Clunker?
Tuesday, 21. July 2009, 15:05:16
Original URL: http://bamatone.livejournal.com/285989.html
How many of you consider my 2004 Dodge Durango a "clunker?" According to the federal government, it is. Technically speaking, the Durango actually qualifies for the "Cash for Clunkers" program, officially called "Car Allowance Rebate System." (CARS. How clever is that.)
From the cars.gov FAQ: "[CARS] is a new program from the government that will help you pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck from a participating dealer when you trade in a less fuel efficient car or truck." The program offers up to a $4,500 credit depending on the gas mileage of the new car purchased.
As stupid as this program is, I was actually a little excited about possibly trading in the Durango for something that got better gas mileage, and getting a credit on top of that. I want a vehicle with better mileage, but the Durango is entirely paid off, so it doesn't make any financial sense to get something else right now. Any money saved on fuel would be lost on monthly car payments. The $4,500 credit would certainly have gone a long way.
But the whole thing turned academic anyway when I read all the restrictions (as usual). I believe that my Durango meets all of the requirements except for one: "The car is titled in your name and has been for the last year." The title has only been in my name since February. It was previously owned by and titled to the leasing company.
Shucks.
How many of you consider my 2004 Dodge Durango a "clunker?" According to the federal government, it is. Technically speaking, the Durango actually qualifies for the "Cash for Clunkers" program, officially called "Car Allowance Rebate System." (CARS. How clever is that.)
From the cars.gov FAQ: "[CARS] is a new program from the government that will help you pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck from a participating dealer when you trade in a less fuel efficient car or truck." The program offers up to a $4,500 credit depending on the gas mileage of the new car purchased.
As stupid as this program is, I was actually a little excited about possibly trading in the Durango for something that got better gas mileage, and getting a credit on top of that. I want a vehicle with better mileage, but the Durango is entirely paid off, so it doesn't make any financial sense to get something else right now. Any money saved on fuel would be lost on monthly car payments. The $4,500 credit would certainly have gone a long way.
But the whole thing turned academic anyway when I read all the restrictions (as usual). I believe that my Durango meets all of the requirements except for one: "The car is titled in your name and has been for the last year." The title has only been in my name since February. It was previously owned by and titled to the leasing company.
Shucks.
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