We're Taking the Government Up on Their Offer and Getting Money for Our Clunker!

We have a 1998 truck. We've let the air conditioning go and some of it is held together with rope. No matter what you think of this administration this incentive is brilliant. Cash for Clunkers, Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is part of the new Green Giant Government.

In the words of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

"In order to implement this new program, NHTSA has had to quickly create a new organization. NHTSA has established the Office of the Car Allowance Rebate System within the Office of Enforcement. The new office will consist of three divisions. The Transaction Oversight Division will work closely with the contractor NHTSA has retained to review incoming requests for payment from dealers to ensure that those requests are reviewed correctly and in a timely way. The Data Analysis and Reporting Division will review data generated in connection with the program to help ensure the system's efficiency and detect problems with the process or indications of potential compliance issues. That division will also produce reports on all aspects of the system. The Compliance Division will work to detect and deter possible noncompliance related to the program and coordinate closely with NHTSA's Office of Chief Counsel when possible violations are found. That division will also coordinate closely with the DOT's Office of Inspector General on issues related to possible fraud in connection with the program."

We looked up our truck to see if it was considered a clunker and it is! We can get $4500 toward a trade-in for a gas efficient car. The "rules" were given to care dealers and can be read here.

This Cash for Clunkers program goes a step further in stating that the clunker must be crushed so it can never be driven. Some parts of the vehicle can be sold. A clunker is defined as "an old or badly working piece of machinery". What is interesting is that the government has said that eligible clunkers must be "be in drivable condition" and "have been continuously insured." I don't really get that since it's doing to the dump anyway but the point is (so I do get it really) is the administration wants the clunker to be a car/truck that you drive. My husband drives it to work. It is safe enough to do so. If it were up on blocks or doesn't start it might not be eligible for this program.

We are very excited at getting rid of our clunker and getting a fuel efficient inexpensive car (The Honda Fit fills the bill.) thanks to President Obama. (Ok I love the guy and will give him credit for anything I deem good!)