Cash for Clunker...Really?

[big kahuna1]

Apparently they have a mucho different definition of what a "Clunker" is than I do.

Take a look at what is considered a "clunker" as they destroy the engine. Vid is kind of long so watch a little at the begininig and then skip towards the end TO ABOUT 3:30 into the video where the engine finally gives out. The Volvo did not want to die! IT WANTED TO LIIIIIIVVVVE!!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waj2KrKYTZo&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fminx%2Ecc%2F%3Fpost%3D290415&feature=player_embedded



AND THEY THINK THEY CAN PROVIDE US BETTER HEALTH CARE.

 

[liv luvs disney]

Hmmm, that clunker "looks" better than anything we own. The Volvo did not want to die because it WAS a good car. I know a lot of families that would have gladly bought that car. And to think last week, our current administration (I mean WE) put a couple billion more dollars into this program. It's sad how people think this is a great deal.

 

[auntie]

I think it goes strictly by the gas mileage the vehicle reportedly gets..not what you might actually get..but what it's reported the vehicle gets. All these cars get crushed. Seems a shame really.
Chrysler dealers were doubling this..at least around here. Some think the Cash for clunkers should have applied to only American made..meaning GMC,FORD and Chrysler. I know my husband said the dealers are going crazy around here over this new promotion. It's bringing in business that's for sure.

 

[RvUsa]

We are so screwed.

 

[auntie]

We are so screwed.

 

[loveDmouse]

We are so screwed.

You got that right!

 

[LONE-STAR]

 

[kc5grw]

This is probably the most effective "stimulus" that the government has implemented. It will have generated far more downstream effects than any of the other many billions that have been spent.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Borrowing money from my kids future so that people can get a good deal on a car ? that doesnt seem like a smart thing to me.

 

[keylime359]

Here is a thought, give that "clunker" to someone on welfare. Then they can get a job and take pride in doing something for themselves. It is win win they can get out to the workforce and we can have one less family to take care of

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I just know that those freaks in Washington sit around gett'n drunk on kool-aid with each other going,,"You know what would be funny ?
Let's do this !"
I'm sure they crack themselves up .

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I was pretty surprised to see that our 2003 Chevy Trailblazer was considered a "clunker." In my opinion, it isn't old enough to be a clunker. It must be like Auntie says and strictly have to do with gas mileage.

 

[LONE-STAR]

From what I saw it had to be between 1984 and a 2009 year model and get less then 18 mpg. So with this criteria you could buy a 2009 F-350 4x4 diesel ($50,000.00 truck) trade it in as a clunker get $4500.00 for it and watch them blow the motor. Not that any body would do that. It's just a shame to trash a good car.

 

[kc5grw]

Here are the rules for what the gov calls work trucks. You could only get $3500 for that 2009 F350.

What rules apply to new work trucks?

A work truck, which is called a category 3 truck under the CARS Act, is subject to special rules. Work trucks are not rated for fuel economy by the EPA. Thus, the eligibility of work trucks for the program does not depend on combined fuel economy. Instead, work trucks may only be traded in under the program if they were manufactured not later than model year 2001 and not earlier than 25 years before the date of the trade in. In addition, work trucks may only be traded in for the purchase of a category 2 truck or another category 3 truck that is of similar size or smaller than the traded-in vehicle. Finally, the Act provides only for a $3,500 credit for trading in a work truck.

The CARS Act limits the amount of funds that can be used to provide credits for purchases or leases of work trucks. Only 7.5 percent of the funds appropriated for the program may be used for credits for work trucks. Once that limit is reached, NHTSA will stop making payments for these transactions. NHTSA will keep the public informed as to the funds that remain available for these credits.

 

[LONE-STAR]

Thanks for clearing that up. My facts were not right that's what I get for watching the news. But it does make me think I should have told my boss to trade in my work van. I never thought it would apply to a commercial vehicle.

 

[kc5grw]

I didn't think it would apply to unrated vehicles (work trucks) either. Was actually surprised to see it on the C.A.R.S. website.

 

[des1954]

Don't hate me....but I am taking advantage of this program on Saturday. I have a 1997 (bought 8/15/96) Ford Explorer-Eddie Bauer, that has 167k miles on it. I'm trading it in on a 2009 Mercury Mariner, which is loaded with all the toys. After all the incentives, bonuses, and cash for clunkers, I'll pay about $23K. I also qualify for 60 months no interest financing -which Ford is offering on the 2009 model year only.

Unfortunately, even though my truck is priceless to me, it's of no value money-wise to a car lot (used or otherwise). I asked the dealer we're working with if there is any way they could sell the vehicle to an auction rather than kill it, and he said "no", because if they get caught doing that, there is a $15k fine to the dealer. So, apparantly they are really killing the klunkers.

Now, I said don't hate me....but I'm actually hating myself knowing what's going to happen to my faithful "Old Red"; and I've actually shed some tears over her demise. This truck has been a dream and is in mint condition. If I could afford to give it to someone, I would....believe me, I would; but I need the trade value to get the payment down to an amount I'm comfortable with. A friend at work told me not to feel too bad as "Old Red" will get recycled into a new vehicle & her spirit will live on. I only wish that were true because in the 13 years I've owned this truck, she has NEVER let me down. I pray the Mariner will be as good to me.

ETA: I work with a man who owns a '95 Taurus with over 200k miles & we were going to swap titles & I would take his car to trade in & give him my truck. We discovered the Taurus didn't qualify because of the gas mileage it gets. We were both disappointed. He really wanted my truck & I really wanted him to have it.

 

[RocklandRVers]

Here is a thought, give that "clunker" to someone on welfare. Then they can get a job and take pride in doing something for themselves. It is win win they can get out to the workforce and we can have one less family to take care of

I totally agree. I just happened to have my gas guzzling Dodge Durango in for service yesterday at my local Dodge dealer. Sure enough the back lot was full of clunkers marked with a big C on the windshieds. Some were very old but most seemed on the outside anyway to look to be in good shape. A couple of them were nice looking minivans that I would bet someone could invest a few dollars into and make it a decent family vehicle. Sadly the government never looks at the unintended consequences of these programs. In this case taking affordable cars out of the market for our kids and for the less fortunate among us. Sad!

 

[big kahuna1]

Don't hate me....but I am taking advantage of this program on Saturday. I have a 1997 (bought 8/15/96) Ford Explorer-Eddie Bauer, that has 167k miles on it. I'm trading it in on a 2009 Mercury Mariner, which is loaded with all the toys. After all the incentives, bonuses, and cash for clunkers, I'll pay about $23K. I also qualify for 60 months no interest financing -which Ford is offering on the 2009 model year only.

Unfortunately, even though my truck is priceless to me, it's of no value money-wise to a car lot (used or otherwise). I asked the dealer we're working with if there is any way they could sell the vehicle to an auction rather than kill it, and he said "no", because if they get caught doing that, there is a $15k fine to the dealer. So, apparantly they are really killing the klunkers.

Now, I said don't hate me....but I'm actually hating myself knowing what's going to happen to my faithful "Old Red"; and I've actually shed some tears over her demise. This truck has been a dream and is in mint condition. If I could afford to give it to someone, I would....believe me, I would; but I need the trade value to get the payment down to an amount I'm comfortable with. A friend at work told me not to feel too bad as "Old Red" will get recycled into a new vehicle & her spirit will live on. I only wish that were true because in the 13 years I've owned this truck, she has NEVER let me down. I pray the Mariner will be as good to me.

ETA: I work with a man who owns a '95 Taurus with over 200k miles & we were going to swap titles & I would take his car to trade in & give him my truck. We discovered the Taurus didn't qualify because of the gas mileage it gets. We were both disappointed. He really wanted my truck & I really wanted him to have it.

Once our Congress Critters passed this tax (we will be paying for it in some form of a tax) then you may as well participate. You will be paying for it anyway. I just do not think it should have ever passed but since it did...go for it.

Heck, my Son is taking advantage of the $8,000.00 cash for first home buyers. Same thought here. Since they passed it and we are paying for it (or will be) then may as well take advantage of it.

The problem is that this "Clunker" thing was sold as a benefit to the environment which is an entire crock of crapola with chocolate and sprinkles on it but hey....it feeeeels goooood.

 

[des1954]

I hear ya, Steve. I can honestly say I feel no remorse when it comes to the dealer getting guaranteed $$ for doing virtually nothing for it. The unfortunate part is that some of these so called "clunkers" could be resold, and a salesman would get a commission, thus adding back to the economy.

I have to view this from a practical point of view. I have always been in a high-tax bracket (which thankfully, is a sideways blessing) and therefore have paid more than my fair share of taxes. I look at this transaction as good as getting a check for $3500, but not having to pay anything back to the govt on that amount. I've been told that there is an additional tax incentive to those that take advantage of the cash for clunkers program, but I've not investigated it......yet.

It still pains me however, that my faithful truck will be destroyed. It's almost as bad as putting a pet to sleep. Well....not quite that bad, but close! My DH thinks I'm rediculous. He's right, you know!!