Rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be spending more than half of what your car is worth on repairs. Unless this is like an older car that you are using to showcase and not actually drive, which isn’t what this sounds like.

If you need a loan for $5000, up your loan a little and get a new car. You can get a secured loan easily because the bank you go to will keep your title until you have paid off the car. If you need to have your mom co-sign, with her credit score, you are going to get a high interest rate, but you’ll be able to obtain the loan.

Un-secured personal loans are harder to get than bankruptcy. You may want to apply for a new credit card and use that for cash as some of them issue you blank checks for that purpose. Capital one is probably your best bet for a credit card to use in that way.

Hi,
I’ll be very honest with you. If you have to spend that amount to “fix” your car….it’s not worth fixing.
Car pool or take the bus until your credit score is in a range where you can buy a good used car if you really need one. If not continue to car pool. Remember, along with that car come ins, and maintenance fees too. Be smart with your money and don’t throw it away so easily.

Why don’t you apply for an auto loan? It’s easier than trying to qualify for a personal loan. Plus, they have all kinds of incentives for first time buyers.