Tips on Buying Cars: Upside down on my Sienna, pontiac vibe, negative equity

Question
Hello.  I have a 2006 Sienna CE with 22000 miles  and I am one year in to paying $420/mth x 72 mths (5 years left exactly). As of today, I owe $21,800 on it. I am really trying to get out of debt and have decided that between the gas, the payment, and the 70 mile round trip daily commute, I want out. My plan was to buy a cheaper, more fuel efficient car and between the cost of the car and the negative equity, I wanted to be at $15000 or less. I did some research and thought the Pontiac Vibe would be a great choice as it gets 31 mpg, will fit a car seat and two booster seats and  is made with Toyota components. I knew I would have negative equity, but last night I took my car in and was offered $15800!! I was going to buy a 2006 Vibe with 25000 miles and it only cost $12999, so I though it was a great deal. The Sienna does have a little body damage (a pretty big scrape on the back end, starting to rust a tiny bit (like the size of a pea), which I hadnt planned on fixing, but other than that, it is in great shape.   So here are my questions: 1. Given the situation, do you think the Vibe is a good choice? Would you recommend another fuel efficient cheap car with a big back seat? Should I fix the damage and try to sell it myself?  Fix it and trade it in? Sell it myself without fixing it? Sell it on ebay? Another thought I had was waiting until I can find a cheap new car with a big rebate to pay off as much of the negative equity as possible.  Or just trade it in and for a   really really cheap car. Even if my car  payment goes down just a little bit, Ill still be happy because of the fuel sayings.  Anyway, I know it is a crazy idea but any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!  

Answer
Hi Patti,

I'm sorry for the delay in answering your question. I have been busier than usual lately. What they offered you for your trade is actually pretty good! The Vibe is a pretty good car. You may also want to check out a new Nissan Versa. Good luck!

Aaron