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What can I do if I'm upside-down on a $20,000 car loan but I want to get a new car?
I still owe $13,000 on a $20,000 car loan. I've had this car for a while, but I've never really liked it. What can I do if I'm upside-down on a car loan and want a different, better car?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“You have a few options, but you probably won’t like any of them.
You could trade in the car for less than market value. Then, the balance left over on your loan will roll over into the new car loan. You’ll be even more upside-down, but at least you’ll have something you like.
You could also try to sell your car for the amount you owe on the loan. However, this might mean you have to sell it for more than its fair value, so that’s next to impossible.
Your final option would be to pay your car down until you break even. This means you should throw any extra cash you have at the principal remaining on the loan. In the meantime, you’ll just have to suck it up with a car you don’t love.”
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- Gregory R.
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