If I donate my old car, what are some alternatives in the Chicago area?

My car is 15 years old and runs, but needs a new windshield, tires, some repair and lots of TLC. I've heard that some pick up middlemen are scam artists, charities don't always get the proceeds from the donation, and the donor might be left in limbo. Also, what do I need to do in preparation if I decide to donate it?

Check with the charitable organization to which you will be donating the vehicle. Then, clean it out of all personal belongings (including your insurance cards, registration and driver's license!). Also remove any extras that you may have accumulated (tools, flashlights, first-aid kits or anything that you wish to keep.

When the organization sends a tow-truck, make sure you have removed the license plates and scraped the inspection sticker and registration sticker off the windshield and sign the title to the organization; make sure you've recorded the mileage properly.

Make sure you get a receipt for the vehicle (noting date, year, make, and model) as part of the donation MAY be income tax deductible.

make sure the people picking it up are who they say they are,that's the biggest problem with donation cars like that some other people get a hold of them and you get no tax credit or relief on them,id make sure the people that picked it up had the proper paper work to do it with,there are scam artist out there that make a good living of getting free cars like this,good luck with it.