What to buy with £1000

[WJNB]

Friend with absolute shed of an Astra has failed MOT, needs £600 spent to put right. Bank account virtually empty.
Walks to work so only needs car to take him to his hospital volunteer job & local run to outlying village to see Mum.
Suggestions he gets a bike & uses public transport did not go down well!
Plan B to scour local private/trade adverts. in free paper.
Any other ideas how I can help?