If you're driving a gas guzzler and have been thinking about retiring it and upgrading to a later model, you may have your eyes on the "Cash For Clunkers" program. This new piece of legislation was drafted by the federal government in order to improve the environment. By encouraging motorists who drive older, fuel-inefficient vehicles, the government hopes to upgrade the cars, trucks, and SUVs on our nation's roads.
A lot of people are thinking about taking advantage of this law to purchase a new vehicle. However, it may not be as flexible as many drivers believe. Below, we'll take a look at the program's specifics and discuss whether the program will truly help you buy a new car. I'll also provide a few tips for getting the most value from the legislation.
Specifics Of The Plan
Under the "Cash For Clunkers" deal, motorists can trade in their gas guzzlers and receive a predefined value that goes toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient model. There are several standards that must be met prior to receiving that trade-in value. First, the deal only applies to vehicles that were built after 1983 and get 18 miles per gallon or less. To clarify, this is not technically a refund or rebate. Instead, it is merely a guaranteed trade-in voucher.
Drivers will receive a voucher worth either $3,500 or $4,500. The amount depends on the type of vehicle they're driving and how fuel-efficient the new model is. For example, an increase of ten miles per gallon is required for cars in order to receive the full $4,500. An increase of four to nine miles per gallon will receive $3,500. Light trucks, vans, SUVs, and work trucks each have different standards that must be met.
Will It Help You Buy A Car?
While the "Cash For Clunkers" law seems like a boon for motorists, it is unlikely to help most people. If you are driving an older vehicle that gets less than 18 miles per gallon, there is probably a compelling reason. For example, you may want to avoid absorbing a hefty monthly payment. Or, you might enjoy the flexibility of performing minor repairs and replacing parts yourself, when necessary. In either case, you may not be a good candidate for buying a new vehicle.
A Few Tips For Navigating The Program
To be sure, the "Cash For Clunkers" legislation will help more than a few drivers upgrade their cars. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, it's important that you are aware of your mileage. A lot of cars and trucks with smaller engines will not qualify. And if your car does, you should know whether you're eligible for the full $4,500. Second, be aware of the trade-in value. If you can trade in your SUV for a dollar value that is higher than the $4,500 voucher, you'll be better off doing so. Third, understand how the program works. Your vehicle must be drivable and insured for a full year in order to qualify.
The "Cash For Clunkers" law creates an attractive buying opportunity for some motorists. For most people, however, it will be more sensible (and less expensive) to keep their cars and replace parts, when necessary.
A lot of people are thinking about taking advantage of this law to purchase a new vehicle. However, it may not be as flexible as many drivers believe. Below, we'll take a look at the program's specifics and discuss whether the program will truly help you buy a new car. I'll also provide a few tips for getting the most value from the legislation.
Specifics Of The Plan
Under the "Cash For Clunkers" deal, motorists can trade in their gas guzzlers and receive a predefined value that goes toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient model. There are several standards that must be met prior to receiving that trade-in value. First, the deal only applies to vehicles that were built after 1983 and get 18 miles per gallon or less. To clarify, this is not technically a refund or rebate. Instead, it is merely a guaranteed trade-in voucher.
Drivers will receive a voucher worth either $3,500 or $4,500. The amount depends on the type of vehicle they're driving and how fuel-efficient the new model is. For example, an increase of ten miles per gallon is required for cars in order to receive the full $4,500. An increase of four to nine miles per gallon will receive $3,500. Light trucks, vans, SUVs, and work trucks each have different standards that must be met.
Will It Help You Buy A Car?
While the "Cash For Clunkers" law seems like a boon for motorists, it is unlikely to help most people. If you are driving an older vehicle that gets less than 18 miles per gallon, there is probably a compelling reason. For example, you may want to avoid absorbing a hefty monthly payment. Or, you might enjoy the flexibility of performing minor repairs and replacing parts yourself, when necessary. In either case, you may not be a good candidate for buying a new vehicle.
A Few Tips For Navigating The Program
To be sure, the "Cash For Clunkers" legislation will help more than a few drivers upgrade their cars. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, it's important that you are aware of your mileage. A lot of cars and trucks with smaller engines will not qualify. And if your car does, you should know whether you're eligible for the full $4,500. Second, be aware of the trade-in value. If you can trade in your SUV for a dollar value that is higher than the $4,500 voucher, you'll be better off doing so. Third, understand how the program works. Your vehicle must be drivable and insured for a full year in order to qualify.
The "Cash For Clunkers" law creates an attractive buying opportunity for some motorists. For most people, however, it will be more sensible (and less expensive) to keep their cars and replace parts, when necessary.
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