Auto trade-in estimate
Vehicle trade-in equity and rollover estimate
Estimate trade-in equity from an entered vehicle offer and lender payoff quote, then compare how a shortfall changes a new auto-loan amount and payment.
Estimate the equity in your current vehicle from a trade-in offer and lender payoff quote, then see how applying positive equity or rolling a shortfall changes a hypothetical new auto loan. Use current written figures; this tool does not estimate vehicle value or loan approval.
Enter a written trade-in offer, the current lender payoff quote, and a new purchase and financing scenario.
The estimate assumes the full positive trade equity reduces the new amount financed. If equity is negative, it compares adding the shortfall to the new loan with paying that shortfall separately in cash. Taxes, title and registration details, add-ons, lender fees, rate eligibility, payoff-date interest, and contract-specific rules are excluded unless you include them in the entered amounts.
Check the payoff and contract figures
Use a current payoff quote from the existing lender rather than relying only on the account statement; accrued interest or other charges can make the payoff amount different. Compare the dealer's trade-in offer with other vehicle value estimates, and review the new contract to see exactly how any shortfall is handled.
If the old loan is not paid off in full, a negative-equity amount may be added to the new loan or covered with cash. Rolling it into a new loan raises the amount financed and can increase interest. Ask how the trade, payoff, cash down, taxes, fees, and amount financed appear on the written contract.
- FTC: auto trade-ins and negative equity
- CFPB: trading in a car that is not paid off
- CFPB: compare auto-loan offers beyond the monthly payment
Sources checked November 3, 2026. This calculator uses only the values you enter and does not determine a fair trade value, lender payoff, eligibility, or whether a specific deal is suitable.
For a new-vehicle loan estimate, see the auto-loan payment calculator. For a lease or purchase cost scenario, see the lease vs. buy car calculator.
How it works
Enter the trade-in offer and current lender payoff quote, then a new vehicle price, purchase fees, cash down, fixed annual rate, and term. The calculator estimates positive equity or negative equity and compares the effect on the new loan.
Good to know
How is trade-in equity estimated?
The calculator subtracts the payoff quote you enter from the trade-in offer. A positive result is modeled as a reduction in the new amount financed; a negative result is a shortfall that can be modeled as paid separately or rolled into the new loan.
Does the estimate tell me what my vehicle is worth or what I owe?
No. Get a current payoff quote from your lender and use written trade-in offers or independent value estimates. The actual payoff can differ from a statement balance, and vehicle condition and market details affect trade value.
What does rolling negative equity into the new loan do?
It increases the modeled new amount financed. At the same entered rate and term, the calculator shows its estimated effect on monthly payment and scheduled payments; actual terms, fees, and lender decisions can differ.
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