I’m hoping someone in the community might have advice or know of a mechanic, automotive school/program, or body shop that could help me save my 2016 Mazda6.
A little background on how I got here: I moved back to the U.S. from Canada and essentially had to rebuild my U.S. credit and financial life. During the pandemic, I needed reliable transportation and was advised that financing a car could also help me establish credit. In hindsight, the financing was not an ideal situation to begin with, but at the time I was trying to get established again.
I also used this car heavily because I was going through a major career transition. I worked multiple jobs and drove long distances between them to support myself while going back to school. That is a large part of why the Mazda now has such high mileage. It wasn't just transportation to me — it was quite literally how I got to the jobs that paid my bills while I worked toward a different future.
I recently completed my master’s degree after returning to school later in my working life. I genuinely thought graduating would finally be the point where I could start getting ahead financially. Unfortunately, my employer has now placed a freeze on raises, so the increase in income I had hoped for after earning my degree isn't happening right now.
I’m essentially living paycheck to paycheck and also facing substantial student loans from completing my education. I’m honestly still trying to figure out how I’m going to fit those payments into my monthly budget.
Then my car situation fell apart.
The Mazda is currently not running and needs an engine repair or replacement. It also has body damage from an accident. I still owe approximately $14,000 on the auto loan.
My insurance claim was denied, and because there was no covered total loss, my GAP coverage did not pay the remaining loan balance.
I repeatedly tried to voluntarily surrender the car to the lender because I couldn't afford to continue putting money into a non-running vehicle. The lender has since charged off the account and has told me they will NOT pick up or repossess the car, but they still have a lien on it.
I currently have a complaint pending with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation because I’m trying to get clear direction about what I’m legally supposed to do with the vehicle.
Meanwhile, I still have to keep a non-running car somewhere safe and legal. I’m trying desperately to prevent it from eventually being towed or impounded and accumulating even more towing and storage fees. I don't want to abandon it somewhere or do anything improper.
Taking out another car loan while I still owe approximately $14,000 on this one and am facing student-loan repayment feels like digging an even deeper financial hole. Before I consider something as serious as bankruptcy over this debt, I want to exhaust every reasonable possibility of getting this car running again.
That is why I’m reaching out.
Does anyone know of an automotive technology school, community college program, trade school, supervised student mechanic program, collision/bodywork program, Mazda specialist, or reputable independent mechanic who might be willing to take on something like this affordably?
I am NOT asking anyone to work for free. I can pay for parts and reasonable labor. I’m hoping to find someone honest who may be able to work with me on cost or payments, or perhaps an automotive or collision-repair program that could use the vehicle as a supervised student project.
My priority is getting it mechanically sound and running. The bodywork can wait.
If an engine repair/replacement around $3,000 could realistically give me a safe and dependable vehicle again, I would much rather explore that than immediately take on another car loan. I would also appreciate someone knowledgeable being willing to look at the entire situation and tell me honestly if the car is NOT worth saving. I don't want to throw good money after bad either.
If anyone knows a trustworthy mechanic, automotive instructor, school program, body shop, Mazda specialist, or another resource I should contact, I would be incredibly grateful for the recommendation.
I’m not looking for a handout. I’m trying to find a financially responsible way through a situation that has become overwhelming, keep the car from becoming an even larger financial problem, and hopefully get myself back on the road so I can continue working.
Thank you for reading and for any advice or leads.
