Can I Trade In A Car I Owe Money On?


Why You Should Never Trade in a Car if You Owe Money on It
Why You Should Never Trade in a Car if You Owe Money on It from clark.com

Many people find themselves in a situation where they want to trade in their car but still owe money on it. This can be a tricky situation, but it is possible to trade in a car that you still owe money on. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to trade in your car, even if you still have a loan on it.

Step 1: Determine Your Car's Value

The first step in trading in a car that you still owe money on is to determine its current value. You can use online tools such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get an estimate of your car's value. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on the car's condition, mileage, and other factors, so the actual value may be higher or lower.

Once you have an idea of your car's value, you can compare it to the amount you still owe on your loan. If your car is worth more than what you owe, you have positive equity. This means that the dealership can pay off your loan and you can use the remaining money as a down payment on your new car. If your car is worth less than what you owe, you have negative equity. This means that you will need to pay off the remaining balance on your loan before you can trade in your car.

Step 2: Contact Your Lender

The next step is to contact your lender to get the payoff amount for your loan. This is the amount you will need to pay to completely pay off your loan and get the title to your car. It's important to get this information in writing so that you can show it to the dealership when you trade in your car. You should also ask your lender if there are any early payoff fees or penalties, as these can add to the cost of trading in your car.

Step 3: Find a Dealership

Once you have determined your car's value and gotten the payoff amount from your lender, it's time to find a dealership to trade in your car. Look for dealerships that specialize in your make and model, as they may offer better trade-in values. You can also check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.

When you visit the dealership, be sure to bring all the necessary documents, including your car's title, registration, and loan information. The dealership will need to verify the information before they can make you an offer for your trade-in.

Step 4: Negotiate the Trade-In Value

Once the dealership has verified your car's information, they will make you an offer for your trade-in. This offer is based on the car's value, your loan payoff amount, and other factors such as market demand and condition of the car. It's important to negotiate the trade-in value to get the best deal possible. You can also ask the dealership to match or beat any offers you have received from other dealerships.

If you have negative equity, you will need to pay the remaining balance on your loan before you can trade in your car. The dealership may be able to roll this amount into your new car loan, but this will increase your monthly payments and the total cost of the loan.

Conclusion

Trading in a car that you still owe money on can be a complex process, but it is possible. The key is to determine your car's value, get the payoff amount from your lender, find a reputable dealership, and negotiate the trade-in value. By following these steps, you can trade in your car and get behind the wheel of a new vehicle.


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