Cash for Clunkers

[cigdaze]

Interesting...but this has to rank right up there with one of the dumbest things ever done by congress.
Sounds like another feel-good, do-nothing bullsht move.

WASHINGTON — The House on Tuesday approved a "cash for clunkers" bill that aims to boost new auto sales by allowing consumers to turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. President Barack Obama has encouraged Congress to approve consumer incentives for new car purchases. A group of senators was pushing an alternative that would require consumers to trade up for more fuel-efficient cars and trucks to qualify. The House approved its measure 298-119. The details:

Cars: Owners could get a voucher worth $3,500 if they traded in a vehicle getting 18 miles per gallon or less for one getting at least 22 miles per gallon. The voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car is 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle.

Trucks: Owners of sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks or minivans that get 18 mpg or less could receive a voucher for $3,500 if their new truck or SUV is at least 2 mpg higher than their old vehicle. The voucher would increase to $4,500 if the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 5 mpg higher than the older vehicle. Consumers could also receive vouchers for leased vehicles.

Other provisions: Dealers must ensure that older vehicles are crushed or shredded to get the clunkers off the road.

How it helps: The legislation is intended to help replace older vehicles — built in model year 1984 or later — and may not make financial sense for consumers owning an older car with a trade-in value greater than $3,500 or $4,500.

Vehicle sales: The U.S. industry is expected to generate about 9.5 million vehicles sales in 2009, compared to more than 13 million in 2008 and more than 16 million in 2007.
http://www.tampabay.com/incoming/article1008757.ece

 

[Buoy]

Sounds like the beginning of a push to "green" to me.

 

[baddogz28]

Just another ploy to get more control over the populus by congress.

 

[Trim'd Up]

I am planning on getting a new truck, but still keep the navigator. I guess I will go buy me a $500 dollar beater to trade in and get the $4500 incentive. I am all for saving the environment. That is why I downsized to a single engine boat.

 

[Buoy]

I guess I will go buy me a $500 dollar beater to trade in and get the $4500 incentive.

And that right there is exactly where this plan is destined.

Has anyone else noticed that they have been coming up with all these different plans (like the ammo thing, like the exec Salary cap plan...) and then once it hits the media, and the smart people of America start to tell them why it won't work, there is then an announcement of scrapping or changing the plan within 24 hrs?

 

[HiPerf2000]

i watched the news last night and they said the vehicle would have to be registered and insured in your name for at least a year to get the voucher. keeps everyone from rolling junk yard cars in.

buy up a couple junkers now and sit on them for a year...... before everyone starts doing it and you can't find a junker for under 2k.

 

[Dude! Sweet!]

On a scale of one to ten, I'd rate this plan gay...

 

[cosmic12]

On a scale of one to ten, I'd rate this plan gay...

:rofl:

 

[fund razor]

One of the many, many problems with this is that it will take some cool restorable classics off of the road for a quick buck and then they will be gone.

 

[Dude! Sweet!]

One of the many, many problems with this is that it will take some cool restorable classics off of the road for a quick buck and then they will be gone.

"The legislation is intended to help replace older vehicles — built in model year 1984 or later..."

Uh, like what? A sweet 1985 Crossfire 'Vette?

I mean this is totally 'tarded, but at least they're not going after '60s and earlier cars like CA did a few years ago (see Hot Rod Magazine's Crusher Camaro).

I know, I know, "and when they came for me, there was nobody left to speak up..." But honestly, if a few thousand more Sunbirds and J2000s went in the crapper, I'd be fine with that...

Still, stupid idea.

 

[tommymonza]

Save the FIEROs AHHHHHH

 

[Trim'd Up]

"The legislation is intended to help replace older vehicles — built in model year 1984 or later..."

Uh, like what? A sweet 1985 Crossfire 'Vette?

I mean this is totally 'tarded, but at least they're not going after '60s and earlier cars like CA did a few years ago (see Hot Rod Magazine's Crusher Camaro).

I know, I know, "and when they came for me, there was nobody left to speak up..." But honestly, if a few thousand more Sunbirds and J2000s went in the crapper, I'd be fine with that...

Still, stupid idea.

Good point. There just aren't many nice cars from the 80's. Nit that I like the idea any better.

 

[Magic Medicine]

I can't believe some people voted for these jags, president and congress! They might want to talk to the banks about loaning some cash for said sales!