"CARS" (Car Allowance Rebate System), also known as "Cash for Clunkers", or "Cash for Guzzlers" is a Government program operated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to offer U.S. drivers an incentive to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient, vehicle. This will get more new cars on the road, and get old gas-guzzling models off them.
There are a few requirements to receive the $3,500 or $4,500 credit. These include:
* Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
* Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
* Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
* Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
* You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
* Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
* The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.
There are other stipulations for work trucks.
If you would like us to contact you regarding the Cash for Clunkers program and help you determine if your vehicle is eligible, just fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch.
Your privacy is important to us.
Checkered Flag takes your privacy seriously and does not rent or sell your personal information to third parties without your consent. Read our privacy policy.