change in Maryland and Virginia, and Wheel Get There in Minnesota, where many buyers pay a few hundred dollars.
Why choose a low-cost car?
- Shorter waits than free car giveaways.
- Inspected and repaired vehicles, sometimes with a warranty.
- Credit building when the purchase comes with a fair loan.
- Financial coaching on budgeting, insurance and maintenance.
Who qualifies
Most programs look for working adults (or people starting a job) with low household income, a valid license and the ability to insure the vehicle. Many require a referral from a partner agency such as a social services office, workforce center or nonprofit. See our eligibility guide.
Find low-cost car programs near you
Use our state directory, or apply with Free Car Help and we will point you to the best option for your situation. If you need financing, read about low-interest car loans for people with bad credit.
Where to find low-cost cars programs
These are the low-cost cars programs we found, by state. Programs change often, so contact each one to confirm eligibility. TANF supportive services in every state can also help with transportation costs.
| State | Program | Area served |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Caring Cars – Family Services Center | Huntsville |
| Arizona | SHIFT – Labor’s Community Service Agency | Phoenix area |
| California | Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services | Antioch |
| California | Benicia Community Action Council | Benicia |
| Colorado | Hands of the Carpenter | Denver area |
| Colorado | Project Self-Sufficiency | Loveland |
| Connecticut | Good News Garage | Hartford (historic) |
| District of Columbia | Vehicles for Change | DC (by referral) |
| Florida | Wheels of Success | Tampa |
| Georgia | Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D Council | Lawrenceville |
| Georgia | Oconee River RC&D Council | Watkinsville |
| Idaho | Rides for a Reason | Kootenai County |
| Indiana | Combined Community Services – Wheels to Work | Warsaw |
| Iowa | Wheels for Work – Northeast Iowa Community Action | Northeast Iowa |
| Maine | Goodwill Industries of Northern New England | Gorham |
| Maryland | Vehicles for Change | Halethorpe (statewide) |
| Maryland | Second Chances Garage | Frederick |
| Maryland | Garrett County Community Action | Oakland |
| Maryland | Transportation Assistance Program (DHS) | Statewide (government) |
| Massachusetts | Good News Garage (Ascentria Care Alliance) | Statewide |
| Michigan | Charity Motors | Detroit |
| Michigan | Vehicles for Change – Detroit | Detroit |
| Michigan | Goodwill Northern Michigan – Workers on Wheels | Northern Michigan |
| Minnesota | Wheel Get There / Cars for Neighbors | Blaine |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Valley Action Council | Mankato |
| Missouri | Project H.O.P.E. – Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri | Cape Girardeau |
| Montana | Wheels for Work | Billings |
| New Hampshire | Good News Garage (Ascentria) | Manchester (statewide) |
| New Jersey | NORWESCAP | Phillipsburg |
| New York | Way to Work | Dutchess County |
| New York | Mission Motors | Buffalo |
| New York | Wheels for Work | New York City, Monticello & Rochester |
| New York | Community Action of Greene County | Catskill |
| New York | Fulmont Community Action Agency | Fonda |
| New York | Opportunities for Otsego | Oneonta |
| New York | Lewis County Opportunities | Lowville |
| New York | EAC / Project Jumpstart | Hempstead |
| North Carolina | Wheels4Hope | Raleigh & Greensboro |
| North Carolina | Working Wheels | Asheville |
| North Carolina | The CARes Project | Winston-Salem |
| Oregon | Drive Away Hunger – Portland Rescue Mission | Portland |
| Pennsylvania | North Hills Community Outreach | Allison Park |
| Pennsylvania | Central PA Community Action | Clearfield |
| Pennsylvania | New Hope Ministries | York |
| South Carolina | The Cooperative Ministry | Columbia |
| South Dakota | Sioux Empire Wheels to Work | Sioux Falls |
| Texas | City of San Antonio Dept. of Community Initiatives | San Antonio |
| Vermont | Good News Garage | Burlington |
| Vermont | Capstone Community Action | Barre |
| Virginia | Vehicles for Change | Northern Virginia |
| Virginia | Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAPUP) | Richmond |
| Washington | Working Wheels – Port Jobs | Seattle |
| Washington | Solid Ground | Seattle |
| West Virginia | Good News Mountaineer Garage | Charleston |
Frequently asked questions
How much do low-cost charity cars cost?
Prices vary by program. Some charge a few hundred dollars; others sell cars well below market value with an affordable loan.
Do I need good credit?
Usually not. Many programs partner with credit unions that approve people with poor or limited credit.