Trapped in a $50,000+ Car Repair Nightmare — I Need Help

I am not someone who ever asks for help — especially when it comes to finances. I’ve always been the person who figures it out, works harder, or pays someone back when they step in. I currently work 6 different jobs trying to make ends meet, so this financial strain is more than I can handle. Writing this is incredibly difficult for me, but I’m at a point where I truly can’t do this alone anymore...

On September 13, 2025, I purchased a used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek from Wyatt Johnson Subaru, believing I was making a responsible, reliable choice. In less than three months, that car has become undriveable and turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.

Since buying it, the vehicle has required over $50,000 in estimated repairs and has been in the shop four separate times for more than 75 total days.

Here’s what has happened:

October 25, 2025 – Engine issue involving a camshaft sprocket and a leaking axle. Estimated repair cost: $6,760. I was told warranty would cover it, but the actual work performed didn’t match the estimate — and the axle was never fixed.

December 3, 2025 – The car wouldn’t start. I was told I needed a new battery, front control arm replacement, alignment, and that the axle was still leaking. Estimate: $3,200. I was advised I could “just use a jump starter.”

December 11, 2025 – The car died while my boyfriend was turning left in traffic and wouldn’t restart. I paid $660 for a Subaru battery and $171 for towing. Shortly after, the engine began knocking. Metal shavings were found in the oil. Diagnosis: the engine needed to be replaced. Estimated repair: $9,407. Warranty would only partially cover it.

After nearly two months waiting for repairs, we picked it up — and within an hour the check engine light came on again. Days later, the transmission failed. Now I am being told it will cost $10,000 for a new transmission, with my warranty covering only about $2,700.

As of today, I still owe $22,000 on this vehicle.

If I trade it in without repairing the transmission, I may get around $5,000 if I'm lucky — leaving me buried in debt for a car I can’t even drive.

If I surrender it, I risk destroying my credit.

If I repair it, I’m pouring thousands more into what has already proven to be a lemon.

To make matters more urgent, I currently have a rental vehicle that must be returned by this Friday. If I cannot resolve this by then, I will be without transportation in an area where rideshare services are unavailable and public transportation is not an option.

At this point, I need help to either:

Pay down or off this loan so I can walk away and purchase a reliable vehicle, or

Purchase a dependable, inexpensive used car while I work toward resolving the loan balance.

My goal is $22,000, but truly, any amount helps. Every dollar will go directly toward resolving this car loan or securing reliable transportation.

Asking for help like this is humbling and uncomfortable. I have always tried to handle things on my own.

But after months of repairs, misinformation, mounting bills, and emotional stress, I am exhausted and at my wits’ end.

If you are able to donate or even just share this page, I would be deeply grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give.