<prompt> Human: She owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS, financed for 8 years 3.5. Im looking to buy an SUV in the 30k - 40k range. I plan to pay for the SUV in full.My plan was to just trade her car in against the SUV and pay the difference. So basically I would be buying a 40k SUV, plus taxes, plus the 3k difference for what the dealership gives us for her car and what she still owes.Is there a better way to go about this? I know selling privately will net us a bit more for her car, but trading it in will just be much less hassle.I guess I am posting this to ask if there are any alternatives that we may not be aware of. Assistant: Why do you NEED an SUV though? I cant imagine theres any job or family necessities that only an SUV can fulfill.Human: We just had a kid, and Im 63 and can barely fit in her car with a baby seat in the back. Plus when we take it for groceries or costco runs we have next to no room for anything cause of the stroller in the trunk. An SUV is definitely needed.  <response>: Cant the baby seat go behind her seat? Also, the rear facing baby seat is really temporary. The kid can go front facing at 2 years old. The same with the stroller, in 12 months an umbrella stroller is all you will need, and that will take up way less room. Put the 30k in the college fund for the kid, do your kid a favor and be slightly uncomfortable for a fairly short amount of time. If you are fully set on an SUV, pay off the Elantra loan, sell the Elantra to a private party and by a 2013 used minivan or crossover Mazda 5, Subaru Outback, CRV. 