Calculate Your Car Trade-In Position
See whether your current car has positive or negative equity and estimate how much you may need to finance for your next vehicle.
Calculate My Trade-InEnter Your Vehicle Figures
You can obtain your current finance payout from your lender and use a dealer offer or realistic market estimate for the trade-in value.
Your estimated trade-in value is greater than your current finance payout.
- Next car price
- $50,000
- Trade-in value
- − $20,000
- Finance payout
- + $14,000
- Cash deposit
- − $2,000
A broker can help confirm how a lender may treat your trade-in position. Negative equity cannot always be added to a new loan.
How Car Trade-In Equity Works
Estimate the trade value
Start with the amount a dealer may pay for your current car. Condition, kilometres, age, demand and service history can all influence the offer.
Confirm the loan payout
Your payout figure can differ from the balance shown in an app or statement. Ask your lender for a current payout quotation before agreeing to the trade.
Calculate your equity
Subtract the finance payout from the trade-in value. A positive result can contribute to the next purchase; a negative result represents a shortfall.
What Does Your Trade-In Position Mean?
Positive equity
Positive equity means your car is worth more than the amount required to pay out its existing finance. For example, a $20,000 trade-in with a $14,000 payout provides approximately $6,000 in equity. That amount may reduce how much you need to borrow for the next vehicle.
Negative equity
Negative equity means the finance payout is higher than the vehicle's trade-in value. If the payout is $25,000 and the trade offer is $20,000, the estimated shortfall is $5,000. You may need to pay that shortfall yourself or ask whether a lender will consider including some of it in the new finance.
Lenders assess negative equity differently. Approval can depend on the new vehicle, its value, your deposit, the requested loan amount and your overall financial position.
Car Trade-In Calculator FAQs
Common questions about trading a car with or without finance owing.
Can I trade in a car that is still under finance?
Yes, in many cases. The existing loan generally needs to be paid out as part of the transaction. The dealer will usually request a payout letter and arrange payment to the lender, but you should confirm the process before signing.
What happens if I owe more than my car is worth?
The difference is negative equity. You may pay the shortfall from savings, provide a larger deposit or ask whether it can be considered within the new loan. Including a shortfall is subject to lender policy and assessment and may not be available.
Is the calculator a vehicle valuation?
No. It calculates equity and an estimated changeover amount from the figures you provide. It does not inspect or value your car and cannot predict the final amount a dealer or private buyer will offer.
How do I find my current loan payout?
Contact your existing lender and ask for a payout quotation valid for the expected settlement date. The figure may change as interest accrues, so use a current quotation.
Does positive equity guarantee finance approval?
No. Positive equity may reduce the amount you need to borrow, but all finance applications remain subject to lender eligibility criteria, responsible lending requirements, assessment and approval.
Are stamp duty and loan fees included?
No. The estimate excludes lender fees, broker fees, government charges, accessories, warranties and other costs unless those amounts are already included in the next car price you enter.
Make Your Next Car Finance Decision With Greater Clarity
Yes Approved compares options across a panel of 40+ Australian lenders and can help you understand how your trade-in position may affect the next loan.
Important: This calculator provides a general estimate only and is not a vehicle valuation, finance quote, credit recommendation or approval. Results depend entirely on the figures entered. Actual trade-in values, payout amounts, fees and amounts financed may differ. Finance is subject to lender eligibility criteria, assessment and approval. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.
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