Can you buy a car if are 12000 upside down with your trade in?

No, it is not possible to finance a car if you are $12,000 upside down with your trade-in. Lenders will not lend money for a car loan if the amount financed exceeds the value of the vehicle. In order to purchase a car, you would need to pay off the negative equity on the trade-in and any outstanding loan balance before financing the new vehicle.