The Finance Algorithm
§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Trade-In Value Calculator.

Estimate your car's trade-in value and how it affects your new car loan

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026
Inputs
Your numbers
$
$15k

What you expect to get for your current car

$
$8k

If you still have a loan on your current car

$
$40k

Price of the car you want to buy

$
$2k

Extra cash you can add to the trade-in

%
8%
5

Math updates live as you change inputs · AI runs on submit

Awaiting inputs

Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Trading in your current car? See how the trade-in value affects your new loan, especially if you still owe money on it. Understand equity and avoid negative equity traps.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Positive Equity Trade-In

Car worth $18,000, owe $5,000. Buying $35,000 new car.

Inputs

tradeIn:18,000owing:5,000newCar:35,000

Equity: $13,000. New loan: $22,000 instead of $35,000. Huge savings on interest!

Negative Equity Situation

Car worth $12,000, owe $16,000. Buying $30,000 new car.

Inputs

tradeIn:12,000owing:16,000newCar:30,000

Negative equity: $4,000. New loan: $34,000 for a $30,000 car. Consider waiting to pay down current loan.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Equity
The difference between your car's value and what you owe. Positive = asset, Negative = liability.
Negative Equity
When you owe more than the car is worth. Also called being 'underwater' or 'upside down'.
Trade-In Allowance
The amount the dealer credits toward your new car purchase for your trade-in.