Why would someone trade in a car after 1 year?

Asked by: Jaylin Beatty  |  Last update: January 11, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)

If it's used, it already went through the big drop in depreciation and you can usually trade it in after a year or so. On top of depreciation, these three other factors affect your trade-in: Mileage and condition – The rougher the shape, and the higher the mileage, the lower the car's value generally is.

Is it smart to trade in a car after 1 year?

No, your trade in will be worth less than what you owe on the loan after 1 or 2 years. Each time you trade in you will be losing money which will be added on to the new loan. If you want a new car every few years then just lease.

Can I trade in my 1 year old car?

You can, just tell them you need to keep it until your new car arrives and you take possession of it. If it's a long time, they may adjust the trade in value depending on the mileage you put on it.

Can I trade in my car after 12 months?

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.

Can you trade in a financed car after a year?

Yes you can. It does not affect the value. The dealership will add the remaining balance to the price quote. They will pay the loan off after you trade it in. Basically, you're paying that money one way or another.

My Sneaky Trade In Tactic - Ex Car Salesman Tells All!-How To Trade In Your Car

43 related questions found

How can I get rid of a car that I still owe money on?

One way to get out of a car loan is to sell the vehicle privately. If you're not upside down on the loan, meaning the car is more valuable than what you currently owe on it, you can use the proceeds of the sale to pay off the current loan in full. Another term for an upside-down car loan is negative equity.

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

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 should pay off your auto loan before you trade in your car.

Does trading in a financed car hurt your credit?

Your credit score is complex and applying for an auto loan when trading in your car is unlikely to impact you much in most cases.

How soon is too soon to trade in a car?

Trade in your car when it has positive equity, market conditions are favorable, and before major warranties expire. Ideally, aim for when the car is two to three years old with 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Timing these factors can maximize your trade-in value.

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

Yes, it is possible to get out of a car loan, but there are only two ways to do it: satisfying the terms of the loan or defaulting on the loan (which can end up with your car being repossessed). Unfortunately, it's not possible to just give back a car and end the financing agreement as though it never happened.

When not to trade in your car?

When Not to Trade In a Car. Although there are exceptions to this rule — as there are for most rules — don't trade in a car that is worth less than what you owe. In other words, if you get less when trading it in than the loan payoff, don't do it.

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

You can trade it in. There are no federal laws that say dealers must allow returns of vehicles. If you buy a new car and find it isn't the right fit, your only option may be to trade it in.

What is the best mileage to trade in a car?

30,000 To 40,000 miles

Your vehicle depreciation will generally start to accelerate more quickly after this milestone, so the nearer your vehicle is to these miles, the better your trade-in appraisal will usually be.

How long to keep a car for the best value?

According to Edmunds, there's a significant drop in the first 2-3 years, and another at the four-year mark. Selling in between those drops will generally net you the best value. After that, the next big drop usually happens at around eight years.

Can I trade in a financed car for a cheaper car?

Negotiate and finalize: You can negotiate with the dealer on the price of the new car, and on how much they will offer you for your trade-in. If the trade-in offer won't be enough to pay off your current loan, the dealer or lender may roll the difference into a new loan.

Can you turn in a car you financed?

Yes, you can trade in a financed car, but you still have to pay off the remaining loan balance. However, this is not as intimidating as it sounds. Visit our finance center at Chevrolet Center Inc to learn more about paying off car loans, interest rates, leasing a car, and more!

Is it bad to trade in a car after 1 year?

Waiting until your car has positive equity: Trading in your car after 1 year makes more sense than doing a trade-in after the first few months or even half a year. As a general rule, you should trade your car in after a minimum of 2 years for a better chance at positive equity.

Can I trade in a car I still owe money on?

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.

How many years should I keep my car before trading it in?

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 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.

Is it better to have a down payment or a trade-in?

When considering whether to make a down payment or trade-in a vehicle it's usually best to make a down payment from a financial perspective. You'll get more bang-for-your-buck when offering a down payment. This could mean selling your vehicle privately before going in for a purchase.

Does it hurt your credit to return a financed car?

While this may sound like an ideal solution, it should be viewed as a last resort. It can harm your credit score and make it much more difficult to be approved for financing again in the future.

What not to say when trading in a car?

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.

Do car dealerships pay off your trade?

Under California law, dealers must pay off your trade-in vehicle within 21 days from purchase. If the dealer fails to do so, you may have a claim against them. If your trade-in vehicle is not paid off, you may be liable for additional payments.

How to get rid of your car if you still owe money on it?

Voluntarily Surrender the Car

A voluntary surrender allows you to return the vehicle to your lender on your terms, and while it can damage your credit, it won't have as big an impact as a repossession. You'll also be able to avoid certain repossession-related costs, which lenders may choose to add to what you owe.