My life-long friend was in a fender-bender recently (totally minor, he's fine) but the truck is totaled. He's talking about the expense of purchasing one of two trucks at a "BBB" endorsed dealership, both at just under 12k. (NOTE: I see zero reason why he needs a truck other than he's almost 6'4".)
Insurance will provide him a vehicle until 17 October. He's made a series of poor emotionally-based financial decisions which have caused him a lot of stress in the last few years (house he can't afford, upgrades he can't afford) and today I gave him the face punch that his poor decision making are his CHOICES and he can buy an old car or truck for less and deal with a few affordable repairs or explain to me how feeling "cramped" in a vehicle is far more stressful than buying something thousands of dollars out of his scope (no response on that note, go figure).
I'm the only one in the family who'll call him on his victimization bullshit. Today I suggested to everyone including him that 1) he can't afford 12k on a vehicle, so don't 2) rent a room or two in the house he can't afford
He is in the military so he can't take mass transit onto his installation, I've checked and there is NO mass transit to the installation where he works.
My question to you all is, what are the best places to look for an affordable vehicle in a short amount of time OR are their affordable options once the insurance rental is no longer available? Thousands of dollars for a vehicle is a big decision in a short period of time. After my face punch he looked on Craigslist and found one potential vehicle, are there other rental or internet resources you can recommend that he can use as a resource?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions. EDIT: tall person (at or over 6'4") vehicle suggestions are especially welcome.
Mac