<prompt> Human: I have a 2011 Ford Escape. The transmission went out. Just to buy a rebuilt transmission is 2,400. That doesnt include the install or all the other little odds and ends. My car, in good running order, is worth 5,500. I owe 6,800 on the car. As if thats not enough, I just co-signed on a new car for my fiance. So I am worried my credit is tied up too much to do anything else with a new loan. Also, we are getting married in November and we both still owe money on the wedding. I feel like my hands are tied. I have no idea what I can even do.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  <response>: Well, since youd have to pay 6,800 just for the right to not be driving your car any more, your best option is to repair or replace the Escapes transmission. I just upgraded from a 1998 car to a 2012 car last September, so honestly, your 2011 Escape should easily have another decade of life left in it.Whyd the transmission go out? Are you performing all required preventative maintenance? Can you get a 2nd opinion on whats broken INSIDE of the transmission instead of just ham-fisting a whole new one when it might be something relatively minor inside of the transmission? Can you just get a transmission out of a junkyard, from a car that was totaled, which would cost you significantly less, and then just put fresh fluid in it? 