# What to do with dead car? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** protege5, mazda\ **Created:** [December 8, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478 "2009-12-08T01:03:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![amajencat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9e8a1a/32.png) [@amajencat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amajencat)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/1 "2009-12-08T01:03:50Z")
Hey everyone I listen to the show all the time, but this is my first time posting I have a 2002 Mazda Pro5, the transmission went kaput last week. 150k miles, the O/D light has been blinking almost 3 years (lasted longer than anyone thought!). I just put on 4 new tires in the last two months ($500) and it has a large dent in the front bumper. Driving it is like riding a bucking bronco, it can go 25mph max before it flies up to 5k RPM and goes nuts. SO… Do I attempt to get it to a dealer for a trade in? Sell it to a parts place? (will they come and tow it?) Try to sell it to a “CarMax” type place? Any suggestions GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks in advance Jen ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 1:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/2 "2009-12-08T01:12:57Z")
Personally I would price out a used transmission or replacement one and then assess. What is your budget for your next car? ---
**Author:** ![amajencat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9e8a1a/32.png) [@amajencat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amajencat)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 1:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/3 "2009-12-08T01:34:47Z")
About $15,000 but it’s because I have good credit to get 0% financing. I’m looking at getting either an Aveo5, Honda Fit, or Nissan Versa. Need a hatchback with automatic transmission 🙂 Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![mrb3990](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@mrb3990](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrb3990)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/4 "2009-12-08T01:40:27Z")
Put it on craigslist as a “mechanics Special.” ---
**Author:** ![amajencat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9e8a1a/32.png) [@amajencat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amajencat)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 2:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/5 "2009-12-08T02:18:51Z")
Great idea! I’ll figure what the car is worth and look up the laws in Florida about it. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/6 "2009-12-08T02:41:10Z")
I wouldn’t expect too much out of it with a 150k miles and a bad transmission. A junkyard won’t give you much of anything for it and I agree that Craigslist might be the best option. And forget trading it in to the dealer. This car is junk in their eyes and they will simply wholesale it out anyway. ---
**Author:** ![amajencat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9e8a1a/32.png) [@amajencat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amajencat)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-dead-car/40478/7 "2009-12-08T02:44:42Z")
Thanks! I needed that confirmation. I really appreciate the help!