Can You Trade in a Financed Car?

The kinds of questions we get at Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram often pertain to auto financing, because let’s face it, car finance solutions have many facets, some of which can be confusing. One question we field all the time is “Can you trade in a financed car?” The answer is a big “Yes!” Trading in a financed car is sometimes thought of as a difficult or complex task, but the reality is much less scary than many people think. Learn more about your options for trading in a car that still has a loan balance with your local authorized Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Wagoneer finance center, and contact us if you have any questions about car loans and interest rates.

How Does Trading In a Financed Car Work?

Whether you want to trade in a financed car for lease or a new purchased vehicle, the process is fairly similar in Spanaway and DuPont. Here’s what to expect:

1. Figure out the remaining balance on your current car loan. It is usually listed on your monthly statement.
2. Use our Value Your Trade tool. Remember, this is simply an estimate, and it’s only once the vehicle has been physically inspected that you’ll get a trade-in offer. Looking to get cash for your car faster? Our KBB Instant Cash Offer tool can help.
3. If the remaining amount of your auto loan is less than the trade-in offer from the dealership, then you will have surplus funds to buy your next vehicle. For example, if you still owe $5,000 on your car in DuPont, and the dealer offers you $8,000 to buy the car, the loan can be paid off and you’ll have $3,000 to contribute towards your next new Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, or Jeep.
4. If the remaining balance of your auto loan is more than the trade in offer, then you’ll owe money still, or have what’s called “negative equity.” You can either pay this off in full before trading in or ask the dealer to roll over your old loan.

What Does “Rolling Over” a Loan Mean?

Rolling over a loan is when a dealership offers to pay of your old vehicle for cash, thus satisfying any old lien requirements and qualifying you to buy a new vehicle with fresh financing. What generally happens is that a dealership will pay off the old loan so you’re in the clear, but then tack that same amount (plus interest) onto your next vehicle loan or lease payments.

How Soon Can You Trade in a Financed Car?

Technically, you can trade in a financed car immediately after buying it. That’s to say that there is no set amount of time that you need to keep the vehicle. However, it’s important to do your research. Remember, you remain responsible for paying off the loan balance, and new cars depreciate significantly when you drive them off the lot. Trading in a relatively new car will likely leave you with negative equity, which we explained above.So, how soon can you trade in a used financed car in the Tacoma area? The same answer holds true, although your vehicle will experience far less depreciation than a new car. No matter the situation, make sure to assess whether it makes financial sense to trade in a financed car early.

Can You Trade in a Financed Car for a Lease?

Yes, you can trade in a car for a lease, even if it was financed. When you have positive equity, you can put the amount remaining after paying off your loan toward a lease on another vehicle. With negative equity, you’ll likely want to take care of your loan balance before taking on a lease. Don’t hesitate to consult the associates at Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram to determine the best solution for you.

Rely on Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for Your Car Finance Needs

Ready to learn all there is to know about buying a car in or around Puyallup? The experts at Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram can help. After having valued your trade online, we invite you to explore our other online shopping tools, such as our finance payment calculator and online finance application.