My sister’s car is a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. It was having cooling issues so it was in the shop for a while but it turns out the engine is busted and she has to get a completely new engine. Also for reference, we’re in Arkansas.

She has the option to get a used engine at a lower price ($6700) but with taxes and other fees it ends up being like $9,000 something. The shop doing this work offered the new engine with no tax, so we think going that route is better plus a new engine will have better longevity.

The obvious problem here is we don’t have the money. It’s just me, my dad and my sister. My dad is already in debt and can’t get a loan. I’m not sure what my sister’s credit score is but she may be qualified to get a loan. I have a fairly good credit score but I’m not getting involved, I can’t put my money in this. I’m trying to save to get my own place plus have some medical things to pay for.

Are there any possible plans of action we could take here to try to save money? Is trying to get a loan the only option? My sister still owes $15,000 on this car. Add in a new engine… this car is not worth $25,000! But it seems like she’s stuck with it, right?

Our dad mentioned she could buy a cheap car from carmart since even if we come up with the money, the shop can’t start work on it until April.

Any advice would help. This is the first really big expense my sister is facing, for reference she’s just 23yo and I’m 26. I haven’t faced anything like it either.