C.A.R.S. (or Cash for Clunkers) News
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From: Elgin, IL
C.A.R.S. (or Cash for Clunkers) News
So I'm waiting patiently for the Car Allowance Rebate System (commonly referred to as Cash for Clunkers) to have the details hammered out so I can pick up my 2009 Honda Fit Sport Automatic in Revolution Orange Metallic. I have all my paperwork (including a blank check ready to be signed over for the new car) in order and as soon as I get a call from the Internet Director of the dealership I'm working with (probably not until next week, realistically) I will be the proud new owner of a 2009 fit. I signed up for Twitter alerts on the progress of the program. If anyone is wants to stay as "on top" of this program as I do, you can check the following website for new info:
Cash for Clunkers | Cash for Cars NHTSA Program | Dealer Directory
If you want to follow them on Twitter, here is their Twitter site:
Cash For Clunkers (cashclunkers) on Twitter
Hope this helps and good luck to all that are wanting to take advantage of this program!
Warner
Cash for Clunkers | Cash for Cars NHTSA Program | Dealer Directory
If you want to follow them on Twitter, here is their Twitter site:
Cash For Clunkers (cashclunkers) on Twitter
Hope this helps and good luck to all that are wanting to take advantage of this program!
Warner
New Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
From: Vegas
Waiting paitiently for the finalized RTM info to be available to the dealer as well. The only thing missing is a manual sport. I'm actually fine with the Auto-box since this will end up as my commuter, I'd just like to keep an manual in the corral.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 837
From: Atlanta, GA
Barring surprises, I'm picking up a Tidewater Blue Sport AT (I like the paddle shifters; my wife eats clutches) next Tuesday. By then, I hope they have the CARS kinks worked out. Right now, I'm getting all my documentation ducks in a row.
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Elgin, IL
Also, do yourself a favor and LOOK at the rules. If I'm reading it correctly (and I believe that I AM), the dealer not only has to TELL you what the scrap value of your trade in is, but anything over $50 in scrap value should go to YOU. So theoretically if your "clunker" has a scrap value of $300, you should get $250 of it (probably deducted from the purchase price of your new vehicle). I don't know if this will simply turn into a game of the dealer saying EVERY vehicle has a scrap value of $50 though....I guess we'll see.
Warner
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 127
From: Elgin, IL
Ps
PS - On page 48 of the rules it states that cars with liens on them (aka - you still owe money on the car) can NOT be traded in under this program. You would have to pay off the "clunker" and present the dealer with a clear title. Good to know!
Warner
Warner
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 107
From: Philly?
Officially? Yeah. But it's unlikely that your dealer will be registered by today. My goal is for sometime next week on my new Fit.
Also, do yourself a favor and LOOK at the rules. If I'm reading it correctly (and I believe that I AM), the dealer not only has to TELL you what the scrap value of your trade in is, but anything over $50 in scrap value should go to YOU. So theoretically if your "clunker" has a scrap value of $300, you should get $250 of it (probably deducted from the purchase price of your new vehicle). I don't know if this will simply turn into a game of the dealer saying EVERY vehicle has a scrap value of $50 though....I guess we'll see.
Warner
Also, do yourself a favor and LOOK at the rules. If I'm reading it correctly (and I believe that I AM), the dealer not only has to TELL you what the scrap value of your trade in is, but anything over $50 in scrap value should go to YOU. So theoretically if your "clunker" has a scrap value of $300, you should get $250 of it (probably deducted from the purchase price of your new vehicle). I don't know if this will simply turn into a game of the dealer saying EVERY vehicle has a scrap value of $50 though....I guess we'll see.
Warner
i hope i can walk out today with a FIT
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Elgin, IL
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/othe...es-posted.html
Warner
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 107
From: Philly?
Good Luck! Let us know how it goes. CALL your dealer first to make sure they were able to register....there have been complaints about the system being overloaded. I started a new thread (in a more appropriate forum) about the CARS program if you're interested. Here is the link:
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/othe...es-posted.html
Warner
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/othe...es-posted.html
Warner
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 127
From: Elgin, IL
As you drive your new Fit home, that's the only thing that will matter anymore.Warner
Someone that spends her life on FitFreak.net
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,448
From: West Coast, USA
Top Ten Trade-ins
Hope it's OK to bump this thread up with more news stories. Thought this would be a good place to post news as things are found that might be of continuing interest.
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Top Ten models being checked for trade-in eligibility on Autobytel:
Autobytel.com, one of the pioneers in online auto shopping, is finding that all but one of the top 10 models being checked out on its Web site by consumers for its eligibility for "Cash for Clunkers" is a truck. It says the list of models by popularity ranks like this:
1. Ford F-Series
2. Ford Explorer
3. Chevrolet C/K/Silverado
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
5. Dodge Ram
6. Chevrolet Blazer
7. Jeep Cherokee
8. Dodge Grand Caravan (minivan)
9. Dodge Dakota
10. Ford Ranger
And one dealer's real-time trade-ins:
One dealership, Paragon Honda and Acura in Woodside, N.Y., has been taking a closer look at the 33 clunker deals it has handled so far. It finds that the average mpg for clunkers trade ins is 16, and the average mpg of the new cars that are being bought is 27. About 70% of the trade-ins are vehicles built by Detroit's Big 3 and 75% were SUVs, pickups or minivans.
What clunkers are being traded in? Lots of U.S.-made SUVs and trucks - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com
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Dealers ARE worried about the funds:
Car dealers on Wednesday began expressing concern that the government's "cash for clunkers" incentive program could run out of money as soon as the end of August due to strong initial response from consumers.
"It's important for customers to act because we don't know when the curtain is going to fall on this thing," said John McEleney, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association.
And at least someone in the political field is already encouraging more funding:
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R., Mich.) wrote to fellow members of the House of Representatives urging them to expand funding for the program.
That's a lot of cars:
Rae Tyson, a spokesman at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which runs the program, said dealers will get "plenty of warning" when the funds are running low. As of Wednesday the agency said it received 22,782 rebate requests totaling $95.9 million, not including administrative costs. Mr. Tyson wouldn't comment on whether the money will last until Nov. 1.
'Clunker' Sales Raise Worry - WSJ.com
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Be careful, there is no need to give anyone any information online for the CARS program:
A new scam encouraging car owners to register for the federal government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program is growing in Texas, according to a news release from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
According to the release, some of the Web sites request visitors preregister for the rebates by filling out an online credit application or providing personal information.
Cash for Clunkers scam reported : Local : gosanangelo.com
-------
Edmunds looks into the EPA changes and important info on the sales tax for California residents:
Auto website Edmunds.com, which posted an alert on the new fuel economy ratings Monday, called on the government to clear up the confusion.
“Consumers acting in good faith should not be penalized for undisclosed and last-minute changes made by the government,” said Kevin Smith, Edmunds.com editorial director.
Buyers are also complaining that some dealers are charging state sales tax on the full sale price of the new vehicle. As we wrote about in a previous post, California authorities have ruled that state and local sales taxes should be applied after the rebate has been deducted.
(For more information, see the state Board of Equalization news release or call the state Tax Service Center at [800] 400-7115.)
Questions about clunkers | Up to Speed | Los Angeles Times
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As always, there is plenty more to read at each link.
Anyone else have stories to post? Things about your own state taxes and how they work on the voucher/rebate would be good. And if there are the same or similar news stories posted in other thread or section, please cross-link.
I don't know about anyone else, but I get really confused when I remember the topic, but not what SECTION I saw it in, especially if I read it, but didn't post to it. And non-members don't have ANY subscribed threads, so they get just as lost.
------
Top Ten models being checked for trade-in eligibility on Autobytel:
Autobytel.com, one of the pioneers in online auto shopping, is finding that all but one of the top 10 models being checked out on its Web site by consumers for its eligibility for "Cash for Clunkers" is a truck. It says the list of models by popularity ranks like this:
1. Ford F-Series
2. Ford Explorer
3. Chevrolet C/K/Silverado
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
5. Dodge Ram
6. Chevrolet Blazer
7. Jeep Cherokee
8. Dodge Grand Caravan (minivan)
9. Dodge Dakota
10. Ford Ranger
And one dealer's real-time trade-ins:
One dealership, Paragon Honda and Acura in Woodside, N.Y., has been taking a closer look at the 33 clunker deals it has handled so far. It finds that the average mpg for clunkers trade ins is 16, and the average mpg of the new cars that are being bought is 27. About 70% of the trade-ins are vehicles built by Detroit's Big 3 and 75% were SUVs, pickups or minivans.
What clunkers are being traded in? Lots of U.S.-made SUVs and trucks - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com
-------
Dealers ARE worried about the funds:
Car dealers on Wednesday began expressing concern that the government's "cash for clunkers" incentive program could run out of money as soon as the end of August due to strong initial response from consumers.
"It's important for customers to act because we don't know when the curtain is going to fall on this thing," said John McEleney, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association.
And at least someone in the political field is already encouraging more funding:
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R., Mich.) wrote to fellow members of the House of Representatives urging them to expand funding for the program.
That's a lot of cars:
Rae Tyson, a spokesman at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which runs the program, said dealers will get "plenty of warning" when the funds are running low. As of Wednesday the agency said it received 22,782 rebate requests totaling $95.9 million, not including administrative costs. Mr. Tyson wouldn't comment on whether the money will last until Nov. 1.
'Clunker' Sales Raise Worry - WSJ.com
------
Be careful, there is no need to give anyone any information online for the CARS program:
A new scam encouraging car owners to register for the federal government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program is growing in Texas, according to a news release from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
According to the release, some of the Web sites request visitors preregister for the rebates by filling out an online credit application or providing personal information.
Cash for Clunkers scam reported : Local : gosanangelo.com
-------
Edmunds looks into the EPA changes and important info on the sales tax for California residents:
Auto website Edmunds.com, which posted an alert on the new fuel economy ratings Monday, called on the government to clear up the confusion.
“Consumers acting in good faith should not be penalized for undisclosed and last-minute changes made by the government,” said Kevin Smith, Edmunds.com editorial director.
Buyers are also complaining that some dealers are charging state sales tax on the full sale price of the new vehicle. As we wrote about in a previous post, California authorities have ruled that state and local sales taxes should be applied after the rebate has been deducted.
(For more information, see the state Board of Equalization news release or call the state Tax Service Center at [800] 400-7115.)
Questions about clunkers | Up to Speed | Los Angeles Times
-------
As always, there is plenty more to read at each link.
Anyone else have stories to post? Things about your own state taxes and how they work on the voucher/rebate would be good. And if there are the same or similar news stories posted in other thread or section, please cross-link.
I don't know about anyone else, but I get really confused when I remember the topic, but not what SECTION I saw it in, especially if I read it, but didn't post to it. And non-members don't have ANY subscribed threads, so they get just as lost.
Last edited by TaffetaWhite; Jul 30, 2009 at 09:27 AM.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 127
From: Elgin, IL
Good info, TW....it'll be interesting to see the final figures on what was traded in and what was purchased. It will be equally (if not MORE) interesting to see how quickly the funding dries up and how many horror stories come out of this program...
Warner
Warner
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 837
From: Atlanta, GA
I might have had a different reaction had I been on the short end of the stick, but I'm not sure that I agree with Edmunds. The CARS site had warnings all over it for the past month that the program would not be finalized until July 24 -- which is when the ratings changed for about 160 cars, with some going up, some down. Now, if they had changed the ratings after July 24, I would agree that there is a problem.
If there is a CARS II, I hope that Congress will be able to get their act together enough to simplify the rules. I'm fine with the requiements that a vehicle be operational and insured for a year, and with the scrapping of the old vehicle -- including destroying the engine, as these seem reasonable requirements to discourage fraud. However, a sliding scale based on the difference in MPG between the clunker and the new car would be far more effective, as well as easier to understand. However, a change in the law before the money runs out doesn't seem like a realistic expectation, so I suspect that CARS II, if it comes to pass, will just appropriate another billion.
If there is a CARS II, I hope that Congress will be able to get their act together enough to simplify the rules. I'm fine with the requiements that a vehicle be operational and insured for a year, and with the scrapping of the old vehicle -- including destroying the engine, as these seem reasonable requirements to discourage fraud. However, a sliding scale based on the difference in MPG between the clunker and the new car would be far more effective, as well as easier to understand. However, a change in the law before the money runs out doesn't seem like a realistic expectation, so I suspect that CARS II, if it comes to pass, will just appropriate another billion.
Someone that spends her life on FitFreak.net
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,448
From: West Coast, USA
May be exhausted already...
DETROIT -- The head of the National Auto Dealers Association said on Thursday that he believes most of the $1 billion set aside for "cash for clunkers" incentives has already been used up, due to the surge in new-car sales in the first days of the program.
"We feel that we're much closer to exhausting that $1 billion than anyone thought," NADA President John McEleny said in a telephone interview. "We're not telling dealers what we should or shouldn't do but that we think the billion might be close to exhausted if not exhausted already."
And there's a very good reason why dealers are putting a hold on deals...
Adam Lee, owner of Lee Auto Group in southern Maine, has stopped accepting clunkers at four of his dealerships because he's afraid the government funds will run out. Mr. Lee says his group has accepted 100 clunker trades, and is owed $450,000 from the government, none of which had been disbursed.
Whole article:
'Cash for Clunkers' Program Blasts Through Funds - WSJ.com
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That surge of business isn't just for the new cars:
Some Indiana junkyard owners are experiencing a hike in activity as a result of the government's new Cash for Clunkers program, which requires car dealers to destroy the gas-guzzlers they get as trade-ins.
Frankfort-based Crossroads Auto Recycling has been busy fielding calls from local dealers looking to partner with them. Crossroads partner Scott Geiger says he has received 50 inquiries in the last few days.
Indy's News Center - 93.1 WIBC Indianapolis - Live. Local. First.
DETROIT -- The head of the National Auto Dealers Association said on Thursday that he believes most of the $1 billion set aside for "cash for clunkers" incentives has already been used up, due to the surge in new-car sales in the first days of the program.
"We feel that we're much closer to exhausting that $1 billion than anyone thought," NADA President John McEleny said in a telephone interview. "We're not telling dealers what we should or shouldn't do but that we think the billion might be close to exhausted if not exhausted already."
And there's a very good reason why dealers are putting a hold on deals...
Adam Lee, owner of Lee Auto Group in southern Maine, has stopped accepting clunkers at four of his dealerships because he's afraid the government funds will run out. Mr. Lee says his group has accepted 100 clunker trades, and is owed $450,000 from the government, none of which had been disbursed.
Whole article:
'Cash for Clunkers' Program Blasts Through Funds - WSJ.com
-------
That surge of business isn't just for the new cars:
Some Indiana junkyard owners are experiencing a hike in activity as a result of the government's new Cash for Clunkers program, which requires car dealers to destroy the gas-guzzlers they get as trade-ins.
Frankfort-based Crossroads Auto Recycling has been busy fielding calls from local dealers looking to partner with them. Crossroads partner Scott Geiger says he has received 50 inquiries in the last few days.
Indy's News Center - 93.1 WIBC Indianapolis - Live. Local. First.
Someone that spends her life on FitFreak.net
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,448
From: West Coast, USA
I might have had a different reaction had I been on the short end of the stick, but I'm not sure that I agree with Edmunds. The CARS site had warnings all over it for the past month that the program would not be finalized until July 24 -- which is when the ratings changed for about 160 cars, with some going up, some down. Now, if they had changed the ratings after July 24, I would agree that there is a problem.
If there is a CARS II, I hope that Congress will be able to get their act together enough to simplify the rules. I'm fine with the requiements that a vehicle be operational and insured for a year, and with the scrapping of the old vehicle -- including destroying the engine, as these seem reasonable requirements to discourage fraud. However, a sliding scale based on the difference in MPG between the clunker and the new car would be far more effective, as well as easier to understand. However, a change in the law before the money runs out doesn't seem like a realistic expectation, so I suspect that CARS II, if it comes to pass, will just appropriate another billion.
If there is a CARS II, I hope that Congress will be able to get their act together enough to simplify the rules. I'm fine with the requiements that a vehicle be operational and insured for a year, and with the scrapping of the old vehicle -- including destroying the engine, as these seem reasonable requirements to discourage fraud. However, a sliding scale based on the difference in MPG between the clunker and the new car would be far more effective, as well as easier to understand. However, a change in the law before the money runs out doesn't seem like a realistic expectation, so I suspect that CARS II, if it comes to pass, will just appropriate another billion.
I, too, tried to think of a better way of allotting the funds. Like a basic amount of maybe $2,500. Each additional amount of maybe 500 is added on for lower mpg cars traded in, higher mpg vehicles purchased, and one for the pollution (getting highly polluting vehicles off the road).
Most of that provides incentives for people to get rid of the worst cars, and for manufacturers to focus more on the best cars. (best/worst being about mpg and pollution)
But the more complex it becomes, the harder it becomes for everyone involved. It would not generate the same "gold rush" for new cars.
I'd looked into the California scrap program for my old car, and their rules made my car ineligible (my car broke down and I wasn't putting any more money into fixing it to drive it to get more in junk money). I looked at the new buy incentive in California and 2010 models have to get 42 mpg or better. The new Honda Insight doesn't qualify.
Texas has requirements for income. Which means only those with the least can qualify. But it's really darn hard to qualify for financing and to afford a newer car on a smaller budget. There aren't enough ultra-low cost vehicles to provide an incentive on their own for those without a lot less cash or people new to credit.
New Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
From: SoCal
C.A.R.S. funds exhausted??
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Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 127
From: Elgin, IL
Warner