People hear that 3/4 of poor Americans own a car and think this:

[Tree-Hugger]

38. I bought my car when I was doing well financially

I bought it new. Payments, insurance, gas, upkeep were no problem. When financeSwent to shit and we sank into poverty, it became increasingly difficult to keep up. Gas, oil changes, yearly safety and emissions inspections, tires, repairs, lights, wiper blades.....it is impossible to keep up. I was pulled over for having an expired inspection sticker. I couldn't afford the repairs in order to pass the inspection. The officer gave me a ticket with a fine and told me to consider it motivation. I kept driving my illegal car because it was needed for work, to get kids to doctor appointments, to get me to many doctor appointments.

It's something that doesn't get much thought or attention. Many charities don't/can't help with auto care. Social services doesn't truly take car expenses into consideration. Around here, there aren't programs to help people with repairs and upkeep.

I only survived some repairs, inspections, and upkeep because of the generosity of others - including those onDU.