Sunday, July 26, 2009

'Cash for clunkers' gets on the road

LATimes

Clunkermania officially begins today.

The federal government finally released the rules that dealers and their customers have to follow to participate in the much-discussed "cash for clunkers" program, which can provide consumers with up to $4,500 in cash when they trade in an older vehicle and buy a newer, more fuel-efficient model from a participating dealer.

Here are some questions and answers about the program.

Q: How do I know if my trade-in vehicle is eligible for the program?

A: It must have been manufactured in 1984 or later, and have a combined city/highway fuel economy rated at 18 miles per gallon or less. The program is advantageous only if the trade-in value is less than the minimum $3,500 offered by the government.

Q: Can the credit be applied to any new vehicle?

A: All imports and domestics with a list price under $45,000 are eligible, as long as they meet fuel economy standards of at least 22 mpg for cars or 18 mpgfor SUVs, small pick-ups and minivans, and 15 mpg. for large vans and trucks. The new vehicle must exceed the trade-in by at least 4 mpg for cars, 2 mpgfor SUVs and 1 mpg for large trucks to qualify for the $3,500 rebate. The full $4,500 rebate kicks in at an increase of 10 mpg, 5 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively.

Much more.

Neither of my old rigs qualify. My '76 Chevy Van is too old, and my '92 Dakota is worth too much money. Oh, well...

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