If you’re a worthy person in dire need, TJ Crossman has a car for you.

Over the next two weeks, the Vista auto shop owner is accepting nominations for the person most worthy to receive a free, newly refurbished 2008 Ford Fusion. A team of judges will choose the winner, who will be announced at 2 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Vista Rod Run in downtown Vista.

This will be the fourth year in a row that Crossman has given away a car to a needy local individual. He was inspired to start the program in 2015 after discovering Wheels to Prosper, a nationwide collective of 66 independently owned auto shops that fix up cars and give them away. TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair is the only participant from San Diego County.

This gray 2008 Ford Fusion will be given away next month by Vista mechanic TJ Crossman as part of the “Wheels to Prosper” program. (TJ Crossman)


Crossman, 44, said he’s been motivated to give back to the community ever since he survived a bout with cancer 15 years ago. Recent efforts have included supporting Vista Teen Outreach, which provided Thanksgiving meals to 190 families last fall, and offering his time to the Girl Scouts council in Vista. But the car giveaway program has provided the most satisfaction.

Last year’s car recipient, 18-year-old Vista High School and ROTC graduate Juan Soberanes, was especially deserving. In spite of challenging circumstances, the teen earned a 4.5 grade point average and a scholarship to an Air Force Academy prep school in Crestline.

Crossman said he broke down in tears last summer when he handed over the keys to the stunned Soberanes, who had no idea he’d been nominated for the prize.

“He was such a great kid. I could barely get through my speech. I was just crying,” Crossman said. “It’s really emotional and it’s humbling and it’s an honor that I’m able to do it.”


Not only did Soberanes get a free car that day, people in the crowd that day were so impressed by his achievements that they donated enough cash to pay for one year of car insurance and $500 in gas cards.

Crossman is a single dad — his wife passed away six years ago — to two daughters, ages 12 and 17. Because of this experience, he said he knows that everyone goes through life’s ups and downs. He’s happy he can use his training and connections to help someone through a rough patch with a free car.

Each year he starts by looking for a reliable car to give away. This year’s gray Ford Fusion, which has 130,000 miles on it, was donated by Adams Towing in Vista.

Crossman said his crew invests about 40 man-hours and $2,000 in parts going over all of the car’s systems, brakes, transmission and other parts to make sure it’s ship-shape. Many of the items and services are donated by other local businesses.


From now until July 31, people can submit a letter describing why they or someone they know deserves the free car to Crossman either via email, at tj@tjcrossmansautorepair.com, or by mail at TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair, 1148 N. Melrose Drive, Suite A, Vista CA 92083.

The contest receives about 75 applications each year. Most are local residents but some applications have come from as far away as Ireland.

This year’s winner will be chosen by a three-member committee of judges that includes last year’s winner, Soberanes, Vista Councilman Joe Green and Channel 8 TV reporter Jeff Zevely.

If Crossman can find more sponsors, he would like to expand the program next year to give away a second car for a local military family in need.


For more information, visit tjcrossmansautorepair.com.


pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com