That’s interesting, I had no idea states had changed those laws. I’m still hesitant to let anyone drive my cars though, it doesn’t seem to stop the lawsuits even if they aren’t successful.
I’m also curious about this trouble with the DMV. If there fines for the car not being registered, inspected, insured, etc. it will be the OP responsible for that.
There are a lot of people who need help, and $1000 if you want to give it away can do a ton right now in Nepal. Or provide supplies to an entire year of kindergarten at your local school. It can put video game systems in the cancer ward of a children’s hospital. It can provide needed budget to a local arts organization. Or whatever charity floats your boat. I think if you want to be generous and do it because its the right thing to do, there are probably thousands of ways this money would be “rightly used” that would outrank “neighbor who is a grown adult who can’t pay her own bills.”
Before you give her money, you should give her a stern talk first.
Was she earning income during those five years and did she make an effort to improve her financial situation? Is she being responsible?
It will be someone else’s fault. Or lots of other people’s fault.
That is very much a minority rule. The vast majority of states which impose dangerous instrumentality liability do so without limitation.
No, don’t do this, he is not her parent. 
But there is noway, nohow, I would ever “loan” this woman money. Then again, I rarely loan anyone money, more than $20.
I’ve underlined the magic word in this post that makes it an easy answer for me.
“Should” implies (to me) an obligation–moral, ethical, whatever. You have zero obligation to do anything for this woman. It may be nice to do so, but you’re not obligated to do so.
That said, if you’re prepared to give $1000 away, your next step is to decide if giving away to her is better/worse than giving that same $1000 to a charity of your choice, or to kid’s college funds, or to something else. If you decide giving her the money (and don’t for a second pretend it’s a loan–all you’ll do is strss yourself out. Give it to her and if you see it again, hey! Great surprise, but when/if you give it to her, kiss it goodbye and assume it’s gone forever.) is the option that will feel best to you, do it.
I couldn’t imagine loaning a neighbour money, for any reason.
I guess the question is, what will it do for you? Will it make you feel good? Well, that is enough reason (since you can afford it). Me, I have never given anyone money for no reason and not walked away feeling cheated somehow. So I don’t do it, because I know I will feel badly later on.
I have never been sorry for helping someone out of a tight spot or through a bad stretch. I have been sorry for helping someone stay in a bad situation or pattern. Only you can know which one this might be.
Is $1000 the amount she would have to pay to the DMV? My advice is to loan her whatever that amount is (hopefully less than the cost of another car) and then give her the car. You don’t want it, she needs to be responsible, and nobody winds up on welfare due to lack of transport.
And on behalf of all of us, Thank You! for helping her retain what independence she has. Whether for only the last five years, or for whatever you also decide to do in future. You have made a huge difference.
Thanks for all the replies everyone, I just made it back to the thread. Nothing has happened so far, but I wanted to respond to some individuals who posted good information and/or ideas, but I can’t do it right now. Will do as soon as I get a chance. (Not causing suspension or anything on purpose)
Yep, when you loan money to a friend, you lose both the money and the friend.