Can I Trade In My Car If I Still Owe Money on It?

Still owe money on your car, but thinking about upgrading? You’re not alone—and the good news is, yes, you can trade in a car even if you’re still making payments. In fact, at CarbyClick, many of our customers do just that. Let’s break down how it works and how we can help you make the smartest move.

 

1. Understanding Negative Equity (a.k.a. “Upside Down”)

You have negative equity when your car is worth less than what you still owe on it. This is common, especially in the first few years of a car loan. But it doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

What we do: We calculate your current payoff amount and vehicle value, and help you roll the difference into a new loan, often with lower monthly payments.

 

2. How Trade-In with Debt Works

Here’s how it goes:

  • We assess your vehicle’s trade-in value
  • We get your current loan payout from your lender
  • If there’s a shortfall, we include it in your new financing
  • You drive off with a new car, better terms, and often no out-of-pocket costs

You could also qualify for cash back or payment deferrals!

 

3. Why You Might Want to Trade In Early

Here are a few reasons to consider trading in, even with a balance:

  • Your current payments are too high
  • Your car is aging or needs repairs
  • You want to switch to something more fuel-efficient or spacious
  • Interest rates are lower now than when you first financed

     

4. Real Talk: Does It Hurt Your Finances?

Done correctly, trading early can improve your situation. At CarbyClick, our goal is to lower your monthly payments, reduce your interest rate, and help you drive something reliable.

Plus, with incentives like $0 down and no payments until 2026, you might be in a stronger position than you think.

 

5. Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting

The paperwork and numbers can feel overwhelming, but we handle everything from loan payoffs to trade-in negotiations. Our team works with top lenders across Canada to get you approved fast and fairly, regardless of your credit.

 

You don’t have to wait until your loan is paid off to make a change. Whether you’re trying to get out of a bad loan or just want to upgrade, CarbyClick can make it happen, stress-free and on your terms.

Ready to see your trade-in options? Apply now or contact us for a quick, no-obligation estimate.