I assume you’re going to get raped trying to trade in a car for another car of lesser value…right?
Just curious.
Dealers will cut you an equity check. Shouldn’t be an issue.
You wont if if you shop well enough and set your expectations ahead of time. Some dealers will rip you off, others you might do ok with. Take your time and know what you’re expecting to get out of the deal before hand. In my case, I’m always prepared to travel to get the deal I want 
Make a deal at the same dealership for a more expensive car first, then when you have a “value” from them, for your car, you can try to worksomething from there.
X…
A car is worth what it’s worth. A dealership should have no problem cutting you a check back for the equity in the vehicle. Just be prepared with knowing what the car is worth ahead of time.
If your car is actually worth $20,000 and they have the ability to show you more for your car on a more expensive vehicle…the trade value isn’t going to be the same on a lesser car with a lot less markup.
the hit you will take should be no different than if you buy a brand new car that’s worth more. The dealer is going to have so much they want to make and they’ll hit you on the sale price or the trade in price but it should all work out the same really.
I know, but using their own numbers “against” them gives you better grounds to work from.
X…