After months of discussions, Congress finally passed its “Cash for Clunkers” bill. Two bills have been under consideration in the House and Senate, each of them offering their own set of pros and cons: June 9, 2009’s bill (supported by Democratic Ohio Representative Betty Sutton) still must be approved in the Senate, where a more complicated, competing bill (supported by California’s Democratic Senator, Dianne Feinstein) is being considered. An itemized breakdown on all the details of these two competing programs is available in this comparison by the Associated Press.
How important is the incentive amount? How important is the fuel economy improvement? And what about the environmental impact? Unfortunately, as much as people are discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each bill, different agendas make it difficult to decide which aspects are most important; some would have you believe that neither of them are any good at all.
What Qualifies as a Cash-for-Clunkers Eligible Vehicle?
- Vehicle must be in working, driving condition
- Vehicle must have been insured without interruption in coverage for at least one year immediately prior to trade-in
- Vehicle must have been manufactured in Model Year 1984 to present
- Vehicle must have a combined fuel mileage rating of 18 mpg or less
The plan passed on June 9 is something like a government stimulus plan intended to help get car buyers shopping again, while also encouraging them to turn in gas-guzzling vehicles that get less than 18 miles per gallon (find out how your vehicle’s mileage rates at www.fueleconomy.gov) for newer, more-efficient choices. Buyers will be offered incentives between $3,500 and $4,500 toward the purchase of a new car when the shopper turns in a vehicle in driveable condition manufactured in model year 1984 or later.
If shoppers choose a car rated at least four miles a gallon better than their old car, they will receive a voucher worth $3,500. Vouchers for $4,500 are given when fuel economy jumps by 10 mpg.