Where's the Nearest Junkyard?

So my car is the shop for the third time in a year (this time because it is making very strange noises when I accelerate) and I'm seriously begining to think that its starting to become a money pit. It is seven years old now so I guess its understandable, but there are days when I would like to just junk it (literally). People keep telling me that as long as it runs, I can get money for it and Volkswagen told me my car is worth over $7,000. I suspect that I have expensive taste because the Acura TSX (in blue with a sunroof) is my dream car and I can't see the point of settling for something else because it wont be what I want, and I'll still have a car payment. I cant see the point of paying several hundred dollars a month for something only somewhat better than the car I drive now especially when it isnt what I want. The car that I have now is paid off so I guess I'm putting what I would pay monthly as a payment into making my car drivable. But on the other hand every time something goes wrong with it (which is happening more and more frequently), I am filled with such loathing. I know that I need to keep my eye simple, but I want to be able to get into my car and know that it will start and that I will get from point a to point b safely and within a reasonable time. Any advice?