car ambivalence

So, I'm torn. My 98 Plymouth Neon needs a good bit of work, probably around $3k--it's hard to say how much exactly until they take apart the transmission. I'm estimating a bit over $2k for the transmission work and new transmission pump, plus it's past time for a new water pump. The car is scratched and slightly dented. The seat is torn. The leather on the steering wheel is torn (I keep a cover on it). I'm a little worried about the power steering going out again. The sunroof doesn't work. The vent fan rattles a bit. It's not perfect but it's comfortable, and probably the $3k investment would keep it going for another 2 years until something else breaks.

But if I get a new (used) car I could get really good financing right now. It wouldn't be dented or torn. It would be prettier. It would get better mileage. And I like buying new things. I've been wanting a new car for a while.

Financially, the only argument for getting a different car is the financing, that my immediate cost would be less. I recognize the long-term cost would be cheaper probably to keep my current car. I can't really afford to do either. I know what a practical person would recommend I do: fix my current car.