I think the specific issue with borrowing money to fix the car is collateral. You can borrow against home equity (who has that these days, lol?), for example. But, to simply borrow money with the promise of paying it back a later date is unsecured debt. It is hard to qualify for unsecured loans at modest rates these days (as well it should). The vehicle repairs would cost more that the wrecked residual value, so even if there was no note on the car, it probably wouldn't secure the financing. Since the OP has a beater (hopefully with a heater) he should consider parking the Crossfire for the winter and commit to saving the money to get it fixed in the spring.

From the conservative approach, I have no problem with taking on debt for property, primary auto, or education in fields with strong potential. But to each his own.