Skip to main content

Dave Says: Should I Allow My Car to Be Repossessed?

Share This article

Dear Dave,

I’m having trouble making my auto payment. I owe $20,000, and the car is worth $17,000. Should I allow the bank to repossess it, and could they take a lien against my house if they do?

- Jose

Dear Jose,

You bet they could slap a lien on your home. You never want to go through repossession if there’s any way to avoid that scenario. If they repossess, not only does your credit take a huge hit, you also lose control of the price of the car.

After a repo, the lender will sell the car and sue you for the difference. But if you sell the car, you might be able to work out a higher price, leaving you a lesser amount you’d owe for the difference. Chances are if your loan is with General Motors, they won’t work with you on the $3,000 difference. In that situation, you can either negotiate with the bank or go to another bank or credit union and get a small loan for the difference. Just make sure you pay the loan off as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind, too, that even if the car is worth $17,000, it won’t bring that much on the repo lot. More than likely it would sell for about $11,000, leaving you $9,000 in the hole. By giving up control, you’d create a much bigger financial mess. I wouldn’t do that.

- Dave

Share This article

About The Author

Dave
Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is America's trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, and EntreLeadership. His newest book, written with his daughter Rachel Cruze, is titled Smart Money, Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations.