(COLLEYVILLE, TX) — A Colleyville couple that previously gave away two cars in 2024 and one in 2025 will give away four more on Thursday, October 29, in Colleyville. Having given away three cars in the spring, their total has now grown to seven for 2026.
Dane and Cathy Bailey own Auto Experts of Colleyville, located at 6800 Colleyville Boulevard, where they have operated since 2013, initially specializing in Lexus and Toyota vehicles. They have expanded their offerings to serve not only imports but also domestic vehicles, and are known as being “Outstanding every mile.”
When they awarded one refurbished vehicle last year, they hoped they could do more in 2026. Perhaps two or three. However, customers and friends learned of their generosity, so they kept donating their pre-owned cars and SUVs, and the number swelled to seven this year. That brings the total to 10 vehicles through the program.
“We wanted to elevate someone’s life,” said Dane Bailey. “There’s a real sense of freedom and purpose when you have the means to travel, and we are committed to solving a real need for someone.”
On Thursday, they will elevate four more lives. Interestingly enough, the recipients don’t know they have been chosen. They are coming in for a final interview and will leave with a new set of keys and wheels, along with hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Baileys formed Autos of Love two years ago and have completed the process to become a 509(c)(3) nonprofit. That designation matters because car donors may receive a tax write-off for the car they donate.
According to Cathy Bailey, they see the program as a personal ministry. “We believe that God held out His hand and invited us to create this organization. There are so many elements that continue to fall into place that we know this is faith-inspired.”
She adds that area nonprofits, including the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce, Colleyville Rotary Club, and Colleyville Lions Club, have embraced the concept by donating their pre-owned cars and writing checks to pay for parts.
“We’re blessed to be receiving cars that have been very well cared for by their owners,” adds Dane Bailey. “While some of these cars are from 2003 and even 2005, they are in excellent working order.”
The Baileys refurbish the cars and then provide 12 months of maintenance for the new owners through their company, Auto Experts of Colleyville.
The program has caught on with suppliers. The Baileys paid for all parts for the first two vehicles; and many of their suppliers discovered their generosity and either donated parts or sold parts at cost.
Jerry Maxey, general manager of Auto Experts of Colleyville, asked friends and customers to donate cars. He also encouraged suppliers to provide the needed parts or sell them at cost.
How has the expansion of donated cars impacted the Baileys and Autos of Love? Cathy Bailey shares, “We personally funded the first two refurbished cars, and some of our suppliers have generously stepped forward. With the growing number of cars needing reconditioning, we’re asking for contributions to help fund the service, which can cost $2,000-3,000 per vehicle.”
AUTOS OF LOVE
Technicians from Auto Experts of Colleyville volunteer after-work hours, providing labor at no charge as a labor of love. With Christmas approaching, the Baileys and their team feel a bit like Santa Claus in making Christmas wishes come true.
She concludes, “Our greatest fulfillment is seeing the tears of joy from our recipients. Many feel they are in a hopeless situation, with no transportation to work or school.”
Anyone interested in donating a car to a deserving recipient or helping underwrite refurbishment costs can visit www.autosoflove.org. There is no cost to apply or nominate a potential recipient.
About Autos of Love (www.autosoflove.org):
Dane and Cathy Bailey, owners of Auto Experts of Colleyville, established Autos of Love in the spring of 2024. Their independent service center has served the Colleyville area since 2013. Inspired by friends in California who created their own version of the program, the Bailey family leads a team of 13, plus their Client Liaison Specialist, their dog Sophie.
The purpose of the program is to award dependable transportation for persons who represent the greatest use for a vehicle, not the greatest need. A candidate must be able to pay for insurance and gasoline.
The selection panel seeks people whose access to safe transportation would expand the good they do for others, creating a ripple effect in the community.
Eligibility:
· No self-nominations – a third party (such as an individual or nonprofit) must nominate a candidate
· The nominee must reside in Tarrant County
· The recipient needs reliable transportation to improve their work, education, family stability, or service
Autos of Love Vehicles
Previously awarded vehicles:
· 2024:
o 2005 Lexus ES Sedan
· 2025:
o 2006 Lexus LS Sedan
o 2013 Toyota Prius
2026: Previous
· 2000 Toyota Avalon
· 2003 Lexus GS
· 2012 Nissan Rogue
2026: Vehicles being awarded on October 29
· 2005 Honda Pilot
· 2005 Acura MDX
· 2005 Toyota Corolla
· 2018 Audi Q5
Another 2026:
A donor gifted a 2003 Toyota Camry. Because the repairs were too expensive, Autos of Love (with the approval of the donor) gifted the car to the Grapevine High School Automotive Technology Department so students could train in automotive repair.