I don't even think a dealer will allow you to rollover $8k in negative equity, unless you buy a new car.. and carmax sucks.. they won't give you anywhere near what you owe i bought my xterra brand new (i, too, was young and stupid) b/c i just had to have one and now i'm stuck with it, we've tried to trade it in for something that eats less gas but it hasn't happened yet.

i think you are pretty much screwed no matter what you try.. i'm sorry! kudos to you for trying to help your girlfriend though, it's sweet!