Welll....

I got a car!!!!!

Called a reputable garage and explained the situation. They were really good - arranged finance and got me a decent deal. Drove the car home last night - really chuffed!

I have already called them, they said that CUs will not loan to a new member on the basis of a lump sum. They did suggest I call and ask individual unions, but he said that it's mostly on a "tick box" approach and very much standardised.

Have to see the housing agency later and I believe they have a union - I'll ask them if they can do anything.

Otherwise, if my RBS wont provide a loan then the only options I have are to go to a couple of high rate lenders or give up the job - a waste of 3 years university, several thousand quid in student loans and probably more dole money because this is my last chance of getting a decent job.

Mike2009:

The credit union said that they will not loan on a lump deposit being put in - it has to be regular deposits.

Same for other credit unions.

Damn it - why is this so bloody difficult?

Will they not lend you an amount if you deposited X, followed by repayments of X per month and small deposits.

Why don't you phone ABCUL on 0161 832 3694 and advise them of your circumstances. They might want to help and have a word with your local CU to see what they can do.

Huckster

The credit union said that they will not loan on a lump deposit being put in - it has to be regular deposits.

Same for other credit unions.

Damn it - why is this so bloody difficult?

Oh I didn't think of that! My flatmate's in one and I thinkit will work...

I pay in several hundred quid and they lend about 3 time what's in. Cool!

Oh well that's a bummer, as I cant get a car from anyone else, including the employer.

Mike

Have you searched for a credit union that will provide you with a loan.

See http://www.abcul.org/page/about/intro.cfm

Huckster

Unfortunately no responsible lender would touch you with a barge pole at the moment Mike.

Legally, they have to ensure that the credit they are giving you is affordable. Different lenders have different lending crieria and affordability tests. If they gave you credit when you are on the bare minimum (which is what JSA is set to) the FSA would be all over them like a cheap suit.

Unless you're able to borrow the money from a friend or relative, you may be stuck until you have at least three months worth of payslips and bank statements.

I have absolutely NO IDEA how local government works, but could you potentially explain the circumstances and see if they could help with a short term pool car? Or share a car with a friend temporarily and just pay them for the mileage you use?

Rob

Hi all again. I have posted something similar about this but circumstances have now changed.

I'm currently unemployed but have at last had my CRB through and have a job starting at the beginning of next month. I'm waiting for the contract of employment to come through but I know it can take two months (there will be no problems with the employer - it's local government).

I will need to have a car for the job and am wondering whether a car finance company would take me on? It will be my first car and I want to get used to driving again before I start work. At the mo I'm getting £60/week JSA but I do have £1000 of my overdraft available, which I will need to cover me until the end of the month.

I'm not convinced I could buy a reliable enough car and run it, as well as paying all other living expenses, just on my overdraft.

I could however do it if I had finance, as I would probably (just) have enough of my overdraft left to pay the first payment, but by the time that's due I should have my first pay anyway.

Most garages I have seen that provide finance are asking for payslips.

Does anyone know of a decent and reasonable provider?