2000 Honda Civic problems

I'm having problems with my 2000 Honda Civic. It was running all fine till this morning, when I got a couple of miles down the street it started sputtering and the check engine light started flashing. So I stop and shut it off then I could smell like a electrical burn smell. Didn't see no smoke or where it was coming from. The car will start up and runs without dieing, just act sluggish. Went to Autozone to hook up to see what codes its throwing but they couldnt find the plug in. Any suggestions. Thanks

Added (1). Yes all fluids has been checked, can't afford a mechanic right now, so I guess Ill just have to junk it.

How lease works? How much around would it cost me to lease a car. FIRST CAR?

I'm a youngster fresh out of university into my second year of a good full time job. I'm a bit confused about leasing. Honda claims to charge 45 weekly on an ad for a civic, but this seems way to cheap to be true. What is the catch/extra cost on a lease?

P.S I'm also weighing the option of buying a used car, but don't want to risk repair costs.

What type rust converter should I buy?

1.)My black honda civic has a small rust spot on it, what type of rust converter should I buy to get rid of it? And
2.) there are a bunch of different brands form $20-$100 are the cheap ones useful and
3.) would I be able to just leave the rust converter on the car without painting over it since it is black anyways.

Upside down trade in. Important reason?

I have 2013 civic and I want 2015 optima. My car value 12000 and I owe 15200. That's 3200 upside down? I like my civic but the thing is it's been giving me lots of electrical problems (warranty available) i've take the car about 13 times to diffrent dealer Honda and they only took me 2 times to check my car the rest send me home. They say I have to take the car when it's happeing but I take it when the problem not happening… Last week i was taking the car since it was causing the problem on my way but I get there and it stop so they send me home… And I'm tired of this back and forth they won't fix it. At all so I want to trade it in… I have $500 for down payment for next car… Is it worth it

What can I do dealer won't fix it since the problem never happens when I take it?