pay using credit card or get a loan?

A question about : pay using credit card or get a loan?

My car (which I need to do my job) has just blown up with repairs costing Ј4000. I have a First Direct classic Visa card which I could use to pay for the repairs or am I better off getting a loan. Time is of the essence as without my car I cannot work? What do you think?

Best answers:

• If you don't already have a balance, presumably you could use your credit card now to get on the road, and then if you decide on a loan you could use it to pay off your card before the interest starts running.
  If you already carry a balance, interest starts running immediately, of course -- but that is better than missing work. Get the car fixed, then sort out the finance, IMO.
• A friend of mine just purchased a car for Ј4000 - a W-plate with only 29,000 miles on the clock from a main dealer.
  Are you really sure that you want to fork out that sort of amount just for repairs??
• Have to agree with Martin's Lovechild...
  Depends on the value of your car (when repaired) of course but Ј4K sounds a hell of a lot to get it fixed.
  Have you shopped around / smaller garages ?
  If the car will go at all (OK, unlikely if it has blown up..) I'd try to part-ex it. !Otherwise maybe look at buying a new and maybe sell it at an auction?
  If you need a car urgently for work, while getting this one sorted, I'd look at hiring a small car.