As has been said, you can extend the current car for 3 months while you gather your savings. Through that time I’d keep an eye on the savings/offers here and on Facebook if you can.
I’ve started saving in readiness for the next AP as £50 per month isn’t impossible and would get me £1,800 over the term of my current car. If you can squeeze £500 short term then maybe saving regularly isn’t too bad and will hopefully save this problem next time.
Grants seem to be tougher as profits dipped to the point where you’d need to be in dire straits just to stand a decent chance of getting the kind of help that was readily given a year ago.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark