What Does Being Upside Down on a Car Payment Mean?

Upside Down Car Loan


Most drivers in Mesa and Apache Junction decide to take out a car loan when purchasing a new or used car. With this financing option, drivers will make monthly payments for a set amount of time until the vehicle is paid off. You may have heard the term “upside down” on a loan but are not exactly sure what that entails. What does being upside down on a car loan mean? It means that you currently owe more on the car than what it is worth at the time. This is also called negative equity.

 

 

Trucks Only discusses how this happens and what you can do to help repair the situation in the guide below.

How Does Negative Equity Happen?

There are a few reasons that you may become upside down on your car loan. Usually it is due to depreciation and lack of a down payment. In just one year, most new vehicles lose 20-25 percent of their value. Used cars do depreciate slower, so there is less chance of becoming upside down on your car loan. Being involved in an accident in Tucson could also lead to negative equity if the car is totaled.

What are My Options?

What does being upside down on a car loan mean and how can you fix the situation? There are a few strategies that can help if you are in a negative equity situation.

  • If you are looking to upgrade your vehicle in Mesa, it may not be the best option if you have negative equity. The best choice is to stick with the car you currently have and make consistent payments on time.
  • If you have room in your budget to make extra payments, it can be beneficial to you. Decreasing the outstanding principal balance by making extra payments can get you out of a negative equity situation sooner.
  • Consider refinancing your vehicle if possible. Having a lower APR allows you to get the principal balance down sooner when payments are consistently made on time.

Contact Trucks Only for More Information

When you purchase a used vehicle, it is less likely that you will become upside down on your loan. If you have questions about our inventory or your financing options, reach out to us today.

 

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550 South Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ 85210, USA

(480) 844-7071

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837 Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120

(480) 671-5600

Get Directions

524 South Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ, USA

(480) 844-7071

Get Directions
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