Cash for Clunkers - Does it Work for You?

mikemartin

http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA66431731.PDF

nortsr1

How can you say that??? Chrysler is matching the $4500.00 CFC with a $45000.00 rebate....My son just bought a vehicle that had a $3000.00 rebate plus he got the $4500.00 CFC incentive. Maybe a few Honda dealers (I have read that some have done some gouging)...but almost all the rebates and incentives are STILL BEING HONORED!!!

paul007

"Better yet, let's have everything free!!!"

Is that you Barack?

british_rover

Chrysler did just announce they are no longer automatically matching the CFC rebates as they are running out of cars. Still they did wait till the beginning of the next month to do that and I always warn people incentives can go anywhere when a new month comes around. I haven't seen exactly what the new rebates from Chrysler will be yet but I doubt they will change all that much.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/report-chrysler-kills-cash-for-clunkers-incen- tives-after-runnin/

61seven

We too have a deal in place with a dealer, financing is done, insurance bought, all paperwork in order and STILL the dealer will not give up the unit-waiting for a control number! Our end of the deal is signed, I getting ready to make my first payment on the loan, have made the first installment on the insurance and stiill no new car! Lemons to Crestwood Doge :lemon:

chunglau

It's taxable income to the dealership, not the buyer.

94gs

The voucher is 'Taxable Gross Income' for dealers. The document does not apply to buyers.

stephen987

It is taxable income for the dealership--NOT for the customer.

jeffyscott

"What have you personally got to show for the $700 billion that was GIVEN to Wall Street types?"

The recovery of much of the losses in my stock and bond investments has amounted to quite a bit...about one year's income, I'd estimate. The financial bailouts might have had something to do with that.

OTOH, if I ask myself what have I personally got to show for the money spent on C4C, the answer is "absolutely nothing". Even if I had taken advantage of it, it would have meant effectively saving just $1000-2000 on a new vehicle.

accordhunter

I do notice the different attitude for some Toyota dealers. I have been shopping around for a new vehicle for the last whole month and was waiting for July 24 to purchase. The nearby Toyota salesmen's attitude had dramatic changes on that day and told me the "clunker" $3500 would be deducted from the MSRP for the sale price, and the maximum he can give me is another $1K from that (like a favor).

I end up with buying the same vehicle from another Toyota dealer 30 miles away.

patti11

@ I feel foolish to have participated and waiting each day for a call or watching TV to see if the additional funds were approved. I have my regrets now. I'm happy for you that you closed your deal!! Wishing you good luck and safe driving in your new car!

aviboy97

I purchased the new replacement car in NEW York but I reside in New Jersey State. The problem I saw was that the $4,5k C4C rebate was not immediately deducted from the sale price of the car before imposing the tax- (granted that the state should collect the taxes from C4C rebates).

The C4C rebate is not to be deducted from the sale price, but rather reflected on the down payment section or trade value section on your contract. You do not get a sales tax break when using the C4C rebate.

What the dealer did was - the C4C rebate $4,5k & the manufacturer incentive of $750 were added together with the new car price thus ballooning the sales tax I have to pay. Adding insult to injury, my $500 down was also included in the taxable items total! That dealership finance man is carnivorous!

Your dealer did as the law requires. You get sales tax on the entire sale price of the car. Not the price of the car after your money down, C4C rebate or any additional manufacturer rebates.

skilau

Hi all,
New member here.
I have seen a couple posts asking whether anyone has gotten their voucher approved by the Fed yet.

My official appoval just came in this morning about 9AM central.
My info was submitted about noon last Monday.

So effectively, it took about a week for mine to work its way through the system.

My clunker was a 98 Dodge Dakota - V6 Auto. 16MPG, 146K miles.

(Completely bald back tires, and a bad clunking noise from the engine or tranny... Without the program, I had definite repairs coming my way)

Going to a 2010 Toyota Camry V6.

Was going to pay cash, but Toyota has the 0% fianancing for 3 years going on here in MN, so I just couldn't resist going with it.

Thanks again for this web site, I have learned a lot since I found it about 2 weeks ago!
Scott

cyclone83

So wait, you're paying for your auto loan and auto insurance, but the dealer won't give you the car yet?? If they cashed the check, that's your car. I'd tell them to either give you the car, or they can pay the first month of the loan and you'll pay them back after the loan is paid in full. That's ridiculous!

oldfarmer50

Has anyone heard the latest internet rumor about the clunkers program? It seems that the papers you sign give the government total access to your computer.

The government can then look at all your files to make sure you aren't pulling anything funny with the program. Any attempt to interfere with their control of your computer will result in arrest.

I wonder if the government will then send spam to all your buddy lists? :confuse:

azbarber

I had a cash deal negotiated last week for a small, economical wagon. The price was good, and I was ready to buy. Since then, the price of the car has gone up twice. When I complain, all the dealer wants to talk about is my gas guzzler trade in.

I don't have a gas guzzler. Now I have to pay more for my car.

I think this is a stupid program, and I wish my tax dollars were not helping line the pockets of the dealership owner.

BTW, I did the math, and the otd cash price for my car last week was the same with my gas guzzling trade this week. Clearly, the dealers are loving this. They have droves of people falling all over themselves to buy, and they're making more mney. win/win for them. lose/lose for me.

Oh well, in another 6 months I'll be able to get another fantastic deal because the dealers will be starving,

british_rover

Oh god you aren't watching Glenn Beck are you?

There is some standard disclaimer that you are connected to a federal computer during the process and therefore you computer is part of the federal network and subject to those rules.

It only pops up when doing submissions for the CARS vouchers AFIK.

I saw someone post a link to the Youtube video but it was Glenn Beck and anything he says is highly suspect. I actually liked him about 10 years ago when he was just on the radio. He was a bit nutty but not impossible to listen to and I liked his personal story of overcoming drug addiction to get his career and life back on track.

zimbochick

This just gets better and better. More entertaining than watching a movie. I didn't realize I was on The Conspiracy Theorists Anonymous Forum :P

skilau

This is NOT on the consumer side.
This is ONLY on the the dealer side, when they log into the site from their computer to register deals they have made.

oldfarmer50

"...you aren't watching Glenn Beck are you..."

No, I saw this somewhere else. Well, if Beck says it's true I believe it....just as I believe everything Kieth Oberman says. They wouldn't lie, would they?

oldfarmer50

"...This just gets better and better..."

Shhhhhhhhh, the Men in Black are listening. :surprise:

prodrive

Well its all over for me.. It was a stupid good deal for me...

Here's my deal.. it was a home run.

2009 White Honda 4-Door Si $ 19,300 out the door
Honda Rate 2.9 % 24 Months
C4C- 1988 BMW 735i 185k $ 3,500

Total: $ 15,800

This was almost a unreal hand out, Why would anyone say no to free money.. It last one week I wonder why ?

TOMMY B

RALLY ON //////

british_rover

I take anything any of them say with a grain of salt but Beck seems to be the worst lately. Keep in mind I actually liked the guy on radio 10ish years ago but he changed drastically and not for the better.

And yes it is only on the dealer's side of the site for submissions.

oldfarmer50

I bought a new Chrysler at the end of June. Couldn't wait because the boss had to have a particular color...and wanted it NOW. I was worried that when the program started it would deplete the supply for the trim level and color she wanted.

Turns out I may have made the right choice. Chrysler says they are running out of inventory. If I had waited we probably wouldn't have been able to be so particular.

I figure I had to pay about $1000 more than if I waited to this month but as they say in the commercial: "A wife you doesn't give you the stink eye...Priceless!"

And besides, I get to drive my clunker until they renew the program next year.

rcm50

Two weeks ago my 1999 Dodge Caravan with a 3.0 liter engine and 4 spd auto had a combined mpg rating of 18, making it eligible for the CARS program (The 3 spd auto was not). Now mt 4 spd auto is 19 mpg, how did this recalculation occur? As even a tv commercial points out, it is unfair to change the rules after the game starts. The CARS program should NOT remove any vehicles from the list that were previously eligible.

Is there also a consideration that an older vehicle will have its mpg go down with age?

imidazol97

>just as I believe everything Kieth Oberman says.

Actually Rachael Maddax is much more trustworthy on the NBC/GE network. Totally impartial :P

agbllet

The subuaru dealer stated that my 95 Acura Legend Sedan GS was rated at 18 mgp. I looked at the sticker on the Subaru Outback 3.6 and the mpg ranged from 19 - 24. They would not consider the clunker concept. What methodology is used to determine a cars combined fuel economy? Thank you in advance for anyone's informed answer.

94gs

Use this link:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/CarsSearchIntro.shtml

2009 Subaru Outback Wagon (3 L, AUto, AWD), Category 1 Truck, MPG 20.

MPG Difference: 2

May qualify for: $3500

jeffyscott

It's based on 55% city driving and 45% highway. But the easier thing is to just go here and see if your proposed deal qualifies.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/CarsSearchIntro.shtml

94gs

2010 Subaru Outback Wagon (3.6 L, Auto S5, AWD)

Category 1 Truck

Combined MPG: 20

May qualify for: $3500

chunglau

Just talked to the finance guy at the local Nissan dealer where I purchased a car last week. He said they sold 150 C4C cars last weekend. Now they are virtually out of cars to sell. Their car lot does look empty. Next door at their used car lot, there are lines of clunkers getting ready to be disabled today. Roughly half are minivans, and maybe an equal number of SUV's and trucks. Very few sedans.

The finance guy told me that the Toyota dealer close by sold 250 C4C deals over the weekend also. That is a larger dealership, I guess, with more cars available to sell.

kathyc2

LOL--- good analogy!

Seems Congress was up in arms over credit card companies changing rates, yet the government can change mileage rates. :P

southall

The subject of this thread is "Does it work for you", but there seems to be a much broader discussion going on.

When Hyundai announced it would begin making C4C trades prior to the final rule, I decided to buy a Hyundai. After test driving several models, I shopped online for the Hyundai I wanted and negotiated a price using email and a phone call. I drove my clunker to the dealer, signed the paperwork, paid the balance with my VISA card, and drove my new car home a couple of hours later. That was on July 11th and we have enjoyed driving our new Hyundai since then. I did have to sign another document after the final rule, but that was no problem, I did it from home.

So, yes, It worked for me. I am still waiting for the new title, but I guess the DMV offices are backlogged too. That's just paperwork. I hope everyone can have the good experience we had with our C4C.

The $4500 I got from the C4C program represents a little less than half of the federal tax I paid last year. So I am glad to get some of my tax money back, for once. It seems to me that this program is not for low income families, who can't afford new cars, and its not for the upper income families that want high end autos. It is for us middle income families that pay taxes year after year. When I hear our political leaders (mostly Republican) complain that this program is a burden on taxpayers, I wonder which taxpayers they are talking about. (their wealthy constituents?) I am a taxpayer, and this program was definitely a benefit to me. I hope the senate votes to extend and broaden the program so other taxpayers can participate.

mitchflorida

Last I heard, it was Sen. Diane Feinstein of California, a liberal Democrat, who is trying to torpedo the extension of the program. I think this pretty much has bi-partisan support, though there are always those on the far left or far right who will oppose it.

freeyellow2000

Here my beef. I have a 98 Ford Windstar with 3.0L engine (4sp) that is not Eligible for Cash for Clunkers Trade-In Vehicle Program. Yet the year before (97) and the year after (99) which is the same engine size (3.0L) are eligible. The same engine was used in the Ford Ranger in the same model year and they are eligible for the program. Both cars are classified as "Category 1 Truck" What is so special with 98 model year? I called the TF and asked if this was a omission and they CSR says someone will get back to me. (that hasn't happened yet)

Is there anyone out there at has the same 98 Ford Windstar with 3.0L in the same boat as I am

Ford_Vulcan_engine Details
According to Cars Fuel Economy, the 98 Windstar is rated at 19MPG, 1 gallon more than the allowed 18mpg to qualify for the program.
CARS, Does my trade-in qualify?

I would love to trade it in for 2010 Corolla

Cash for Clunkers Eligible Trade-In Vehicle List

1990 Ford Ranger 2.9L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1991 Ford Ranger 2.9L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1992 Ford Ranger 2.9L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1993 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1995 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1996 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1997 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1997 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
1998 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1998 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
1999 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 6cyl 5A 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 6cyl 5A RWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5A RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5A RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Ford Ranger 4.0L 6cyl 5A 4WD Category 1 Truck
2003 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2004 Ford Ranger 3.0L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck

1995 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1996 Ford Windstar 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1996 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1997 Ford Windstar 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1997 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1998 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1999 Ford Windstar 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1999 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Ford Windstar 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2003 Ford Windstar 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1995 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1996 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1997 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
1999 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.0L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2003 Ford Windstar Cargo 3.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck'

christine118

Hi, does anybody know for NYS, should I be paying state tax on the amount before or after the $4500 credit? Thanks.

cyclone83

Send an email to the EPA to get clarification. If you can give me your email address (generally not a good idea to post your email on a public forum, maybe create a new account for this), I can probably give you some contact information for someone in the EPA

zimbochick

In NY the $4500 is deducted AFTER you pay sales tax.

link title

oldfarmer50

"...for NYS, should I be paying state tax on the amount before or after the $4500 credit?..."

Come on, you live in NYS. Do you expect them to give you a break? Of course they tax EVERYTHING, credits, rebates, all of it. They would tax the eyeballs right out of your head if they could.

How else are they going to finance the circus in Albany.

Just leave all your money in a brown paper bag on the porch. They'll come get it. :mad:

christine118

Thanks, zimbochick!

Yeah, I figured that'd be the answer but just wanted to check. Don't expect much living here!

freeyellow2000

Cyclone83,

Would you kindly email your contact in the EPA and reply with there answer or post contact info?

Sn @ yho * c*m

fslaugts

Does C4C work for me? No, I wish it did. I have a beat up 1994 camaro 6 cylinder that does not qualify. It's my daughter car for school but I am the owner. I am mad. I wanted to buy a new car, now I will have to wait because I read how the dealer's are all doing great and have no reason to deal. I really wanted a Honda Fit. I hope the C4C is not extended. Maybe then Inventory will go back up.

cyclone83

I sent an email to my contact in the EPA...I'm not sure how long it will take her to respond, but it's a specific person (a manager in some group) rather than a generic email address, so hopefully not too long!

onlygerman

Our dealer refused to provide/offer the scrap value of our 2000 Land Rover w/ new tires...I know about the $50 fee they are entitled to, but how can this be legal, and what can I do? The terms of this program do not give specifics on scrap value rights.

isellhondas

Feinstein a liberal Democrat?? Ya think?

Only Boxer is more liveral than Dianne!

isellhondas

What can I do?

Don't use it as a C4C trade!

Seriously, there are costs to the dealer not to mention the HEADACHES of getting rid of your Rover.

Maybe you can find some tires at a junkyard and sell your old (new) ones on Craigslist or something?

joel0622

We are rockin and rollin with the C4C, I have not been this buried in paperwork for years. Like some others have said our biggest concern now is inventory, that and extending the program.

An average Fri-Sun in current times for us is about 20 units. We have did 40+ this weekend

ktran5

cyclone83,

I have a 93 Toyota camry XLE V6 automatic. This and the V6 manual have the same city/highway mpg, but the combined for the automatic is 19mpg and combined for manual is 18mpg. Can you please ask her about that as well?
Thank you very much.

I actually traded in my clunker on 7/11 and drove home the new Prius the same day. However, I was called back on 7/25 to sign the new documents released on 7/24. Then on 7/26, I realized my clunker no longer qualifies. The new rule would make my initial contract qualify for the clunker trade, but not the 7/25 contract. The dealer doesn't know about it, or at least hasn't contacted me yet. Today, I receive a notice from the towing company saying they will put my car up for sale to satisfy the towing cost & storage cost. I did not sign any addendum when I purchased the Prius. Not sure what is going on. I called the dealer but no one is picking up the phone. I signed over the title to the dealer. Am I in the clear now?

mitchflorida

My sister works as a Finance Manager for a Ford Chrysler dealer and says it is very busy there, lots of sales. But that the people trading in these old clunkers are very cheap and buy mainly the most low-end vehicles, and also very cheap in terms of buying a maintenance plan, extended warranty, and, Lo-Jack etc. You would think that when people are saving so much money on a new car , they wouldn't be so cheap.

She will be happy when c4C is over and she gets her "normal" customers.

mudhousehold

It's sad that your sister and you label people "cheap" simply because they do not want to spend their money on products and services that they do not want.