Cash for Clunkers

[TJ_98370]

I've been checking out the Cash for Clunkers program. I'm seriously considering participating. I would never normally get $3,500 to $4,500 trade-in for the 1993 Explorer I'm thinking of trading in. On the other hand, the Explorer is paid for, runs good, looks good.......

I'm wondering how many other readers are considering taking advantage





Summary of Car Allowance Rebate System - Cash for Clunkers Voucher Qualifications
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Minimum Fuel Economy for New Vehicle*
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Passenger Car -22 mpg *
$3500 Voucher - Mileage improvement of at least 4 mpg
$4500 Voucher - Mileage improvement of at least 10 mpg
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Light-Duty Truck - 18 mpg *
$3500 Voucher - Mileage improvement of at least 2 mpg
$4500 Voucher - improvement of at least 5 mpg
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Large Light-Duty Trucks - 15 mpg *
$3500 Voucher - Mileage improvement of at least 1 mpg or trade-in of a work truck
$4500 Voucher - Mileage improvement of at least 2 mpg
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Commercial trucks
$3500 Voucher - Trade-in must be at least pre-2002

[biliruben]

I would, except then I would have to buy a new car. And talk to a car salesman. And pay for it.

I had two sweet clunkers I would have loved to have used, but gave them away.

I like my 95 pick-up too much to get rid of.

[WestSideBilly]

I really, really hate this program.

[TJ_98370]

I've read that this program morphed into something not originally intended. Note the measly 1 to 2 mpg improvement required for large light duty trucks. Some interpret this as another form of bailout to auto manufacturers so they can rid themselves of all of the Cadillac Escalades, Chevy Tahoes, Dodge Durangos, Ford Expeditions, etc.

[The Tim]

[Racket]

So wait, if you are buying a new car, you can buy a POS for $100-200 and trade it in for $4,500>?

[Markor]

To qualify you have to have owned the POS for at least a year.

Few will qualify for this program.

[TJ_98370]

Buying a new car is generally a bad investment, the first few years depreciation is killer. However, if you are the type that keep a car a long time, buying a new car may be the way to go. Maintenance is important with respect to a car's longevity, and with a new car you have control over that from day one. We bought our "clunker" Explorer new 16 years ago and it is still a reliable vehicle. However, it gets 17 mpg overall and I know it's just a matter of time before something major malfunctions. I believe we, and others like us, are prime candidates for this program
.
My major problem is the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor). She really, really likes her Explorer. We were looking at a Honda Fit and she likes it, but she is emotionally attached to her Explorer. Logic, such as the Fit has better safety features, better overall reliability, and a lot better gas mileage, have little influence. I guess I should be thankful that she isn't the type that wants a new Beemer (not like that would actually happen).
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[PublicEnemy#1]

Nope,

I am actually getting rid of my newer '05 car and getting something OLDER that has paint that was applied properly, fenders and doors made of something other than thinner than thin sheetmetal, something without so many cheap plastic parts, etc. etc.

Sorry, but for me, airbags and mileage just ain't worth it.

My next car is going to be from the late 60's or early 70's. I don't want black boxes for insurance companies to use in order to invalidate an accident claim, etc.

I used to drive late 1950's Mopars around downtown Seattle in the earl 1990's, but then parts became scarce for them and I eventually sold them off in favor of something more "modern".

What a mistake!

I have since seen the error of my ways and am unloading the '05 this week and buying a car that won't depreciate any further and is easy to work on.

[Racket]

You just bought a piece of crap, there are plenty of great cars that are being made today.

[rose-colored-coolaid]

Looked into this program, but it's a joke. Just to summarize, this bill defines clunker as any car built after 1985 (84?) that gets terrible gas mileage. Translation: if you own a 15 year old or older truck, you can get a killer trade in on it. If you don't, you don't exist.

The fuller interpretation: if you were responsible and bought an older car (or drove your brand new car for years and years) with anything resembling reasonable gas mileage, then you get to pay for the most irresponsible members of society to buy a slightly less fuel inefficient new truck. Congratulations.

[The Tim]

[TJ_98370]

RCC and The Tim,

I understand what you are saying. I get it. Those who were already acting responsibly with respect to non-renewable resources / environmental concerns, can't take advantage of the program, even if they wanted to.
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[PublicEnemy#1]

[The Tim]