Thanks JT: the transmission shop has been in my neighborhood for years: a father-and-son vet-owned business. Stellar reputation for honesty and good work. Provides warranty on their work. I’m leaning heavily towards rebuilding…my fiance still thinks I’m wasting time and money.
Good call re. vehicle donation and FMV. I didn’t realize that’s how charities handle donated cars, appreciate you clarifying. Pretty safe to assume that the car, if they come tow it today in the condition that it is now, will be worth nearly nothing. It would be a feel-good exercise to donate (and frankly easier to deal with) – but certainly won’t make much of an impact on tax deductions.