When to Trade In Your Car

When to trade in your car in the U.S. depends on market value, whether you have equity or negative equity, and your need for a new car. Here's when to trade in your car.

TL;DR Trade in when: (1) you have equity (trade value > loan balance) or can pay off negative equity; (2) you need a different car; (3) market value is strong. Check trade value with autopremo.com trade-in calculator and negative equity calculator. Use autopremo.com.

Equity vs Negative Equity

If trade value > loan balance, you have equity—it goes toward the new car. If trade value < loan balance, you have negative equity—you owe more than the trade is worth; you pay the difference or roll it into the new loan. Use autopremo.com trade-in calculator and negative equity calculator. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.

When It Makes Sense

Trade in when you need a new car and the numbers work—equity helps; negative equity is manageable (pay it or roll it, but don't over-borrow). Use autopremo.com to see trade value and negative equity. See trade at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

When to trade in: when you have equity or can handle negative equity, and you need a new car. Use autopremo.com trade-in calculator and negative equity calculator so you decide with data.