I want an EV but the only affordable option is Chevy and somewhat the Nissan Leaf. Every other option is way to expensive. If my current car died, I guess I would buy one of them. But I'm going to drive it into ground or until sometime else affordable comes along.
On the other hand, I'd assume if the old car is functional, they'd sell it to someone who would then "drive it to the ground" (or sells it to another). It's environmentally friendly as long as the car is used by someone
But the thing with cars is that there is a giant aftermarket.
Basically, if someone buys a new one at the top, they sell their used car to someone else, who sells their car to someone else, who sells their car to someone else, ... until one old mangled and polluting car at the bottom gets scrapped.