2000 Dodge Caravan severe leek

Confusing post. $1000.00 trade-in for what?

If you're talking about a leaking rack and pinion assembly, replacement should run around $250.00 to $400.00 depending on if you get a new one or a rebuilt one. Cost on rebuilt units has come down a lot in the last ten years.

You can drive it to the repair shop with a leak, but you won't have power steering; again, assuming the leak is power steering fluid. Long drives should be avoided because lack of fluid will eventually overheat and destroy the bearings and vanes in the power steering pump. Rack and pinion assemblies don't usually leak fluid real fast. A slow leak often allows fluid to collect in the rubber bellows boots around the inner tie rod ends. At least a quart of fluid will pour out of the boots when one is removed, but it took a long time for that fluid to build up there. Also, there's a metal breather tube between the two boots, so it's impossible to tell which side is leaking.

If new fluid leaks out almost as fast as you can pour it in, I'd suspect a leaking hose before a leaking rack. Neither of these items is an uncommon repair, but be aware that replacement of the rack and pinion assembly will necessitate an alignment.

Caradiodoc