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May 06, 2009 -- New program to provide $4,500 voucher for fuel-efficient cars
Washington, D.C. is set to take a cue from Europe in adopting its own version of a "cash for guzzlers" program.
The central idea is to allow people to take an old, nearly worthless car and receive a cash bounty of up to $4,500 toward buying a new fuel-efficient vehicle.
Under the proposed system, the full amount of the voucher would phase in based on the miles per gallon your next car purchase gets.
Say you start from a baseline of 18 mpg on your current vehicle and get a new car that gets 22 mpg. Then you'd get a $3,500 voucher. You're only eligible for the full $4,500 voucher if your next purchase gives you at least 10 mpg more than your old vehicle.
There will be a separate program for SUVs (you'll need a 5 mpg increase to qualify); one for light-duty trucks (2 mpg increase); and one for work trucks. The latter is a real reversal in policy; small business was previously given tax subsidies to buy the most fuel-inefficient trucks it could!
Talking about legislation that's in progress is always dangerous. But there's a lot of momentum for this and a general consensus on the broad outline that seems to be agreeable to most politicians in D.C.
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
Ok, I made an error. The Vouchers are used by Ford as well.Thats great,because I encourage you to buy from Ford.After all they were the only one of the BIG3 not to take the bailout money (for now). Maybe we should support companys that work on there own merit and not our tax dollars.
4500 Voucher
OK, so my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan does not apply for this even though I get less than 18 miles per gallon. Then I find out that the voucher program is only for companys that took the bail out(OUCH). Therefore Ford (no Bailout)is being punished for having good businness sense.guess if you want anything in the new America you have to fail, then the goverment will give you more than you lost(at tax payers expense)
voucher
what is the deal if you have a handycapped vehicle.
$ 4500 to buy a car
WILL THEY Give me $4500 to use on a trade in, and then can I sell my car and use it to off set the price of the newer car?...is that ok?
voucher
I would like to purchase a new jeep wrangler but because it does not get good mpg I get NO voucher.I go to work every day and pay taxes every week. I thank that this is BS!
where do i go to trade in car for voucher
have dodge 1988 van,is it good to trade?
You are part of the problem
Anyone who participates in the car voucher program should realize you are part of our nations problem! You do realize the voucher money you are receiving is a direct loan from the Chinese government that you, your children and grandchildren will all be paying back at much higher interest rates over time! You do realize that every dollar the governement spends takes $3 - 4 dollars out of the private economy, resulting is one to two jobs lost or not created. You do realize the government (central socialized planners) are trying to favor "failed" industries and companies which supports the bad companies within that industry and hurts the responsible companies within that industry. So when you take that rebate to your local dealer... remember the true cost before you sign on the line and hurt us all!!!
Here is a twist
I have two old cars, one is a 1990 Toyota with 235k miles and other is 1995 Nissan with 150k miles and I want to trade in both for a new one. Will I get two vouchers? If anyone knows the answer, please post it here. I do not wants a Hybrid though due to expensive battery in it
it doesnt suprise me
it seems most that think this is the best idea since sliced bread fail to know what it is they are whooping it up for. things are pretty well spelled out but like so many things americans fail to take the time to read whats going on and just jump into the deep end of the pool
throw away good money after bad
if the dealer hands out a voucher on a car that car must be scraped out no matter the condition. so this will reduce the used car market to those less forunate that cant afford a new car and cant compete on the price for basic transportation. and as for any body with a older car needing repairs cant use any of the parts because they are restricted to demolishion. basicly its a way the gov can hand out money to the car dealers and get people to buy cars. this is nothing more than another waste of tax dollars, a slam on the low income, and to make the usa a throw away sosisity.
Car
Does any one know if the fuel efficient car has to be a brand new car or can it be a used car?
Does this apply only to old, worthless cars?
I have a Chrysler Pacifica 2004 that only gives me 17 mpg. I was wondering if I would be able to apply for this and buy a more fuel efficient car.
93 bronco
how do i obtain this also, cause right now i am only getting like 8-9 mpg out of my truck
1992 Buick Regal
My car is costing me more and more in repairs. I use it for business and really need a good running vehicle. How do I qualify and obtain a voucher?
need transpotation for special needs fostercare
i hope this bill will be signed,in hope that it will be the only way as of now to purchase a can for my use as appointments for my babies.retirement was it , and until that was half way taken away by the economy down fall.thanks.o.l. wright.
how to apply
now that we are just waiting for the President's signature, does anyone know how we can apply for this?
Clunkers
Although I will benefit enormously from this program I agree that it's no more than another gov't handout. The program will do very little in terms of auto sales due to the limited funding. In fact, don't wait too long if you want to take advantage because the money could run out by Oct. As far as getting older gas polluting hogs off the highway, you can still buy gas hogs under this program. Again, I'm against the out-of-control spending by the Dems, but I'll take full advantage of their stupid program. My 1998 Dodge Caravan with 195K miles gets 18 MPG combined according to fueleconomy.gov and it's worth about $200 according to Edmunds. It runs and I still drive it, but the transmission is bad, it leaks oil as fast as you put it in, the brakes are shot, the list goes on. So, I'll take $4500 for my $200 van and go buy a Civic or maybe small SUV like the CR-V or Ford Escape. One thing to be careful of that I noticed. There are lots of articles on the net with some sort of database to check if your clunker qualifies. Be careful, I found errors when matching that info with the info on fueleconomy.gov. The official database for qualifiying your car is fueleconomy.gov
cash for clunkers
Can I trade in a pickup truck for an SUV and still qualify? Thanks
Great Idea
I could really use this plan if it passes. You people who say it's just another handout for people who don't work are just being ignorant and would probably fuss about anything Obamas administration tries to do.
I've worked all my life, own my own home, have excellent credit, etc. I own a 92 Ford Explorer that's on it's last leg and I keep pumping money into it that I really don't have. I need a new vehicle badly but have been putting it off cause with the economy the way it is I hate to commit to another monthly bill. This would be a tremendous help to me. I sure hope it passes, and asap!
Update
The cash for clunkers passed the house last night as part of the broader war supplemental. The big question is will the senate remove the provision now that the ball is in their court. We'll probably know this week.
question about 4500 voucher!!
How can i find out about this ? Is there a site and did the bill pass, when it will get effect? Ineed a car so bad to trade mine. let me know
Unfounded criticism...
From the House bill: [T]he term ‘eligible trade-in vehicle’ means an automobile or a work truck (as such terms are defined in section 32901(a) of title 49, United States Code) that, at the time it is presented for trade-in under this Act--
(A) is in drivable condition;
(B) has been continuously insured consistent with the applicable State law and registered to the same owner for a period of not less than 1 year immediately prior to such trade-in;
(C) was manufactured in model year 1984 or later; and
(D) in the case of an automobile, has a combined fuel economy value of 18 miles per gallon or less...
So, you can't just go out and buy a car (you have to own it for a year) and the car enthusiasts out there can calm down (unless you concerned about vintage cars manufactured after 1984)
All the answers to your questions can be found on Jamie Dupree's blog. Just watch what happens with the war supplemental. That's the bill the cash for clunkers is attached. The Senate may try and remove the provision from the war spending bill. I think it's 99% likely to pass this week.
Will the $4500 be retroactive, some of the better deals on new cars are out there now. If this goes through many of the dealers and auto companies may see this as a windfall for them and not deal as they are now. Besides that I need a car now and this would help me decide on buying new or used!
winers
Hey guess what people. If you don't want to trade your piece of crap in you don't have to. People will complain about anything, it's ridiculous.
Done Deal?
The cash for clunker bill is a 99% certainty to become law. The program some how found it's way on the supplemental war spending bill that's in final negotiations between members of the House and Senate. The war spending bill will be voted on sometime next week. I think this is bad for the country because we can't afford any more gov't handouts. However, if you truly have a clunker that still runs here's an opportunity to get up to $4500. My 12 year old Dodge Grand Caravan with 200,000 miles still gets me to and from work, but I couldn't get $200 for it. I'll gladly take the $4500 plus remember, if you buy a new car before 1/1/2010 the sales tax can be deducted. Can't wait to hear Clark's take on this next week.
4500.00 Voucher
Yeah-This is "GREAT" but-ones of us who have a guzzler have NO CHOICE to keep them- a voucher but what about the cost of a new vehicle we can't afford anyways,no BIG DEAL just another give me give me
Clunkers?
This program, if passed, would only make sense for those who truly have clunkers. If you're just looking for a reason to get rid of your gas hog this program might not make sense, especially if the used car you'd get rid of is worth some dough. If your car qualifies you'd get either a 3500 or 4500 voucher. You don't get a voucher plus trade in value for your car. The vouchers would be handled electronically between the dealer and gov't. In other words, you won't be handed a check. The used cars would be demolished. Right now the bill is waiting for Senate action. There's still a chance the bill won't go anywhere. You can read the House bill online (H.R. 2751). Dealers will not be allowed to charge a fee for those using vouchers.
Appraisals
Who will be in charge of the trade-in appraisals ? The Head Official of the new GM(Government Motors). We think that buying a new car was a hassle before,imagine how it will be now !
new car vouchers
yay!! when does it start? i want to get rid of my 10 mpg truck.
Here Come the Soviet Union Cars
This will end up with GM making cars no one but the poor will drive, via government subsidies. And with GM living off the government dole forever just like AMTRAK. That is, of course, until they've start charging you a federal car registration fees in order to price us "nobodies" out of car ownership and onto the bus, all to "fight" global warming.
WTF?
I'm not weighing in with an opinion on this -- I don't know enough about it to really make an informed decision. But I did want to observe that the number of people who spout off without having a clue about this program is truly astounding. For instance, the one that said the cars turned in would be sold to someone else -- not so. The cars will be demolished. Another person made some comment about how conserving gas would make it more expensive. I admit I'm not an economist, but don't the laws of supply and demand come into play here? Less gas used = lower prices on gas. Sheesh.
I can ditch my 2005?
So I could trace in my 2005 dodge that gets 18mpg, get my crappy trade-in value AND get the the $3500 voucher from uncle sam?
I'd do it in a heartbeat.
I'll be happy to turn mine in. Can I watch them crush it?
Car vouchers
dadgummit. i was hoping that this was already in effect. Now i'm just going to have to die in my worthless car. i hope i dont kill anyone else.
car rebate
Does it apply to the old car you sell on your own (not tradein)?
gas guzzler rebate
Enough already..we don't need anymore gov.t programs!
Ghrylser/GM
After reading other info it seems that this applys to Chrysler Or GM cars only.
only for gm / chrylser
After reading other info it seems this only applys to GM or Chrysler.
4500 voucher
this is not another tax break for wealthy, but if some hard working tax payer can benefit it beats the hell out of giving more money to all of the lazy government breast babies. get a job.
Motorcycles
Does anyone know if this covers buying a new motorcycle in place of your old car?
at least we get something!!!
I don't like this idea because, with water and energy(gas) conservation, comes higher prices. On the other hand, since I as well as any tax payer now own a car company I'm glad that we get somting back, athough big brother is just going to take it back in the long run with more taxes. And people please proof read your statements before posting, some of them make no sense.
Voucher for fuel-efficient cars
Make it for citizens only please!
Getting a new car?
I"ll keep mine for as long as I can. Getting up to $4,500 doesn't mean you'll get that most for that older car. You will get penaliyzed even you don't get that new car. I think being penalized for something you own is wrong. More taxes for the government.
If we don't rplace our older cars we get penalyzed. I'll try to keep my 1998 RAV for as long as I can. Being penalyzed for something old that you own I am really apposed to that fine.
adds to carbon
If we get rid of old cars (we already used energy to produce this) is it smart to replace with new car that will by production use additional energy? Why not wait like always until old car is used up? Whay does the government want - more economy or more energy use? They just can't add.
Vouchers for gas guzzler
Where's the money for the vouchers coming from? Another way to spend our tax dollars?
Car vouchers
What about those of us who NEED a larger car, truck, suv for our work? I am a wildlife photographer. I NEED a good sized suv or truck to travel dirt backroads, for camping equipment and maybe hauling a trailer/boat. I don't want the government telling me what to buy. And what about those states that are now planning on taxing you based on miles driven rather than gas purchased to make up for the money lost by consumers driving those gas-savers? Buy energy efficient anythings and the state/federal govt will tax you because you aren't using ENOUGH energy/gas.In JAX Florida it was just announced that electricity rates are going up $5 because of energy efficient appliances!
American iron destined for extinction?
Great that we are encouraging new car purchases to save the environment and boost new car sales. How about limiting the benefit to American built cars only. I am a classic car collector and also fear that this bill may have a clause in the form of an incentive to junk and crush old American iron as well. If we promote this, many representations of our automobile history will be gone as well as the parts needed to keep the rest of them going. Watch out for such federal legislation as well as legislation in your state!
replace american cars with toyota
The plan is to replace old American cars with new Japanese cars?
I sold my 15 mpg minivan and bought a 29 Civic. Will this count with previous purchases done in 2009?
voucher for vehilce?
what good is that if you dont have the money for the rest of the vehicle?
Something To Consider
Hybrids are cool. They are not snake oil and will save you considerably in fuel costs. There's a fly in the ointment. After the battery (and controllers) warranty runs out, what if you have to replace them? Before you buy demand the sales manager find out what a typical installation of a new battery (and other hardware in addition...you bet) costs. Add this number onto your TRUE cost of ownership. I replaced an out-of-warranty battery and it multiple thousands of dollars. And muiltple thousands in controllers. See for yourself. Warranty up, you are on your own, taking a risk with new uncertain technology. So far, I should have gotten a small 38 mpg gas engine only car. All the monetary savings I thought I got in fuel, went away with the fix.
vouchers for fuel efficient cars
Sure everyone would like to buy a new car with an incentive discount but who is really calling the plays here and where did the Federal government under our Constitution of limited powers get the power to control how we purchase cars? Wake up America--say no to any form of socialism. Congress should convene early in January and go home early in February and then let the States or what is left of them decide through the people how to spend our money. Under this plan we should stop sending money to Washington and just as important, stop taking Federal bribes in the form of federal funding.
What about mini-vans?
I have 4 kids - I don't own an SVU becuase I don't need one. Will this program apply to mini-vans?
Tax rebate for old clunkers
I am all for this great idea but with an amendment that would include buying lightly (1-3yrs old) vehicles that may be Hybrids, Electrics (when they come in the mkt) and regular used cars with a great MPG.
Tax rebate for old clunkers
Too bad the incentive only applies to new car purchases. The improvement in gas mileage (carbon footprint, safety features, etc) could be accomplished with a used car too.
For the (irrational) critics of this proposed legislation, I would like to point out that other countries, Singapore for one, have had trade-in incentives (requiring scrapping the old car) for decades. This has served to improve the efficiency and safety of cars on the road, as well as air quality, while at the same time providing a stimulus to their economies.
Better idea
I bought a 2005 Venture last year for $12,500 with 18K miles on it. I found the original dealer sticker that said $28,000+. Why not buy a 3 year old car with under 20K miles and SAVE $16,500? Sure beats $4,500 and that astronomical balance that seems to never go down on a new car even though the value drops faster than my 401K...
Car vouchers
Sorry for the errors but the adverts get in the way of the comments so you don't see what you have written???
I like new cars
Is there some way I can get some of thos old clunkers from Cuba so as to use them for a trade. Wait not a good idea because you have to have owned them for a few years to qualify. Next I will wait for a voucher to turn in my gas car for an electric car. Thank you President Obama, you are the best. I will wait until I get a voucher for turning a gasoline powered car for a ele
Cash for Guzzlers
What a waste of money for little effect. Removing functioning cars from the road and destroying them and then replacing them with another car, even if it gets great gas mileage, probably will waste more energy and causes more pollution than keeping the old cars in working condition. This stimulates car sales now but it means fewer car sales over the following ten years. Give tax credits to car owners who keep their vehicles tuned up.
Gas Guzzlers
On the other one they did you had to make less than $30,000 per house hold. This was in Texas. Most people making $30,000 a year could not afford to buy a new car.
Yeah baby!!!
I've been meaning to get rid of this old clunker...! President Obama rocks!!!!
Old Clunker PAID FOR
No way, I would trade in my "fossil", He or (SHE) still runs and the best thing.... it is paid for. Why buy a new and get in debt for the next 4 to 5 years?????????
Gas Guzzlers
One other thing. I see many here use the term gas guzzler and it brings to mind the land yachts from the 1970s (76 impala) but truly, how many "gas Guzzlers" are there out there? The average car is maybe 5-6 years old or newer right? How much of a gas guzzler could they really be? I think the largest guzzlers are the soccer moms with their "GMC Yukon" taxis, and most of them are newer and this legislation wont really help change anything.
A couple of things to consider
1. This has the potential to greatly affect the historical vehicle hobby in the future as so many more good quality older vehicles will be crushed instead of being repaired and kept. I guess that is why the Europeans are importing so many of our vintage cars. It may seem like a small point, but it is a huge importance for some of us.
2. How will this affect the charities who rely on donations of older vehicles for their funding. Now the gov. will be buying these cars and crushing them instead of the non profits benefiting from them.
I am against this whole thing. We just don't need another government program.
The Devil's in the Details.
In short I think this program needs to include the following requirements:
1) All surrendered cars be operable and registered.
2) All surrendered cars be completely destroyed with no parts sold to secondary markets.
3) The new car must have published EPA figures that are substantially more efficient than the surrendered car. Is 1 to 2 mpg really good enough for work trucks, what's that in percentage terms?
4) Preference should be given to U.S. produced automobiles if this is really also a stimulus bill. Either exclusively apply the incentive to U.S. assembled cars or offer more of an incentive for purchasing a U.S. car than an imported car.
Here are the justifications for what I'm saying:
These guzzlers will live on and defy the purpose of the program through second-hand parts or car sales if a requirement for the complete destruction of surrendered or traded vehicles is not specified. Parts from these cars should not be used to keep other inefficient vehicles running if this program is to have merit.
These vehicles must also be required to be operable to prevent trading of junked car shells that don't consume fuel or emit exhaust gasses because they don't even run. Hopefully we wont see junk cars towed to dealers for vouchers. Back-end businesses could spring up where dead cars are sold to those seeking this rebate if this isn't detailed in the program.
Rework the light or business truck 1 to 2 mpg differential requirement, this is not significant enough to warrant a rebate for increased fuel efficiancy in my opinion. Yes it's better than getting a credit for buying the ultra-heavy SUV's, but this program also needs to encourage auto makers to make more efficient work trucks in my opinion.
Should legislation like this also favor U.S. assembled or produced automobiles to maximize stimulus impact if the program is also in place to stimulate the U.S. economy? I'm not trying to make any gung-ho statement about buying American (I've driven imports for years), but I don't like seeing sloppy legislation that's misdirected and full of loopholes, and prone to abuse and misuse.
Why not me, too
Why Not Me said :I have good credit and pay my bill on time but the Government is giving $$ to people who do not!!! Another great citizen being screwed by the government.
It's called redistribution of wealth, which is exactly what soon-to-be-dethroned Nancy Pelosi said she wanted. Take it away from us and give it to the 'professional' freeloaders and people who can't manage their money.
WHY NOT ME
I purchased a new jeep liberty 13 months ago and a new house 8 months ago. I lost free government $$ $4,500 in the jeep and $8,000 on the new house purchase cause I purchased in 2008. Why can't I get the credits??? I have good credit and pay my bill on time but the Government is giving $$ to people who do not!!! Another great citizen being screwed by the government
j
Auto voucher...
Just in time for me to buy a Korean car!
Another bailout
first of all, to Buzz who said "Yea, I am talking about social security and reduced education property taxes on homes for seniors while the younger generations bear the tax burden." Hey, we 'old farts' have been paying for your education (or lack thereof) for many years and we are tired of supporting the same idiots that voted in these Dumbocrats who are giving our and your money away without a thought about the future. So stuff it, kid. About the bailout for the car companies, which is what this is, how can you justify giving someone $4500 to trade up an SUV for a measly 5 mpg or a pickup for 2 mpg??? That is ludicrous and just plain stupid. Once again Congress doesn't have a clue about the REAL WORLD. They live in a world of private jets (Pelosi), luxury trains, and limos. 2 mpg - come on, wake up before it's too late!!!!!!
Seems the price for votes is going up
Looks like more financed tax dollars being flushed. What could possibly be next?
Buying
Maybe I should go out and buy a old used gas guzzler for a couple hundred bucks and then go trade it in for $4500.
voucher up to 4500.00 for tradin on more fuel efficient car.
what are they to do with my old 1998 suv,sell it to some one else. ANOTHER STUPID IDEA.
Voucher Poucher
The car company is going to hike the price of the cars back up so they can accept the vouchers. The only one getting a "deal" will be the dealers and their suppliers. The taxpayer, again, will be getting the shaft. I like the concept but not THIS method.
GREAT IDEA
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY 4500 TO BY A NEW CAR! I HAVE A 95 TAURAS SW AND WOULD BUY A NEW FUEL EFFICIENT CAR. IT WORKED IN GERMANY. CAR SALES WERE UP.
Grease their palms
So who needs a tax break? The wealthy again!! Who wouldnt trade their car in for a newer one if they had a job or money to buy a car. Is it really to save gas or just bail out the car manufacturers again?
New Car Constitution Ammendment
The right to a new car comes shortly after the clause that says the president's brother can count the votes.
Hybrid Rebate with this Rebate
Can I receive both rebates if this program is passed? Turn in my gas guzzler for a Ford Fusion that currently has a $4500.00 government rebate and add the proposed rebate ($9000 total).
Cash for clunkers
I can't seem to find the section of the constitution that say's the goverment shall support the citizens right to a new car.
Missing the REUSE part of being "green"
Even Germans are doubting this program (that is where it is taking place now) and comments have been made that it is simply an election year gimmick. It encourages people who probably have decent if not amazing fuel mileage to get rid of perfectly working vehicles to buy new cars (not very environmental considering the effects of scrapping old cars and producing new ones). It also seems likely to be ineffectual at affecting the car industry for anything but the very short term.
legislation for money for gas guzzlers
I LOVE this idea and would consider buying a new car sooner!
Guzzler Rebate
What a great idea. Get the older cars that contribute heavily to global warming off the road. Get rid of the the heaviest gas guzzlers and the least safe cars on the road. I fail to see the downside. I doubt that this program will break the budget.
$4500 Voucher for fuel-efficient cars
GreatIDEA! This is a great way to get the old gas guzzlers off the road to increase fuel efficiency and decrease dependence on foreign fuel. Also it might also help to help the US economy if every one who receives a voucher buys fuel effiecien qualit cars mad by US car companies. I know that the republican "Conservatives" would not support this program, because as always they short sighted. The gas price will not stay low for toolong, in fact we are already seeing the gars prices on the rise. Not supporting this idea only the oil companies and foriegn oil exporters benefit from it and the middle class who have to drive inorder to get to their jobs or even look for work will end up suffering. Republicans would call this idea welfare or socialist, but not if rich folks or oil companies would benefit from this.
cars
First the government makes me pay to improve roads in parts of the state or country I never drive in and for people to go to high school when i already GRADUATED high school and now I have to pay for people to get cars that don't use as much gas?! I don't get it. I don't need the gas they're using. I already have gas in my car.
Cash for Clunkers
Wow! so many negative comments about an idea that could help America in several ways.1. move to more energy efficient cars that don't pollute the air (as much). 2. Sell off some of the huge inventory of cars dealers have on their lots. 3. Put American workers back to work. It's amazing how so many listeners want to bash the Obama administration for doing something to help us move out of the economic and environmental mess we're in. I've read that there's Republican support for this too.
So let's get moving on this...my hard working daughter needs a new car.
Car Voucher Program
How about instead of providing a voucher toward a new car we just provide a voucher if they agree not to purchase another car for five years and to just use public transportation.
Texas tried this
When I first heard of this I did a search on the internet. Texas has tried this but had to put a hold on things because they couldn't pay out. Are these vouchers being picked off Obama's money tree in the back yard of the White House. I wonder how many democrats will go to the junk yard and buy a couple junkers to trade in.
MORE SOCIAL ENGINEERING
1. Where does the money come from Clark?
2. Most folks driving older cars cannot afford the *much* higher insurance which is mandated (Gov't) on a new or newer vehicle. So what good is the *voucher*? 3. Washington, D.C. is set to take a cue from Europe..."Washington.."? No Clark, *not* WDC; the "Obama Administration"! If taking a cue from Europe means driving junky, tiny, less safe cars which most Americans don't like or want is this suppose to be a plus?
This is text book socialization and social engineering and redistribution of wealth: punish success, reward sheepish allegience, except for the elites in Government of course. Leave Europe IN Europe
handout
Gee, wonder who this program will benefit most? Think maybe low income Americans who driver older cars. Think a mot of minorities? More socialism from Capital Hill.
Things I'd like to know
1. Is the MPG based on highway, city, or some type of average.
2. How are you supposed to know what your current clunker gets in MPGs, look at what it was listed at when it was manufactured???
Why don't they just lower the prices of the vehicles?
Old Clunker
Were do I take my 1986 Caravan which gets 12 MPG?
this is not too bright
why not just raise the tax on gasoline? Let the marketplace sort it out
I do not like this idea
As stated by another poster. I too am a car enthusiasts who is always on the lookout for a great old car or truck to restore. These giveaways reduse my chanses of finding a real hidden gem. I once saw someone give up a 1969 Camero for a stupid voucher.
Here we go again...Giveaway, Part VVIXXII
Give me a break. A "cash for junk cars" program, on a Federal level? Sounds like another cash giveaway for automakers. It's bad enough that we have thrown tens of billions away on this nonsense, and that Chrysler had no intention of ever paying it back (same goes for GM - you watch!), but now Obama wants to try to push feeble-minded citizens into buying cars they can't afford by throwing money at it. I'm sure he will then heavily tax the rebate, the purchase, the financing, the cap gains on the automaker's stock and of course, the automaker's revenue.
I agree with Buzz. I wish Government would get the hell out of our business. I'm sick of the meddling that Obama has already done in our society. Worse, this is ONLY THE BEGINNING. There's something to make you sleep better at night. Money under the mattress is the tip of the iceburg, trust me.
So first the government is stealing money from me so I can pay for the people who can't afford their mortgages, then to pay the UAWs wages, then some for the bankers and now I have to pay for other peoples new car too? When will it end?
How much for a Hemi?
How much do you get if you trade a clunker in for a Hemi or a new Camaro?
@Buzz G
Relax. Without government to protect your property and monitor markets you would not even have a viable, modern marketplace. It would look for like a southern Italian marketplace where people barter, extort and get shot if they don't pay up. I am always just amazed with this "get off my lawn" crap that the same folks who benefit the most from all the government program benefits they receive. Yea, I am talking about social security and reduced education property taxes on homes for seniors while the younger generations bear the tax burden. But I digress.
Government already limits what kind of vehicle you can buy and drive. Your car has to have certain safety features, be fit for the road, and you have to be a licensed driver for the type of vehicle you are operating. Then there are also the small business tax breaks and fleet tax savings the benefit large buyers in the past. Govt. incentives have been used for many years to jump start trends, businesses, and dole out political favors. The Bush admin put in tax rebates for high efficiency HVACs and hot water heaters. I took advantage of that because it makes good sense not only for me but for a future home owner of my house.
You can still buy your guzzler (with restrictions - that Sherman tank isn't allowed on the road) but when gas gets expensive again don't expect another incentive like this one to come your way and bail you out. So, just put some savings away every time you fill up for your future fuel increased on your guzzler. The oil companies might even get a special tax free savings account sweet heart deal for you. Maybe they could call it Exxon-IRA.
So
Don't worry folks, the price of gas will go through the roof again when the dollar rots again. 4000 dollars might pay the sales tax if were lucky. If you are wondering about rotten dollars, remember that 20 dollars were an ounce of GOLD. What is the price of GOLD today? Now that's Money rot, and it's been going on long before most of us were born thanks to the bankers and lawyers that are in office now, there are nothing more than gang members and should be tried for their criminal conduct and put away in a harsh prison breaking big rock to little itty bitty one with a 12lb sledge hammer.
real scam potential
i can see the market for old beaters suddenly picking up.
lets say i want to buy a new car. but i don't have the old beater to "trade in" to get the government give-away money. all i have to do, is go out and buy some old beater for next to nothing, push it in to the dealer and guess what....instant tax giveaway of $3k plus. what a scam. how would anyone know when i bought the junker?? the car dealer won't care and you are going to tell me the feds are going to police this? they can't even
and to think we actually elected this bunch of clowns to run the show. this bunch in charge is not even qualified to wipe the snot from my nose.
What Tarp fund will this be called?
Another government program funded in the long run by tax payers. Obama (now a car salesman)---wants at least 1,000,0000 cars sold. Why don't they just reduce the outrageous prices and quit coming out with these costly taxpayer funded b.s.programs.
Good idea
I dont see what Buzz G is all riled up about in his post. This sounds to me like one of the better ideas that have floated around lately. Anything to help clean the air and ween ourselves of foreign oil is a good thing to me. This doesnt sound like government intrusion like Buzz G is saying. If Buzz doesnt want to participate in this program he doesnt have to. The "damned government" isnt putting a gun to your head to do particpate. Calm down man. Government intrusion in banks and automakers I have issues with. But not incentives that actually has merit.
SEMA
I am a subscriber to the SEMA Action Network, and get newsletters every month and alerts about pending legislation of concern to car enthusiasts. In the past, governments have tried "cash for clunkers" programs, where people would get cash towards a new car in exchange for taking their old, polluting car off the road. In those programs, the car had to be turned into scrap metal. SEMA has been against these programs, because people who collect, restore, or repair older cars would have more trouble finding parts for them, as well as available bodies to begin work on project cars. I also know from personal experience that it adversely affects poor people who have to drive around in "beaters" and often get used parts to keep their cars running. I am not sure of some of the details of the program (no links for more info), but as a "car nut" it worries me some (do we just trade in our less fuel efficient car in for a more efficient new one, regardless of the age of the old one?), and as a libertarian, this whole thing of the government messing around trying to sway the free market also had me worried.
Cash for Guzzlers
Get the damned government out of the marketplace. This is costing taxpayers lots of bucks. People should be buying the kind of cars they want. It is none of Obama's (nor Clark Howard's) business what kind of car I buy. If Clark wants to buy a knees-to-the-chest econobox, good for him. That is his choice. In a free society neither Clark Howard nor Barak Obama should be deciding what vehicle I purchase. Shame on Clark for suggesting otherwise. He is becoming a real busybody.
