trade down

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to sell a large or relatively expensive house, car, etc, and replace it with a smaller or less expensive one

Idioms and Phrases

Exchange for something of lower value or price, as in They bought a smaller boat, trading down for the sake of economy. Similarly, trade up means “make an exchange for something of higher value or price,” as in They traded up to a larger house. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Or will shoppers, already likely to buy a Tesla, trade down to save some money?

Read more on Barron's

True, inflation has forced some families to trade down to cheaper store brands, and stagnant wages have squeezed household budgets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Though they may trade down in some ways—including by making coffee at home—they continue to spend more overall, keeping the economy chugging.

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This is not a normal deal taking two way trade down to zero tariffs.

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The evidence is strong, though, that Tesla shares trade down when the spotlight shines extra brightly on Musk paying attention to other things.

Read more on Slate