Have you tried to get cash for your clunker?

The newly approved federal "Cash for Clunkers" program promises vouchers of up to $4,500 for people who trade in their older, less fuel-efficient vehicles for new ones that get better mileage. But just because you think your car's a clunker doesn't mean the government does. The criteria can be confusing and the requirements and restrictions are plentiful.

Have you tried to trade in your car since the new program started. If so, we'd like to hear from you: What's your experience with the new bill? Share your experience with Times staff writer Emily Nipps at (727) 893-8452 or nipps@sptimes.com.

Comments

[KKW]

Very bad experience! This deal mostly benefits the car dealerships. Got trick buying optional service being told that it is mandatory under the CAR Act! Got a CARS Voucher for $3500 when qualify for $4500, had to complain to get the amount back. I guess this deal is not good for stupid people like me.

[TMR]

I got mine yesterday! I traded my 2000 Honda Passport SUV (w/combined 16mpg)for a 2010 Kia Soul (w/combined 26mpg)and received the max benefit under the program ($4500). Other than the delay on Friday due to the government's computer glitches, the transaction was painless. I was considering getting a new (or newer) car anyhow as the Passport was barely hanging in there, so this worked out well for me. Without it, I probably wouldn't have gotten as much car for the money & nowhere as good of a warranty.

[Toella]

Buyer beware: You should do your homework prior to making a car purchase under the 'cash for clunkers' program. Various news outlets have highlighted some scams, both online and at the dealership that you should look out for.

See: http://tinyurl.com/nlv3ed

[paul]

Traded in my 99 Lincoln(a total clunker) on a new Hyundai. Hyundai is already taking them in. I do not think the Billion dollars from this program will last a week. This dealer already had 25 clunkers taken in. They didn't even start my Lincoln up, much less drive it. It was a repaired salvage vehicle, had a failed inspection sticker, needed tires, the trunk wouldn't close, a dent in the front fender. $4500!!!! Thanks Uncle Sammy!!!!

[In the Know]

You will not get the "True market value" off a website. Dealers go by what is called The Black Book Value. This is lower then the online prices. It is essentially what they can buy your car for at auction. The only reason they are doing what you are saying, John B, is because they are screwing you on the asking price.

[John B]

The program works for me. When you decide on a car, go to Edmunds.com and get the true market value. They tell you what you should be paying according to your zip code. Print the worksheet off and bring it to the dealer. Tell them you don't haggle; they just have to meet the market price. For your clunker, go to www.cars.gov and study the requirements. Use the fuel economy link to get your combined mileage. 18 or less works. My dealer got within $80 of the Market value which was below invoice by about $300. Then they knocked off the $4500 for my old van that was worth maybe $400. I got low financing too. I pick up the vehicle next Friday!

[Reggie]

Common on, Hector. We both know the democrats do not want to give a free car to poor people. Why give them the tools to go out and get a job when it is so much easier to have them be dependent on welfare and keep voting for the status quo - i.e. Obama's nation.

[Hector]

This is just another bloated, bureaucratic, useless program from our socialist President. The rule and requirements are so convoluted that almost no one can take advantage of the program. The dealers, of course, won't give you the full rebate credit and jack up the price on the other end to insure that they get at least 1k of the money. Also, why only new cars? Some used cars get the same or better mileage than new ones do. And....why destroy the old clunkers? A family who can afford no car at all could certainly use a free car that gets 18 mpg. Who knows, they may only drive it a few miles per month thus negating the new 30 mpg requirements...but I guess the feds didn't think that through either.

[Hot Roddy]

Emily, what does a woman of your caliber want with a guy that drives a clunker? I drive a modified truck and will even open the door for you.

[Raymond]

Kenneth too bad you won't be able to afford it later...sucker...I am in the upper as well, but I have already had two kids, built a new home, and wouldn’t think of buying a new car. I have 98 van with 191000 miles on it. Next year I plan to re-build the trans. Back to new and put a new engine in it, $3800 dollars and I have a new car. Mark my words within five years you will be limited out and darn near bankrupt…..So keep up your smug remarks cause it just reminds me of how many jerk-offs out there like you are going to windup face down, divorced and broke. All because YOU’RE THE MAN! It just make me smile……

[Seretha]

Sorry, one does not speak the queen's English. I am also vis. impaired.

Yes, I own the Montana, but I have a driver.

Dems are wrong, get over it. THE EARTH IS COOLING

[Kenneth]

I actually make in the upper income brackets, and this program will work out for me. I like how so many people dismiss it because it won't work for their situation. Get over it. I've been driving an old Jeep for awhile, but with kids coming, it's time to upgrade to something safer. Instead of getting $1,500 trade in for the Jeep, I can get $4,500 towards a truck. Sorry suckers, but I went to school, work hard and can afford a new car - so I'm going to take them up on it.

[rimideka]

I am with you Josey Wales.

[GotEm'AllLicked]

I love my 1970 Chevy C-10 step-side pickup. It takes me exactly 20 minutes to change the water pump (it's on it's second one after almost 40 years) and the parts are cheap. Three on the tree and the straight six (250 CID) get me from A to B and more importantly, back to A. The thing that tickles me to death is, NO CAR PAYMENTS (i.e., I'm not working for the car/truck).

[Santa]

I DON'T WANT TO BUY YOUR CLUNKER! STOP MAKING TAX PAYERS PAY FOR THIS CRAP!

[Mazda3]

Whatever you do, do not go to Tyrone Mazda to buy a car. They are horrible!

[jim]

yes..... its called craigslist. sell your old clunker there to someone who wants it.or has better skills to fix it thatn you.

[Mark]

Tried, apparently my 93 GMC Sonoma with 145K and on it's last leg is getting as good of gas mileage as a 2008 that i had to look at. Now that's even if i can afford something 2008 to 2010. Let's see...shoestring budget...maybe that's why i've held on to the clunker for so long. Program is a crock of S***. Many of us working class don't have the budget right now for anything "new", let alone within these govt guidelines of 2008-2010.

[Kazabud1]

I tried to trade in my 1964 Corvette, so I could buy a new Yugo. But was told they dont make them anymore. Maybe I will try a Kia dealer. Hey, im just trying to support Mr.Obamas stimulas package.

[Josey Wales]

I drive a '95 Buick LeSabre that has NEVER gotten a combined 20 MPG. Yet the EPA claims it does and because of that, my clunker doesn't qualify for the CARS program because it has to be 18 MPG or less combined MPG. Barack Osama Hussein Obama has done nothing for me. Too bad I work for a living instead of sponging off other hard working people like Shakeela does...Than I could gets me a new car for my baby daddy!

[Jeff]

MORE BAILOUTS, JUST WHAT OUR COUNTRY NEEDS. OBAMA HAS BEEN A JOKE

[JMC]

This is straight from their website: While the CARS Act makes transactions on and after July 1 POTENTIALLY eligible for credits under the CARS program, INTERESTED DEALERS AND CONSUMERS MAY WANT TO WAIT UNTIL ALL OF THE DETAILED ISSUES THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED IN THE IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS ARE RESOLVED AND THE FINAL RULE IS ISSUED. Issuance will occur around July 24.

I'm with Kayin and Rich. I would wait until after July 24. With our government, doing this deal before hand could turn into a nightmare. The last thing you would want is for the dealership coming after you and looking for their rebate back.

[PASCOPETE]

If any GM dealership not willing to honer the cash for clunkers program should not have their contract with GM renewed also any of them that continue to over charge [meaning charge more than msrp on any new vechile including dealer fees of hundreds of dollars that is nothing but shear profit]. People SMARTEN UP IF EVERYBODY REFUSES TO PAY THEM THEY WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT NOT CHARGE IT ANYMORE! Dealers get hold back money from GM on ALL NEW AUTOS for cost of doing business as far as registering you pay for that anyway. Remember even if you sign all paper work they can't force you to buy the car unless you drive it off the lot.Thats why they pressure you to take it then.

[Adam]

I hope this means that in the near future I can get a Hummer H2 for cheap.

[Kenneth]

Not entirely true Rich - the plan covers all qualified vehicles purchased after the first. The dealers have to wait to get the rebate until the 24th, though. It's their choice whether or not they want to give the discount ahead of time.