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
- 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line Sedan 4D — $18,950 · 112,344 miles
- 2020 BMW 3 Series 330i Sedan 4D — $21,950 · 70,334 miles
- 2014 Honda Accord EX-L Coupe 2D — $11,950 · 143,081 miles
- 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT Sedan 4D — $7,500 · 152,879 miles
- 2020 Cadillac XT4 Sport SUV 4D — $18,950 · 104,717 miles
- 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport SUV 2D — $18,950 · 101,286 miles
- 2020 Nissan Rogue S Sport Utility 4D — $11,950 · 142,203 miles
- 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited Sport Utility 4D — $16,950 · 94,590 miles
- 2021 Honda Accord Sport Sedan 4D — $19,250 · 76,359 miles
- 2017 INFINITI QX60 3.5 Sport Utility 4D — $13,950 · 119,468 miles
- 2021 BMW 2 Series 228i xDrive Gran Coupe Sedan 4D — $18,950 · 91,471 miles
- 2022 Nissan Rogue SV Sport Utility 4D — $18,950 · 95,883 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.