Trading In a Vehicle With Negative Equity
Owe more than your car is worth? You still have options. We'll appraise your trade and explain how to move into your next vehicle.
Negative equity — being 'upside down' or 'underwater' — means you owe more on your current loan than the vehicle is worth. It's extremely common, and it doesn't have to trap you in a car that no longer fits your life. New Image Auto Sales helps Northeast Ohio drivers navigate trade-ins with negative equity every day.
The key is an honest appraisal and a realistic plan. We'll value your trade, show you exactly where you stand, and explain the options for rolling, paying down, or restructuring the difference so you can move into a vehicle that works for you.
Your Options With Negative Equity
Depending on how far underwater you are, options include rolling the remaining balance into your new loan, applying a down payment to close the gap, or choosing a less expensive vehicle so the numbers work. We're transparent about the tradeoffs of each.
A larger down payment or a strong, in-demand trade vehicle can dramatically reduce the impact of negative equity on your next deal.
- Honest, on-site trade appraisal
- Clear explanation of your equity position
- Options to roll, pay down, or restructure the balance
- Soft-pull pre-qualification on your next vehicle
Negative Equity Trade-In — In Stock Now at New Image Auto Sales
- 2020 Ford Escape SE Sport Utility 4D — $14,337 · 71,417 miles
- 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence Sport Utility 4D — $14,337 · 90,222 miles
- 2017 Ford Fusion SE Sedan 4D — $12,937 · 85,102 miles
- 2021 Jeep Renegade Sport SUV 4D — $12,837 · 87,006 miles
- 2016 Jeep Renegade Sport SUV 4D — $11,637 · 69,014 miles
- 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Sport Utility 4D — $9,337 · 157,075 miles
- 2019 Ford Fiesta ST Line Hatchback 4D — $13,337 · 59,572 miles
- 2017 INFINITI Q60 Red Sport 400 Coupe 2D — $20,337 · 117,697 miles
- 2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited Sport Utility 4D — $14,337 · 106,057 miles
- 2015 Audi A8 L 3.0T Sedan 4D — $17,137 · 109,656 miles
- 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L Sport Utility 4D — $12,637 · 148,516 miles
- 2025 Buick Envista Preferred Sport Utility 4D — $21,337 · 46,883 miles
Browse our full used-car inventory or get pre-qualified with Capital One to see your real payment on any of these vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade in a car I still owe money on?
Yes. We pay off your existing loan as part of the trade. If you owe more than the car is worth, we'll explain how the difference (negative equity) is handled.
What happens to negative equity when I trade in?
The remaining balance can often be rolled into your new loan, offset by a down payment, or reduced by choosing a more affordable vehicle. We'll walk you through the math.
How do I know if I'm upside down on my loan?
Compare your current loan payoff to your vehicle's market value. If the payoff is higher, you have negative equity. Bring your vehicle in and we'll appraise it for free.
Is it smart to roll negative equity into a new loan?
Sometimes — it depends on your situation. It gets you into a needed vehicle but increases the new loan balance. We give you the honest tradeoffs so you can decide.