We’ve received countless requests for more info about the federal government’s Cash for Clunkers program. Now that it’s been signed into law, we can give you all of the gritty details to help determine if your older car qualifies for a $3,500 or $4,500 credit when buying a new car.
First off, your old clunker must have an EPA combined mileage rating of 18 mpg or less and be a 1984 car or newer. To verify mileage ratings, check the EPA’s official numbers at FuelEconomy.gov. Don’t rely on your car’s original window sticker because the EPA changed the way it rates mileage in 2008; your car’s mileage may be rated lower than when it was originally released.
The old car also has to be in running condition as well as registered and insured by the same owner for at least a year; no plucking junkers from fields.
Once you’ve figured out if your old car qualifies, you’ll have to find a new car — and only a new car — that costs less than $45,000, gets a combined mileage of at least 22 mpg and has at least a 4 mpg improvement over your old car’s combined mileage for a $3,500 credit.
For the $4,500 credit, a new car has to see a 10 mpg improvement in combined mileage over the old car. You’d get a $4,500 credit if you go from a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria (18 mpg combined) to a 2009 Ford Focus (28 mpg combined with manual). Take note, Cash for Clunkers is applicable to domestic or foreign cars as long as they meet the other requirements.
The clunkers that are turned in will be crushed or shredded. Cash for Clunkers will be in effect between July 1 and Nov. 1.
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I have a 14 year old chevy that amazingly also doesn't qualify for this program. Would gladly trade it for a vehichle getting 10+ miles per gallon better, but because EPA shows it gets 20mpg no dice. Give all the money to people with the big gas hogs and don't care for those on the fringe who could use the program to better advantage.
My car qualified and went through the whole process only to find out that my credit score wasn't high enough. With all the layoffs and such, not sure who helpful this will be.
My 1984 Lincoln Mark VII that is rated at 18 MPG was turned down by 6 dealers.
After that many turn aways I stopped trying.
Reasons were:
1. Will only take 1985 or higher.
2. Based on manufacturer date on door jam. Mine said Feruary 1984 so one dealer said I missed it by 3 months.
W
We have a 1976 buick lesaber that eats gas like you would not believe, dosen't qualify for this program. We have been trying to save money to get a smaller car but something always happens that we have to spend it. We are low income family and I am disabled, not able to work and between what my disability income and what my husband makes we barely make ends meet. This program would have been great for us but as it goes are car don,t qualify. It would have been great considering how much we spend in gas to run our gas hog!
What annoys me the most is every site about clunkers says 1984 or newer.
I was turned down by numerous dealers.
They all said my 1984 Lincoln did not qualify because it was too old.
Wish people would stop saying 1984 or newer.
Its just not true!!!
We have a 1990 Jeep Chero, but don't qualify, EPA says the Jeep gets 19MPG's We wonder, who's.
I tried to get a new HHR and trade my 2004 Ford Taurus SES. It get 17 mpg and the HHR get 22-24 it still does not qualify. Who are they trying to help. The big gas hogs and get rid of the high payments. They need to fix the program where they help the middle working class of people.
I want to get rid of my 1999 B2500 dodge ram. The only way I could get was to buy a like vehcile because mine was classified as a work truck. I need to get out of the truck business but I guess Ill have to wait till I can afford one
Who are they kidding? What has credit have to do with this program,,,,If your credit score is not high enough who cares. It is suppose to be an advantage to help people out. The only ones who will have the advantage are the people who already have money. As usual everything is designed for the rich. The poor are always left out in the rain.
All the whiners here about how their car didn't qualify, why isn't anyone asking the real question? Why is the government suddenly in the business of purchasing used cars at way over value? It is just another tax on those of us who pay taxes, to provide a service to whiners who don't.
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ive had the same car for the last 7 years its a 1978 lincoln continental and i could not believe it did not qualify its a monster of a gas guzzler all i wanted was a littl car not an expensive hummer