Can I trade in a car I still owe on?

Asked by: Vivian McCullough  |  Last update: April 15, 2024
Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)

In most instances, yes, you can trade in a car with a loan, and some dealers might roll your remaining balance into a new loan. But trading in your car doesn't make your loan disappear. You will still have to pay off the remaining loan balance that your trade-in amount doesn't cover.

Is it smart to trade in a car that isn't paid off?

Trading in a car generally helps you reduce how much you'll need to borrow when buying another vehicle, but if you have a balance on your current auto loan, you may be encouraged to roll your existing balance into a new loan, which will increase your total loan costs and the interest you'll pay over the life of your ...

Is it smart to trade in your car when you still owe?

If you recently took out a loan, you might still be upside down, where you owe more than the car is worth. In this case, it's best to wait until the loan balance is lower before you trade in the car. Otherwise, you could take a major financial hit. You'll get penalized.

Does trading in a financed car hurt your credit?

So, you can find out the value of your car and sell it to the dealer without thinking about your credit. If you are selling or trading in your car for another model, though, and are planning on financing, the inquiry process can impact your score. However, the vehicle trade-in itself carries no weight.

Is it better to pay off car before trading it in?

Often, it's best to pay down or pay off your auto loan before selling it or trading it in. The main concern is whether you have positive or negative equity on your loan. With negative equity, you will always want to pay off your auto loan before you trade in your car.

How to Trade in a Car you Owe Money on or is NOT Paid Off (Former Dealer Explains)

20 related questions found

At what mileage is it best to trade in a car?

The best mileage range to trade in a car is often between 30-40,000 miles or between two and three years old, before your new car warranties expire. You're more likely to receive a higher trade-in appraisal when it has fewer miles on it and more of its warranty left .

What should you not say when trading in a car?

"I Have a Trade-In"

Telling a salesperson upfront that you have a trade-in adds another ingredient to the car-buying stew they'll cook up for you. The more numbers you have in the game, the more chances they have to manipulate the final price or monthly payment.

What credit score is needed to trade in a car?

Your credit score won't impact the trade-in value of your car, but it will affect the interest rate you're able to get on the next vehicle you buy. Check your credit score before you begin the process, and if it's in the mid-600s or below, consider taking steps to improve your credit before you continue.

How long should you keep a car before trading it in?

There is no required time to wait to trade in a car. Ideally, you might wait until you've paid off your loan or at least have positive equity before you trade in your car. Otherwise, you're almost certain to lose money on the deal.

Can I trade in a car with 10k negative equity?

When you trade in a car with negative equity, the equity will likely roll into your new vehicle loan. Here's an example… If your current vehicle has $10,000 in negative equity and your new car costs $20,000, you will take out a $30,000 loan from the lender.

Will gap insurance cover negative equity?

Does GAP insurance cover negative equity? Yes. Negative equity (aka an upside-down loan) is another term for the gap between what you owe on your auto loan and the car's actual value. GAP insurance covers the difference between the two.

What happens if I don't want my financed car anymore?

Ask for a Voluntary Repossession

Voluntary repossession allows you to return a car you financed without being subject to the full repossession process. This could spare you some credit score damage, though a voluntary repo could still be reported to the credit bureaus.

Can I trade in my financed car after 1 year?

There's no set time period for when you can trade in a car after you begin financing, but there are a few general rules to follow. You can trade a financed car at any point, but you may want to consider waiting a year or more.

How does a trade in work if you still owe?

Even if you still owe money on your current vehicle, you can trade it in. Once the dealership owns the car, it will pay the loan off. The dealer might roll that debt into the loan for your new vehicle or subtract it from your down payment.

Can I trade in my car if I owe $8,000?

Humble often want to know, “Can you trade in a financed car?” The answer is yes! However, keep in mind that trading your car in does not mean that you're no longer obligated to pay the remaining loan balance; you will still have to pay that remaining amount.

How much negative equity is too much?

How Much Negative Equity Is Too Much on a Car? The maximum negative equity that can be transferred to your new car is around 125% . It means your loan value should not be more than 125% of your car's actual worth. If it is more than 125% then your next car's loan would not be approved.

What is the best month to trade in a car?

Traditionally, April has been the best time to sell your car, but like everything else in the car market, the pandemic has changed that too, the car-buying and selling platform said. Now, the best time to sell or trade in a car is just after Labor Day, which is Monday, CarGurus said.

What can I do if I don't like my new car?

In most cases, you can't return a car you just bought — most dealerships won't allow it. If you're unable to return a car, there are other ways to get rid of it. You can sell it or file a lemon law claim under certain circumstances.

Do you lose a lot of money trading in a car?

You will get less money than selling it yourself. At best, you should expect to get the vehicle's wholesale value. You can use the trade-in amount as the down payment on the new car. To get the best price, you will probably have to haggle with an experienced salesperson over the trade-in value.

What credit score do you need to get a $30000 loan?

This depends on your financial situation. For those with a good credit score — around 670 and up — a $30,000 personal loan may be pretty easy to get.

What credit score do you need to get 0% interest on a car?

How to qualify for a 0% APR car deal. Zero percent financing deals are generally reserved for borrowers with excellent credit — typically classified as a credit score of 800 and above.

What if I want to trade in my financed car?

Yes, you can trade in a financed car, but the balance of your loan doesn't just disappear when you do so — it still has to be paid off. In most cases, the loan balance should be covered by the trade-in value of the vehicle, but that will depend on a variety of factors, including condition and age.

Why shouldn't you tell a dealer you have a trade in?

Fundamentally, says Bill, "dealerships like to move money around. So it probably also is not in the buyer's best interest to mention right up front that he or she has a car they want to trade in. Because once we know that, we know you're looking to get as much money as you can out of the trade-in."

What not to tell a dealership?

5 Things to Never Tell a Car Salesman If You Want the Best Deal
  • 'I'm a doctor at University Hospital. ' ...
  • 'I'm looking for monthly payments of no more than $300. ' ...
  • 'How much will I get for my trade-in? ' ...
  • 'I'll be paying with cash,' or 'I've already secured financing. '

Why you shouldn't trade in your car?

Car dealerships want to make a profit on trade-in cars, so they may give you less for your vehicle than what you could potentially get if you sold it yourself. Dealers generally offer less than a car's wholesale price, which is the price a dealer might pay to buy it at a car manufacturer.