New Year, New Start
What to Do With Your Old Car in 2026
The week between Christmas and New Year’s has a certain vibe: half cozy, half “I should really get my life together.” We reset our calendars, set goals, and promise ourselves that 2026 will be the year we simplify, save money, and do more good.
If you’re staring at an older vehicle you don’t drive much anymore—or one that’s becoming a monthly stress (repairs, insurance, parking, “will it start today?”), this is your sign: make your first good decision of 2026 a meaningful one.
Donating your car to Homeless Cars is one of the simplest ways to declutter your life, support local homelessness charities, and get a charitable tax receipt—with free, contactless pickup.
Why “car decisions” are a 2026 trend (and why people are talking about it right now)
A lot of Canadians are heading into 2026 thinking about affordability and “right-sizing” expenses. That’s not just a feeling—used vehicle pricing and demand have been shifting, with multiple reports noting the market is drifting closer to “normal,” and prices declining month over month in key segments.
At the same time, borrowing costs and the economy are still a conversation everywhere you look. The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on December 10, 2025, and has emphasized ongoing uncertainty and readiness to respond as conditions change.
And then there’s the big, ongoing shift in transportation: zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and EV adoption policies—with governments setting targets and provinces recalibrating plans for 2026 and beyond.
Translation: People are making practical choices in 2026—cutting waste, reducing stress, and being intentional with money and impact. That includes asking: Do we really need this extra car?
The 2026 “reset” question: keep it, sell it… or donate it?
If your vehicle is:
sitting unused most of the week
costing you in repairs (or about to)
hard to sell privately (time-wasters, low-ball offers, safety concerns)
nearing end-of-life
in the “I’ll deal with it later” category…
…donating is often the easiest path that still creates real value.
“But should I sell it while the market is changing?”
You can, but selling privately can be unpredictable. If you’d rather skip the stress and still turn your vehicle into something meaningful, donation is the cleanest option.
With Homeless Cars, you don’t have to list it, meet strangers, negotiate, or coordinate towing.
Why this matters in January (and not just “someday”)
New Year’s resolutions usually fall into a few buckets:
Simplify life
Get finances under control
Give back locally
Be more sustainable
Stop procrastinating the annoying stuff
Car donation hits all of them.
How donating to Homeless Cars works (simple, fast, and Canadian)
Start your donation (online or by phone 1-833-465-7227).
We arrange free pickup—often within 24–48 hours (and it can be contactless).
Your vehicle is processed, and you receive a charitable tax receipt for its value.
You can also drop off at select donation centres.
Browse FAQs if you want the quick prep checklist (plates, ownership, keys).