Just got this about the program. Thought I'd share for all of those who have discussed and followed this.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS: BBB SAYS KNOW THE FACTS FIRST
Avoid Scams and Learn the Facts Concerning the Car Allowance Rebate System

DuPont, WA — July 10, 2009 — Consumers are curious about the new government program that allows some old gas guzzlers to be traded in for a credit on a new fuel-efficient vehicle. Beware some information circulating is from con artists.

The real program is called the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). However, fraudsters are using catchy names and trying to lure consumers into identity theft schemes. Scams ask for personal information, like Social Security numbers to get a "voucher" or a name added to an application list—these don’t exist.

Get accurate information about CARS and find out if your vehicle qualifies from the U.S. Department of Transportation at www.cars.gov or 866-227-7891.

According to CARS.gov, the dealership applies for the program and must be registered to participate. The dealer is the one who gets reimbursed, not the consumer. If the gas guzzler meets the requirements, a credit amount of $3,500 or $4,500 is taken out of the purchase price of the new vehicle by the dealership. The credit amount generally depends on the type of vehicle purchased and the difference in fuel economy between the clunker and new vehicle.

Your Better Business Bureau suggests the following tips concerning CARS:
1) Avoid anyone who offers a money order, check or direct deposit for the rebate. Consumers can only benefit from CARS by getting the reimbursement amount reduced from the purchase price of the new vehicle.
2) Discover the current value of the clunker. If it exceeds $4,500, selling the clunker or a normal trade-in may be a more cost-effective route.
3) Know the scrap value of the clunker. When the dealership takes possession of the gas guzzler, it may be able to sell specified parts, but the majority of the vehicle must be destroyed. So consumers can negotiate the new vehicle price with the clunker but it will only be worth the scrap value to the dealership. Dealerships are required to give consumers a scrap value estimate.
4) According to CARS.gov, the program only works for purchasing or leasing new vehicles from a dealership; not used vehicles.
5) Transactions after July 1 are potentially eligible for credits, however CARS.gov suggests interested dealers and consumers wait until late July when the program will be fully implemented. The program runs until November 1 or when funds are exhausted.
6) Protect your personal information and understand contracts before signing. When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership get buying tips and a free BBB Reliability Report on the business at www.bbb.org.

Report related schemes at www.cars.gov and internet or e-mail based scams at www.ic3.gov.

 

I hope your not trying to say our cars are clunkers

 

haha some of them maybe. I have a z28 with a rusted frame sittin around... I wouldn't be surprised if an iron duke or v6 found it's way in there. Of course the ground effects and other things would be missing when I traded it in. As a matter of fact it would be as if all the good parts were traded in for bad. I wonder what the difference in mpg would be compared to a new fiesta?

 

Of course, the real downside to a program like this, it will reduce those spare parts cars that sit around. it'll make it harder to find in the future when parts get scarce. Its getting bad for dodge charger owners, but they can rely on repro parts, but the 3rd gen firebirds are not as popular, so it'll be harder for us.

 

If we ever want our cars to be in the same league as the 1st gens 30 years down the road, we need to start getting rid of them, and LOTS of them. Every camaro not on the road anymore makes mine worth that much more.

But please take the uncommon parts off of them first.

My .02$

 

OMG! Are you kidding me?!?

My Cam is not now, nor will she ever be, a clunker. I simply put this on for all of the people on here who have been discussing the issue and worrying about our cars.

 

Well,whatever you do, do not access the cash for clunkers website. If you do, your computer automatically becomes federal government property.

"Text of the Privacy Act & Security Statement at cars.gov:

“This application provides access to the DoT CARS system. When logged on to the CARS system, your computer is considered a Federal computer system and is the property of the U.S. Government. Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to authorized CARS, Dot, and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Vte_Eza72Os

 

My Camaro is a clunker but dammit, I can't turn it in since it's too old!

 

Because We Can!

 

The presidential limo would make a good clunker if it were a little older.