Are you eager to upgrade to a new set of wheels for those everyday commutes around New Holland, Lancaster, or Lititz, Pennsylvania, but your current daily driver is not yet fully paid off? Trading in a car that's not paid off is a common practice. The team of helpful experts here at New Holland Auto Group has put together the following information to guide you through the process. Continue reading to explore the ins and outs of trading in a car that's not paid off. Along the way, we’ll address common concerns such as negative equity and the best time to trade in a car.
Before diving into the details of how to trade a car, it's crucial to understand where you stand with your current auto loan. Obtain the latest loan statement or contact your lender to get an accurate payoff amount. This will be essential information for the trade-in negotiation.
Research and gather information about your car's current market value. To effectively accomplish this, utilize online tools such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get an estimate.
Negative equity occurs when the remaining balance on your car loan is higher than the car's trade-in value. If you’re interested in trading in a car with negative equity, you can calculate this difference by subtracting the trade-in value from the outstanding loan amount. Understanding your negative equity will help you make informed decisions during the trade-in process.
Yes, you can trade in a recently purchased car. Be sure to keep in mind that depreciation and potential negative equity could affect the trade-in value. Consult with the dealership to assess your specific situation and explore options for trading in your recently bought car.
Timing is crucial when trading in a car, especially one that's not fully paid off. It’s important to consider market trends, seasonal fluctuations, and the specific circumstances affecting the automotive industry. Generally, trading in your car when it's still in demand can help mitigate potential losses due to negative equity.
Approach the trade-in negotiation with confidence, armed with the knowledge of your car's trade-in value, negative equity, and any available incentives. Be open to discussions about interest rates, loan terms, and the overall deal structure. Working collaboratively with the dealership can lead to a favorable outcome for both parties.

Once you've reached a mutually beneficial agreement, it will be time to finalize the trade-in transaction. The dealership will typically handle the paperwork, including paying off the remaining balance on your existing loan. Remember to ensure that you fully understand the terms of the new deal.
You now know more about how to trade a car. At New Holland Auto Group, we pride ourselves on providing a seamless and customer-friendly trade-in experience. With the right knowledge and dealership support, trading in a car that's not paid off can be a smooth process. Whether you're dealing with negative equity, exploring the best time to trade in, or questioning if you can trade in a recently purchased car, our team is here to assist you every step of the way! Stop in today to get started.
FAQs
Can you trade in a car that’s not paid off?
Yes, you can trade in a car that’s not fully paid off. Chase recommends doing so though when you have positive equity on the car.*
Can you sell a car with a loan?
Yes, you can sell a car with a loan, but you’ll most likely need to pay off the balance before transferring ownership.
How to trade in a car with a loan still on it?
To trade in a car with a loan, bring your payoff information and loan account details to the dealership. We’ll appraise your car, calculate the difference between its value and what you owe, and apply any positive or negative equity toward your new purchase.
What happens if I owe more than my car is worth?
If you owe more than the car’s current value, you’re dealing with negative equity. This means your loan balance exceeds your vehicle’s trade-in value.
What is an upside down car loan?
An upside down car loan means the same as having negative equity—you owe more on your vehicle than it’s currently worth. This can happen when a car depreciates faster than you’ve paid down the loan.
Start Your Trade-In Process Today!
Whether your car is paid off or not, our team at New Holland Auto Group can help you make your next move. Get in touch with our team and learn more about your trade-in options today.
*Source:Chase
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