I have perfect credit (800), been with a Top 25 company for 20 yrs., earn more than $100K, never made a late payment in 30 yrs., and CANNOT get a car loan. Let me rephrase, I can get approved for any amount I want at a very low rate and reasonable terms, but I cannot roll the negative equity into the new loan? I'm no risk, my history demonstrates early monthly payments - what's the problem?

You have an unsecured loan now, at least in part. You have a car that owes more than it is worth. You are upside down.

A new lender will finance a car for you, but there is no incentive on them to finance more than your new car is worth. Then they would be unsecured.

This is why down payments are important and people shouldn't finance cars on longer term loans. The car can depreciate faster than the loan pays down.

Your choices are to come up with cash for a down payment on the new car, or to payoff the old car. Then get your new car. Otherwise, with depreciation, your negative equity will increase and you will be more upside down than you are now.