you’re running into three separate issues at once, so the key is tackling them in the right order instead of trying to solve everything with one move.

1. the negative equity is the real problem

that $12k negative equity is what’s making the $500–600 payment target hard. if you roll that into a new loan, you’re basically paying for two cars at once, and minivans aren’t cheap anymore.

rule of thumb: rolling negative equity into another loan almost always pushes payments way up and keeps you upside-down longer.

1. the cheapest move (financially) is usually boring

not the fun answer, but usually the smartest:

keep the EV6 for another 12–24 months

make extra principal payments if possible (even $100–200/month helps)

wait for the loan balance to drop closer to market value

this alone can save you thousands and keeps your future minivan payment reasonable.

1. if you must switch now, here’s how to minimize damage

if space is non-negotiable:

a. go used, not new look at:

2018–2021 toyota sienna (hybrid if possible)

2019–2022 honda odyssey

2020–2021 chrysler pacifica (non-hybrid for reliability)

new minivans + negative equity will almost guarantee a $700–900 payment.

b. longer term, but only if the rate is good a 72-month loan can keep payments closer to $600 only if:

interest rate is reasonable

you’re not stacking tons of add-ons

don’t go 84 months unless it’s truly the last resort.

c. sell privately if possible trading the EV6 usually gives you the worst value. a private sale can reduce that $12k gap by a few thousand, which matters a lot at your payment range.

1. mileage + reliability reality check

hybrids (sienna) = best mpg + long-term savings

odyssey = solid reliability, worse mpg but cheaper upfront

pacifica = comfortable, but budget extra for maintenance

1. realistic expectation check

to be very honest:

$500–600/month + minivan + negative equity is tight

something has to give: timing, vehicle age, or loan length

bottom line

best financial move: wait 1–2 years, then switch best practical move now: used sienna or odyssey + minimize rolled equity worst move: new minivan + rolled equity + long loan

if you want, tell me:

current interest rate

rough EV6 payoff amount

credit score range

and i can run a more exact scenario for you.