the answer to your question is yes and no. The check will not go to you. But the remaining balance on your trade in will be paid off. lets assume that you owe more on your car than its really worth....when yout rade in your car the balance of the ammount owed minus the value will essentially be added to the price of the new car. there fore extending the remaining balance throught the term of the new loan and getting charged interest on it, probably not the best situation, but often times people have no other choice,( family expands, must get a larger vehicle etc.)
you say you owe little on your trade in so there is a possibilty that you owe less on your trade than its worth..you are in an equity position. then you will recieve the balance of the value minus the loan balance for use as downpayment or anything else you see fit.
I sold cars, both new and used, for a long time. I know it can get confusing and stressful. I left the business to go back to college though. I would like to help you in any way. PM me or e-mail. good luck. i can rammble abou the car buying experience forever.