I've never gotten a credit card because I have pretty limited credit so I've never really tried, I'm afraid I'd have to get a secured credit card. I've told myself that if I got one, though, that I would use it only for gasoline, or something like that, just to establish credit.
As for repairing your car, I'd evaluate the extent of the damage and whether or not it would be worth it to fix it before selling if you plan on doing that eventually....
I'm kinda facing a similar situation because I'm hopefully starting college again this fall and might be moving across state.
Good luck!!!
