Should I Do a Subaru Trade-in Now or Wait to Shop?
July 15 2026 - Dealership

Cash and keys exchange for a Subaru trade-in​​​​​​​

A Subaru trade-in is a valuable asset when you’re shopping for a new car. Is now the best time to shop? Kirby Subaru of Ventura shares how to decide if you should trade in your vehicle now or wait.

Get a Trade-in Value Estimate

To start, it’s a good idea to get an estimate of what your vehicle is worth. If you owe more on your loan than your vehicle’s worth, you may want to wait. It's often best to trade in after three to five years of ownership, while your vehicle is still in the warranty period. Our online trade-in valuation tool can give you a quick estimate of your vehicle’s value to help you decide.

Why to Trade in Now

With summer traveling and all the extra time on the road, lots of drivers are realizing their vehicle no longer meets their needs. This creates a seasonal demand, so you can potentially get a great price on your trade-in. You should also assess your vehicle. If it no longer works for you, or has started to become unsafe or unreliable, it may be time to trade it in.

Why to Wait

If you owe more for your vehicle than it’s worth, it may be better to wait to trade it in. While you may be able to roll over the negative equity, it means that you’ll be starting a new loan with negative equity right off the bat. You should also consider your personal finances. Does it make sense to take on a car loan right now? If you have a loan, would you rather work towards paying it off?

Explore Subaru Trade-in Options in Ventura, CA

Have you decided that it’s a good time to trade in your vehicle? We’d love to help you get the most out of your Subaru trade-in. Visit Kirby Subaru of Ventura to get started today!