LJ: credit crunch affecting consumers yet?

[classicman]

I agree as well, but there are people out there, more than you think too, who don't have "a few thousand dollars" - sad but true. And it looks like their numbers are going to increase.

A few years back I was in immediate need of a car and had just started a new job that was about 20 miles from home. My job also required that I go out on sales calls from time to time. The situation presented basically required me to have a car, let alone that I had kids and all that goes with them.

I had poor credit was in debt and didn't have any money to buy an appropriate vehicle.

I went to several banks/lenders - no one was wiling to lend me the money, and I can't blame them. I wouldn't have either. I discussed the situation with my new boss and we settled on a $4000 advance. I paid off the advance as agreed and I got a car that lasted for years until my financial situation improved and I got it without a monthly payment.

I guess my point is that there are other options whereby one can get a car and do it in more creative ways to accommodate the needs and situation presented.