Pay- offs on cars

A transmission replacement will likely cost you $3000-$5000 unless you can get a used unit and do the replacement yourself (which most of us can't). If you only need transportation for now, I would look at a cheap used car for under $1000 and save to get the Aviator repaired as you continue to make payments on it if it is the vehicle you want to keep. If you don't want to keep the Aviator, talk to a dealer about your trade in value and pay-off cost. He can probably help you get into something that is in driving condition. Stay with top tier dealerships so you don't get talked into a car with a new payment that you will not be able to afford.