how much would you pay

**kork13** · 07-28-2009, 05:47 PM

Could simply be a hose with a hole in it, which would be less than $50 to fix. Alternately, if the tranny is completely destroyed (cracked housing?), it could be up to $2000, or more to replace. So that's probably about the range you're looking at... Hopefully it's just a hose!

**disneysteve** · 07-28-2009, 05:47 PM

I can't give you a dollar amount because I have no idea what a repair like that should cost. In theory, though, it is a car that is not that old and has low mileage, even for a Dodge. I don't think I'd hesitate at all to fix it regardless of the cost. Of course, this advice is coming from a guy who is driving a 1998 model with 120,000 miles.

**GREENBACK** · 07-28-2009, 06:37 PM

A leak like that is possibly from a gasket going bad but if it's immediately leaking, I think it could be around one of the hose clamps or a bad hose; Depends on where the leak is coming from. If it's around the torque converter and the pan, it could be a gasket. Could also be the intake manifold gasket. I don't think you need a new transmission this early into the vehicle, though some may try to sell you one.

It probably didn't shift because it was so low on tranny fluid. I'm not a mechanic and am only guessing, not having looked at it, but that seems like a place to start.

**tzsgti** · 07-29-2009, 05:28 AM

Also consider picking one up from a junk yard. When my Hyundai Elantra went i picked one up out of wrecked car with only 3000 miles on the tranny for 600 bucks. A mechanic will probably charge 400 to install but ts worth it.

**TBH** · 07-29-2009, 08:27 AM

Fix it! I would love to have a car only 5 years old with so few miles on it.

My car is a 1994 with 150K miles on it. I'd hesitate to put more than a few hundred bucks into it at this point, but for a car like yours it is worth it.

**irmanator** · 07-29-2009, 04:07 PM

I say to save it also but my husband is a little stubborn, He wants to get a truck but i say not now and not for this reason. I can't figure in the room for payments on truck

**GREENBACK** · 07-29-2009, 04:19 PM

whatever you do, don't neglect the fluid level. Engines have many moving parts that MUST be lubricated. Low oil, low tranny fluid, low power steering fluid are a death nail to these systems. Overfilling is almost as bad, by the way.

I think you have a pretty simple fix here, based on what you've stated, but who am I to stand between a man and his desire for a truck

**jodi** · 07-29-2009, 06:03 PM

Here's my advice: don't ignore it! I ignored some shifting problems with my 2000 Windstar, and by the time we noticed the transmission fluid leaking, I was on a highway. My husband had to come with fluid and nurse the car to the mechanic. Once it got there, the transmission was ruined. A new transmission cost us nearly $2k. I hope it's a small fix - get it looked at ASAP! In fact, you might want to consider having it towed and avoid driving it (I'm no expert at all, by the way - just someone who has made mistakes!). Good luck.

**MyLifeFinance** · 07-30-2009, 01:13 PM

Yeah a new transmission with labor is going to cost close to $2000. You're better off buying a used one and shopping around for labor prices. If the vehicle stopped shifting it more than likely is a transmission issue, though.

**irmanator** · 07-30-2009, 01:19 PM

well I am getting it fixed I just have to convince my husband of that. lol we are not driving this anywhere as the fluid doesnt stay in there long enough to get out of the driveway. Being as this was rather sudden we are hoping this is hose.

**amandasfinances** · 08-05-2009, 06:36 AM

i'd use cash for clunkers!

and just get a new more fuel efficient alternative!

**disneysteve** · 08-05-2009, 08:28 AM

Originally posted by amandasfinances View Post

and just get a new more fuel efficient alternative!

Why? You would junk a 5 year old car with 69K miles and replace it with a brand new car? What a waste. Fixing this car will only cost a small fraction of what it will cost to replace it.

Besides, a 2004 Neon probably gets more than 18mpg, which is the cutoff for the CARS program.

how much would you pay