Dear Terry,
I financed a used 2001 Mazda Tribute for my husband in November 2007. Now, the transmission has blown. The cost of the repair is around $2,000. We do not have the money to fix the car and the outstanding loan is around $7,000.

I have good credit but I am considering turning in the car to the financing bank. What do I do? I am very concerned -- I don't want to destroy my credit.
-- Tanya

Dear Tanya,
Whatever you do, don't turn the truck back into the bank. It will damage your credit just the same as if the bank repossessed it. Look into a short-term loan to fix the transmission, if possible.

Here are this week's reader questions:

• Trouble may begin when car lease ends • Should I dump my car on the bank? • Isn't diesel better than gas? • How can I stop unjustified collection?

If you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter.