There are other options. You may be able to donate the car to charity. Don't think you are giving a lemon to a family in need. These charities often recycle the car and get money that way. You can typically take a $500 deduction for taxes for donating a car. The $500 you don't have to pay on taxes can go towards a newer car. The only problem is that if you donate now, you can only apply the deduction to the 2018 taxes.