What can I do about my car?

Question

I have a 2000 Dodge Neon. Its in good shape, and runs good. But I also think that my transmission is going out. See a light is on, and I'm not really for sure what it is. The used car place that I got it from didn't give me an owner's manual, so I really don't know what it means. Anyway, I want to trade it in for something else, it doesn't have to be new, just look good, runs good, dependable,and a good single family car. There is one problem, I owe $2107 on the car. Will a car dealer do a trade in or whatever it is called? If it helps I live in Texarkana, Texas if anyone is a used car salesman. Please help me.

Answer 1

Step one is to do what Scott said.  Take it to a mechanic, pep boys, kragen, any major parts store, and have them read the code on the computer.  Since we dont know what the light is, it could be something minor.  heck, they even have lights to tell you when your washer fluid is low.  So get it looked at.

After that, then you can make a determination on what to do about the car.  Yes, a dealer will take it on trade.  $2100 is not much to owe on a 00 Neon, so you could probably sell it privately and come close to breaking even.  That is a better option if you can take it.  Then you can start with a clean slate on the next car.

Good luck

Answer 2

What "light" is on? If it's the "check engine" light, go to Autozone and ask them to read the code for you. They will hook up a little machine and be able to tell you why the light is on. It could be something totally unrelated to the transmission. It could be something minor, it could be something major, but you won't know unless somebody extracts the code from the onboard computer.

Answer 3

You need to come clean and admit you don't like this dorky car and just want another one. If you owe more than you can sell it or trade in for, you can roll the difference into the new car, ( you'll be sorry later ) or pay it off. I suggest you tough it out a bit more if you can't sell it and pay off the balance plus have some left for a down payment. Been there, done that.  

Answer 4

Wow, you seem really ditsy!! so like OMG.  Dose your tranny slip or anything? Maybe its telling you that it the tranny fluid needs a change (like your oil). Like go to Auto Zone and they will hook a computer up and it will read the code the light is sending off. They will let you know possibly  whats wrong then go from there it might be very simple. Like maintenance.  

Answer 5

Big mistake.  You need to keep it, pay it off, drive it another 10 years.  You are being motivated by fear about something of which you admit complete ignorance.  So - don't spend any money in this situation.

If you want to feel better, cure the ignorance.  It's cheaper.