But there are plenty of situations where you might need to trade in your car earlier than expected.
From an increase in the size of your family to a loss of a job to simply needing something a little different, there are any number of reasons why you might be ready to trade in your vehicle. When that vehicle is still financed, though, you might have questions around how to navigate the trade-in.
So can you trade in your vehicle if you still owe money on it? The short answer: YES! If you’re looking to trade in your car, but it’s still financed, there are a few important things you need to know first. There are some risks involved, so make sure you do your research before making any decisions.
Read on for our guide to trading in your financed vehicle, including:
Before you trade in a vehicle you owe money on, there are some considerations you must make:
One of the biggest factors to consider when you want to trade in your vehicle is whether you have positive or negative equity.
When your vehicle is valued at more than you owe on your existing loan, you have positive equity.
For instance, you might owe $5,000 on your car that’s valued at $17,000. After paying off the remainder of the existing loan, that means you have $12,000 to put towards a new vehicle.
This is an ideal situation and certainly a positive one. With positive equity, you’ll already have money to put toward the trade, which will help negotiate a better price and ultimately decrease the cost of your new vehicle.
As you can guess, negative equity is just the opposite of positive equity. Negative equity means your vehicle is valued at less than you owe on your existing loan.
For example, you might owe $25,000 when your vehicle is currently worth $23,000. You are responsible for the $2,000 at trade-in, whether it’s payment in cash or rolling the amount into another loan.
Negative equity is also known as an “upside-down” or even “underwater” loan. Since you owe more than you’ve paid on the loan, it’s not an ideal position to be in when you’re trading in your financed vehicle.
However, while negative equity can make trade-ins challenging, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.
If you’re considering trading in your financed vehicle, follow these steps to ensure you get the best deals — both with your trade-in and with your loan for the new car.
Start by getting clear on a few essential numbers. You’ll need to know 1) the payoff amount for your existing loan, and 2) the fair market value for your existing vehicle.
Knowing both of these numbers will mean you’re prepared prior to walking into a dealership. Most importantly, you’ll know whether you have positive or negative equity on the vehicle.
If you’re ready to move forward with the trade-in, you’re still not quite ready to talk to a dealer yet.
First, you’ll want to prepare by getting clear on your budget for the new vehicle. Ensure the new loan won’t be so high that you’re living beyond your means.
Next, prepare your vehicle. Take any necessary steps to get your car in the best shape possible, including a deep clean and any minor repairs. This way, your car can be valued as high as possible.
Speaking of value, since most valuations you’ll find are a range based on your car’s condition, be ready to negotiate with the dealership. (That’s why knowing the value ahead of time is so powerful.)
Lastly, get all your vehicle-related paperwork together. The dealership will be interested in anything that’s happened with the car, including maintenance work. It’s best to be prepared for any questions in advance.
Start to get an idea of what new vehicle you’d like to trade-in for. As you hone in on an exact make and model, along with your budget, you’ll get a better sense of what costs (and what new loan amount) you’re looking at.
If you have negative equity, do your homework on loan payment options. Will you be able to pay the remainder in cash or will you need to finance the difference? If you’re dealing with the latter, be prepared by researching loan options in advance.
Trading in your financed vehicle is no different from shopping for vehicles without a car loan. Visit multiple dealerships (and even consider privately selling) to find the best option for both your trade-in and your new vehicle. You’re prepared with everything you need now, so you can get the best price for your trade-in.
Once you’ve negotiated a deal that you’re happy with, it’s time to close!
Review any contracts, loan agreements, and payment information with a fine-tooth comb to ensure there are no hidden costs, surprise interest rates, or additional fees you were unaware of.
So all this said, is trading in your vehicle a good or a bad idea? While this is ultimately a personal decision, there are some factors that may guide you in the right direction.
If you’re thinking about trading in your car, understand the risks involved. You may be able to trade in your vehicle even if you still owe money on it, but keep the things you learned here in mind and follow the five steps above for the best outcome with your trade-in.
And if you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.