Shouldn't the name of the program be "Future clunkers for clunkers"

[taterguy]

You can't take your old car and trade it for actual cash.

You can just trade it for a different car.

At some point that car will be a clunker.

Seems like deceptive advertising to me.

:shrug:

[DoctorMyEyes]

1. The cars don't even have to be clunkers

They just have to be gas guzzlers. I know a lot of people driving clunkers and only ONE has a van that is eligible for trade in under this bill - but he can't afford a NEW car.

Seems more to me like we're just rewarding people who bought gas guzzlers. And more generously than we do or ever have rewarded people who bought hybrids.

[taterguy]

2. How much can I get for trading in an old bicycle?

[DoctorMyEyes]

5. You don't even get a tax credit!

All you get is to not pay gas taxes! LOL

[taterguy]

6. Plus a smug feeling of superiority

Can't put a price tag on that

[quickesst]

3. You may not see any real cash....

...but if you trade smart, know the car you're trading/buying, and most importantly, do the proper maintenance, you could be the "future clunker" long before your vehicle is.

" Seems like deceptive advertising to me." May be for some, but I don't believe there are many who have followed the three suggestions above would raise too much of a fuss over it. 98 Dodge Ram SS/T. Eleven years old and the dyno will match a new factory engine. I wouldn't.;( Deception acceptable. Thanks.
quickesst

[taterguy]

4. My definition of cash is legal tender that you can exchange for any legal product or service

What dictionary are you using?

[quickesst]

14. Title of my post...

"You may not see any real cash...." should make it obvious to anyone that I recognize your definition. I thought I could offer another aspect of the gains of trading smart even though some schmuck doesn't hand you a wad of cash that probably equals the amount they will ask for down payment on the car you had. I've read a lot of your posts, and haven't seen much that would lead me to believe I could expect the kind of answer you've given me. Reminds me of why I do not engage the membership of DU very often. Thanks.
quickesst

[taterguy]

15. How "smart" is it to rely on automobiles for transportation?

[Wraith20878]

7. We are trading in our 1992 Ford Aerostar Minivan

For a 2009 or 2010 Toyota Corolla. The Van leaks transmission fluid, power steering fluid and oil, but is still technically drivable. We were going to wait a few more years before we got a new car, but the cash that goes toward the new car we get for the trade was a great incentive to do it now.

[greguganus]

8. What??? Trading in a Ford for a Toyota?? For shame!

LOL. I'm driving a Geo Prism, which is actually a Toyota Corolla with a different name. It's a 1994 model I bought new and I now have 273,000 miles on it. Still going strong, and everything works on it. If it dies, I'll be looking for another '94 just like it and use this one for spare parts.

[Deja Q]

9. You're lucky. My 95 Corolla leaked oil by 70k miles and transmission fluid leaked by 90k...

Oil started leaking in 2003, tranny fluid by 2005.

70k is not a large number.

Neither is 90k. Not when yours has 273k.

I got it when it only had 12k on it and it was a rental return. Maybe that's why it turned to shit before its time...

Or maybe because the repairman did more to the car than merely break the washer fluid reservoir. (hard plastic does NOT break on its own and this was back in the day I bothered to support spurious rights with bumper stickers that even "peers" didn't care about... /baggage)

[Wraith20878]

11. Sorry man, I know that must have stunk

I hope that doesn't happen to our new corolla.

[Wraith20878]

10. LOL, Yea, sounds crazy I Know

But this van really is about to die. It's broken down several times, and the only place we could find parts for it was at junk shops. I have to drive it cause my sisters and my mom can't stand it, with all the leaks, no AC, and no radio, but I make do. The leaks have actually taught me a lot about taking care of cars. Really, I could care less what car we get instead, so long as it gets better gas mileage and isn't too expensive. My dad and mom prefers the Corolla though, so that's what we are going to get.

[HughMoran]

12. Chrysler is doubling the cash for clunkers amount to stimulate sales

Sounds good to me - wish I had a clunker :o)

[taterguy]

13. I wish I had some cash

Cause I've got debts no honest man can pay