Kars4Kids
Reviews and Complaints

We donated a car to kars for kids and received a vacation voucher. When myself, my husband and my two small children arrived at the hotel, we were immediately greeted by drug attic’s roaming the parking lot, filthy disgusting floors throughout the building, doors, and windows that look like they hadn’t been cleaned in months, garbage is overflowing throughout the property inside and out, dirty towels, left inside in the hallways with brown stuff on them who knows what it was, basically had a kick my door in to even get into the room. An absolute disgrace, how kars for kids can send anyone never mind families to a location like this. It should be taken off of the list. It was unsafe and a huge health hazard to my family. We checked in and within five minutes we checked out. I paid $110 in taxes and surcharges to go to a place where I would rather sleep in my car. I also paid $50 refundable deposit. It is appalling and disgusting how kars for kids wants your donations and your money and sends you on destinations that look like this. You are morally disgraceful . I will NEVER donate again and I will make sure everyone i come across does not either.

I donated my vehicle and gave them the title which stated kars for kids as the buyer and the amount as donation. They are now stating that there is an error with the title not explaining the error as there is no error and that I need to do a power of attorney to Copart Auction and not them. The POA does not mention their agency at all on the paperwork. I am now receiving emails that they will abandon the vehicle and I will be held liable after they accepted the vehicle months ago and I have a receipt of their tow company accepting the vehicle and copy of the vehicle title I signed. Waiting to see what's next as I see a lot of complaints about additional fees ie. tow which is kars for kids responsibility

When I started my process of donating my car to this organization they made everything seem like a simple process... what has unfolded is anything but.

Initially told not having the title in hand was no problem and nothing else would be required, that was not accurate but not a big deal... happy to go get a paper notarized and keep it moving forward.

I submit the paperwork exactly as requested after having it notarized and they come back stating I sent them a blank document that had not been notarized... WHAT?!?!?

They then go on to state that if I do not handle this immediately they will be abandoning the car and any legal issues that arise will be my problem.

Something about this whole process has left me feeling like this is more of a scam than a service to actually help people.

Donated a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland to them a few months ago and it’s been a total nightmare from the start.

Numerous calls from them telling me the vehicle has an outstanding lien on it, it’s been paid off over 16 years now.

They sent power of attorney paperwork which I signed and returned to them hoping this would end……. Wishful thinking.

Just received a bill from their towing company for $350 to cover towing and storage!

Sell your vehicle and donate directly to the charity of your choice, this organization is a total scam.

In March of 2021 we donated a vehicle, signing over the title to Kars for Kids and leaving it in the glove box for pick up, as instructed. The car was never retitled and the person to whom they gave the car caused an accident in December. We have received an invoice for towing and storage, the insurance company of the person struck requesting our insurance to pay the claim for the

vehicle damaged. Today we received a letter from a lawyer mentioning legal action amounting to nearly $18,000.00 Since the initial invoice in December for towing and storage, Kars for Kids has told us to forward items to them, but we continue to be contacted and this obviously hasn't been resolved. The fact that they have an entire department dedicated to exactly this type of thing speaks volumes.

Since April 28, 2021. I have been trying to get my $50.00 refund from Vacation Breakaway and as of today the only thing I have been giving is the run around or no respond at all. SHAME ON YOU! I will continue to pursue this false and rip-off advertisement until I get some satisfaction. Everyone is going to be informed by me of your bad business which you are conducting. I am a first responded therefore I come across a lot of people.
I have called Mrs. Christin at [protected], Mr. Charlie Savin at [protected] and (813) 514-0413 which is the refund department.
Six months later NO SHOW.
Activation # Z329274 as of May 12, 2021 From Breakaway an e-mailed was send to me that they received my refund request.
certificate # 551700 from KID. Record # 2501167. Waiting for your respond. Excuse my frustration. Thanking you in advance and keep safe
Madeline Filion

Your commercials are like dog poo, they stink!
can you for once make a real music commercial!

Hi, My name is Norma Macias. I donated my vehicle in August to Kars4Kids. They arranged for the pick up etc and my vehicle was picked and I am still not in receipt of my donation tax deduction voucher. First it was in auction, then they said they couldn't find the title until I explained that I left it in the glove compartment as indicated in their instructions. So then they sent me another form to sign to transfer the title over as I initially indicated I sold the car to Kars4Kids and they wanted it blank. So after I sent that back, I asked again about an update and they told me it is in "auction" again! How is this even possible? They've had the vehicle since the middle of August. It's been over two months now. When I ask to speak to someone else who can assist me in getting answers other than, "its in auction" I get no reply. I donated the vehicle, I should get my tax deduction voucher. I don't even care about the vacation voucher they advertise if I donated my vehicle. I donated the vehicle because I wanted to do a good thing, had I known it was a sham, then I would've just sold it for cash. I can be reached at [protected]@gmail.com or [protected].

The commercials on TV and radio are deceptive which in all reality are scams. This has already been reported on many News stations and newspaper articles as well as the internet. Why has nothing been done. Only just a few minutes ago i was watching MSNBC when an ad came on for Kars for Kids. In short I'm furious that this is still going on after so many years and whoever those involved turning a blind eye. DO SOMETHING!

The Nada value was $12, 260-$14, 000. They said they sold it for $1, 800 and that was the value I received for it. I said that was ridiculous and I wanted my boat back. They said it was too late. I called a half dozen times and could not get the operation's auction person on the phone. No one returned my calls. I attached photos. you tell me if you think its worth only $1, 800.

I donated my car on September 28th. Waited a month for my receipt and called to find that it was still sitting at the towing company. Was told it was going to auction that weekend. It is now November 30 and I have still yet to see a receipt or voucher. Not sure what happened to my car and the customer service representative nearly hung up on me before I could ask any questions about what is happening. Still not sure when I will see a receipt still waiting for my receipt. They have not communicated with at all about what is going on. I have to call them to see what is going on. Feel like I am getting the run around and starting to feel fraud is going on and they stole my car.

To put some people's minds at ease… I obtained a 91 Lexus LS400, Kbb value $1500 or so, from auction, that had been donated to Kars4Kids. I paid $225, and a buyers fee of $165 which made the total price $390. So, when they give you a receipt that is very low, it's probably accurate.

However, the very bad to report to those of you who have given your cars to this organization….

The reason I attempted this purchase is, i lost my house to foreclosure, I was laid off after medical leave, I have gone through my savings paying copays, and now I am homeless, seeing as I don't have retirement since I worked for small owner companies for 22 years. Even though yes, I was into computers, they were nurses and they didn't have a lot to pay. Certainly no retirement capability.

So now, not only did someone give a car to this fraudulent place, I also am out the only money I had, to try and purchase a vehicle so I wasn't living 'on the street' and instead would be in a car. I wanted a van, but they were all too expensive. All of the Lexuses were going for so little I figured with the backseat it would probably work and be at least relatively comfortable. But, safe is also a very important factor since I need to drive to and from medical appointments.

So, the bad:

Misuse 1: I received all the previous owners information. The title was not in Kars4Kids 'name'. I have no reason to use this information, however someone else who knows this person was so generous and in a similar situation might actually think they were a mark for being so 'nice' and also being able to donate a car. Especially a Lexus.

Misuse 2: The car was nightmarishly dangerous. First the struts were so bad that once on the freeway it literally wanted to switch lanes, even though I was well within the speed limit (actually five to ten miles under the speed limit, which in itself isn't very safe.)

The brake lights which were working well, ended up going out halfway through the drive home. Thankfully I had a driver drafting me to insure my safe return home. After all, at an auction one doesn't know precisely what might be up with the car, especially since the auction place wouldn't allow under hood checks, or listening to the engine pre auction. (Which I didn't know at the time.) I did insure there was water and oil in the engine, as well as gas before I left. All just smart precautions to take.

When I finally got home, fairly shaken, the car had locked me in! Not even my drafting driver could get me out initially. Which caused an anxiety attack because I was already shaken, and with the way the vehicle handled I could picture an accident, and then I couldn't have gotten out, on the freeway! That could have easily been my death. Which would have orphaned three children.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, I went to get my purse from the car after having calmed down and the lock had engaged again. It constantly locks, no matter what. And, you can't get out of the drivers side at all without opening it from the outside!

This car, should have been scrapped or sold as pieces parts, never, ever should it have gone to auction.

Oh, and the next day, the check engine light came on. That was today.

So, not only did I use the money I had to purchase a vehicle, I will probably have to take a loss and give it to a junk yard, because it's too old to sell to them.

Misuse 3: They were given a vehicle which by rights was unsafe to sale, and sold it anyways, therefore they received both a vehicle from a kind soul and money from me, instead of a wrecking yard, or someone who wanted parts for their 91 Lexus. :/ I am out, but they had a win win. Seriously I am so depressed I am crying right now.

I did write to them to insure they knew what a catastrophe they sent off to market. I do slightly think the person who donated it should have probably been the one to send it to the junk yard. But, there are many people who can't part out a vehicle. I am one. Parting out vehicles is often far more cost effective than selling them. But, I have no where to part it out. The person who donated it probably didn't wish to bother.

Thanks for letting me vent. Though, please, don't donate cars to this company. For your own personal information safety and for the fact that they aren't what they say they are and then they don't do proper safety checks to insure the vehicles they sale at auctions are truly safe.

I have to mute the tv, or radio when this comes on. The jingle in so off key that it should irritate anyone that hears it. Not sure why someone actuall ok'd this advertisement. Possible the worst in the history of broadcast advertisement. Please stop this commercial from coming on.

Not complaining about the charity or what they do with the money but really questioning their pricing of vehicle donations.

They picked up my 1996 GMC Suburban promptly after my wife called. It was operational but had just failed my state's annual safety inspection and I decided not to invest in the front steering repairs but donate it hoping that some less fortunate family would benefit rathter than trying to sell it myself. Initially just got a email receipt for $500 without my VIN or anything to identify my vehicle. After asking for more details and I received the following email response:

"Your car was sold for parts. When we sell the cars for parts we don't receive an invoice for each car. The tower gives us an invoice at the end of the month for all the cars combined. Even though we can't use the Kelley Blue Book for the receipt, we do use it to get an idea of how much the car would sell for at the auction. Many of the buyers at the auction are dealers and we have found that they pay around the low trade in price from the Blue Book. I have attached a copy of the Blue Book value of your vehicle for a trade in."

The value showed $257.00 which was a joke and I can only assume that he selected the worst possible features as I had within the last year installed a stereo system and speakers worth more. In other words, they never evaluated my car's worth. This was a GMC Suburban SLT model with 4 wheel drive, leather, power steering, seats and windows, 3 row seating and most comfort features except sun roof. My check of Kelly Bluebook trade-in value with these features and in fair condition (lowest rating) value was $ 1734.00 or $2700+ if sold privately. I received a travel voucher but threw that away as I know how they work and you are not receiving any real deal. Remember, if you receive and accept something in return for your donation your donation is reduced by the value you received.

It was not worth my time to fight with Kars4Kids as I don't need the headache which I am sure they are counting on to get away with these valuations. I have donated other (2) vehicles to other organizations but this time I felt ripped off and had to say something.

How much the Kids get versus the dealers and middle men is concerning. My wife worked in Not- for- profits for over 30 years as a Development Director, so I understand fundraising. By pricing the vehicle for $500 or less there is no paper trail/work that has to be presented to the IRS. A convenience for them but a problem for you.

If you are concerned about getting the true value for your vehicle donation, then do your own research and know it value (not sentimental value) before they pickup your vehicle and make sure they provide your vehicle's VIN on the receipt.

This is actually a fraudulent charity and they are all are multiple charities associated with this specific organization. A few online charities that are associated are the giving center, charity boats, online car donation, online boat donation, works of life, with causes, boats 2charity, and many more including real estate donation charities. The monies raised from donated items are used to support Cameron's lifestyle and household. He has been in jail multiple times for fraudulent activities and has multiple felonies against him including fraud. This is not an organization that you would like to be associated with or who you would like to donate to.

I donated a car to them and totally regret it. I suggest people find some other charity to donate their car to. The same thing may happen with another business but sometimes the devil you don't know is better than the devil you do know. The problems:
- they started sending me junk mail (using my mailing address)
- they would not reassure me on the initial complaint that they would stop
- they promised to call back to make that assurance but did not do so
- they claimed they did not sell my address to other junk-mailing third parties but refused to explain their business process for the handling of the mailing list to verify that their claim had any substance
- they claimed that they were in compliance with regulations about the handling of personal information but refused to specify what regulations they complied with to verify that claim
- they refused to allow me to discuss my complaint with anyone higher than the help desk assistant manager

I have a nice vehicle to donate and heard the radio jingle... So, helping kids sounds good...right? ... WRONG!
They use the children's voices singing to tug at your heart.
Upon further investigation, I found an all Jewish board behind which takes in 35 MILLION a year and gives ALL the money to JEWISH kids only! Call me crazy but don't children of all backgrounds deserve help. So, the money goes to sending Jewish kids to summer camp and ALSO to Israel trips where they can stay on OCCUPIED land. Land stolen from indigenous Palestinian people, villages once farmed by these innocent Arabs are now, bulldozed and made way for settlements. The settlements pushed further and further into Palestinian territory. Growing the terrorist/human rights violating regime of Israel. AMERICANS, educate yourselves on the lies fed to us... Some of which begin with innocent misleading commercials of kids singing.

I made the mistake of donation to this so-called K4K...They are a bunch of Banana nose's ripping people off-and ride on the tails of IRS-claiming you are allowed to claim fair market value (up to 500 dollars...What a joke !

Don't donate to these Banana boys-The only kids they are helping are themselves $$$$$$ Beware...

I regret donating my car to them. KBB valued over 2500, they stated they sold it for 600. I wish I would have donated it to the homeless shelter, at least then I would have felt as good about donating it. Everything I've read about them, makes me sick I gave them my car. If you're thinking of donating to them, please reconsider, do your research (I did mine too late). Donate somewhere worthy of your contribution.

My car was picked up in July. The driver called about 20 minutes before pick up. I told him where it was on my property and reminded him that I needed a receipt. He took the car and left no receipt. When I called dispatch, they said that their drivers don't carry receipts. When I complained that they took my belongings without giving me a receipt and that I would never use them again, she said, "We do all of the donation car pick ups. That will be your problem. Not ours." I then called the 800 Kars4Kids number. They apologized for the dispatcher/driver's behaviors and said that they would send a pick up acknowledgement right away and an actual valued tax receipt following the auction of the car. It is now a month later and I have received NOTHING from them. I am furious. I highly disrecommend helping these people if they can not get more organized. I would have been better off doing a trade in and then giving that money to charity. This has been excessive work and frustration and disappointment.