News Cash for your Gas Guzzler from Uncle Sam? - Page 4

Kerberos · 06-19-2009, 04:22 AM

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...NoLWNsdW5rZXJz

This is informative so I hope it doesn't end up lost in the black hole of DC

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress approved a "cash for clunkers" program Thursday to provide government incentives of $3,500 to $4,500 to motorists who trade in their gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles after Senate Democrats narrowly defeated a Republican effort to kill the plan.

Auto state senators said the program would help hard-pressed car dealers and automakers by bringing buyers into showrooms, and they got help from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who made calls to wavering Democrats urging them to keep the plan alive.

"This is an emergency for families and small businesses -- for an industry that has been the backbone of our economy for a generation," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who sponsored the proposal.

Opponents said it would increase the federal debt without doing much to get expensive-to-operate vehicles off the roads.

Senate supporters of the program overcame a procedural hurdle by the plan's leading opponent, Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., on a 60-36 vote, winning the minimum number of votes needed to keep the program in a $106 billion war-spending plan that the Senate passed later Thursday.

The House approved the cash for clunkers bill last week on a vote of 298-119 and Senate Democrats attached it to the war-spending bill. The overall bill now goes to the White House for Obama's signature.

Four Republicans -- Kit Bond of Missouri, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Susan Collins of Maine and George Voinovich of Ohio -- voted with two independents and 54 Democrats in favor of the clunker measure, while Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska was opposed along with 35 Republicans.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., changed her vote to support the vehicle incentive plan and spoke by phone with Obama during the vote.

Cantwell spokeswoman Ciaran Clayton said Obama "acknowledged Senator Cantwell's concerns that the cash- for-clunkers program ... did not do enough to meet our nation's urgent need to reduce foreign oil dependence" and vowed to work with Cantwell and others to "maximize the number of efficient cars on America's roads."

In addition to Cantwell, Obama and Biden reached out to Democrats Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Michael Bennet of Colorado, according to two people familiar with the outreach. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Obama has encouraged Congress to approve the consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's efforts to restructure General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Group LLC. The bill provides $1 billion for the program from July through November.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who supported a plan with more stringent requirements to receive the vouchers, said she received "absolute assurance" from Senate leaders that if the program was continued beyond November it would be modeled after the bill she pushed.

Supporters said the program, which would be implemented by the Transportation Department, was expected to be implemented by early August.

The auto industry and its union lobbied heavily for passage of the cash for clunkers plan as GM and Chrysler have received billions of dollars in government-led bankruptcies and the entire auto industry has dealt with plummeting car sales. In May, overall sales were 34 percent lower than a year ago.

Under the proposal, car 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 mpg. The value of the voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car was 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle. The miles per gallon figures are listed on the car window's sticker.

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 got 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 was at least 5 mpg higher than the older vehicle.

Dealers participating in the program would receive an electronic voucher from the government for the trade-in to apply to the purchase or lease of a qualifying vehicle. The bill directs dealers to ensure that the older vehicles are crushed or shredded to get the clunkers off the road.

The program was intended to help replace older vehicles -- built in model year 1984 or later -- and would not make financial sense for consumers owning an older car with a trade-in value greater than $3,500 or $4,500.

The U.S. industry is expected to generate about 9.5 million vehicles sales in 2009, compared with more than 13 million in 2008 and more than 16 million in 2007.

Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.

The bill is H.R. 2346.

Brock · 06-19-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

How about this - JUST BUY IT WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

Meh, get over it.

Coach · 06-19-2009, 10:58 PM

Well.... time to go to the junkyard and find some cars....

**BigRedChief** · 06-22-2009, 08:51 AM

from
http://www.cashforclunkersfacts.com/

We have received hundreds of email with questions about the Cash for Clunkers Bill, and we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help calm anxious consumers.
If you have additional questions, after reading this page carefully, send us an email. Send Us an Email
Please follow us on our new Twitter account for latest updates on the bill.

Q: Is the billed signed into law yet?
A: On Thursday, June 18th the Senate voted to KEEP the Cash for Clunkers provision in the $106 billion dollar wartime spending bill. This means that both the house and Senate have approved the spending bill and now it will go to President Obama to sign. Consumers can start purchasing cars that qualify on July 1, 2009.

Q: Are there updated conditions on the bill?
A: The purchased vehicles, which must be new and cost no more than $45,000, must be bought between July 1 and Nov. 1 to qualify. You cannot trade in a clunker for a motorcycle.

Q: Does the Cash for Clunkers bill apply to used car purchases?
A: Currently, the language of the proposed bill is only for new car purchases. If you are looking for a used car, click here.

Q: Is the value of the voucher tax-free to the consumer?
A: Yes.

Q: Is there an income limit that disqualifies certain vehicle owners?
A: No.

Q: If I already purchased a new car, in the last few months, can the voucher apply to my past purchase?
A: We can not answer that question until the final bill is signed into law but…the answer looks like a NO. This is because all cars traded in for the program will be sent to the scrapyard. If you already traded in your car, there is no guarantee that it is off the road. Update: Cars prior to July 1st will not qualify.

Q: If I want to buy a new car now and have a clunker that qualifies, can I get the voucher credit once the bill goes into effect by bringing in the old car to the dealership where I purchased my new car?
A: Again, we can’t answer that question until we see how the bill is implemented. If you can hold off until further information is available, it may be the best choice. If you need a car now, that is a chance you have to take. Update: Cars prior to July 1st will not qualify.

Q: If my car is worth more than $4,500, how would the Cash for Clunker voucher work?
A: The program would not provide any benefit if a car dealer would give you more than $4,500 for your trade-in. If you want to purchase a new car, do not wait on this bill if your trade is worth more than $4,500 since it will not provide any upside relief.

Q: If dealers are offering cash incentives toward a new car purchase, would that be in addition to this voucher?
A: The program is independant from manufacturer buying incentives. For example, if a car dealer is offering $3,000 off the list price of a car and you qualified for a $4,500 voucher from your trade, then the total reduction off the MSRP would be $7,500. You should always shop for the best deals before buying a car.

Q: I have two old clunkers, can I trade-in both cars for a $9,000 voucher toward a new car purchase?
A: The current wording of the bill would seem to indicate that only ONE voucher can be applied to a new car purchase.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for a $3,500 voucher or a $4,500 voucher?

A: We need to wait on the final wording of the bill. Since there are various versions of the measure in play, we will notify everyone on our email list when the final bill language is signed into law? The amount will depend on the car you purchase and the increase in average MPG.

Q: How do I find a local Cash for Clunkers Participating Dealer?
A: If you will be purchasing a new car if the bill is signed into law, complete the form on the left. We will have a local dealer in your state contact you and get all your trade-in information now. This will allow you to be prepared when the bill is signed into law.

Be at the head of the line for the car you want because popular fuel efficient cars will be moving off dealer lots quickly. Since there will be a large “rush” when the bill is signed, getting all your paperwork and loan approvals in place in advance could get you to the head of the paperwork line.

Q: Can I go to the junkyard a buy an old car and use it for a trade?
A: The final language of the bill is still to be decided but it seems that you will have to show that the car is operational and that you have owned the car for a period of time. Right now, that may be a one-year period.

Q: What will happen to the car I trade in?
A: Once again, we have to wait for the final language but it would seem that the car would be recycled so cars that are worth more than $4,500 on a trade would not be viable for this program.

Q: My car is old and originally got more than 18 mpg, but now it gets 14 mpg. Will it qualify?
A: That is another popular question. We will have to wait and see if the bill provides a reasonable assessment of current MPG versus original manufacturer EPA MPG.

Q: How long will the program last?
A: That is still unknown. Some insiders were hoping to get funding that would keep the program running for one year. However, if funding is reduced, the program may only last a few months. That is why we encourage all consumers to connect with a Cash for Clunkers Participating Dealer now, so your paperwork can be lined up when the bill is signed into law.

Q: Are there restriction on the year of my trade-in?
A: The car can not be any older than a 1984 model year vehicle?

Q: Why would some trades qualify for $3,500 and other trades get $4,500?
A: The difference in vouchers depends on the improved gas mileage as compared to your trade. For example, if your new car purchase gets 4 mpg more than your trade you get $3,500. If the new car gets 10 mpg better than your trade you get $4,500.

Q: What if my trade-in is worth more than $4,500?
A: This program does not apply to you because you will be better off trading the car in through traditional channels. All cars that are part of the Cash for Clunkers bill we be sent to the scrapyard.

Q: I have an old clunker truck that gets under 18 mpg. Can I trade that in for a car that gets over 22 MPG?
A: It would seem that you will be able to trade it in. We will wait on the final wording on the bill since this is a very popular question.

Q: My parents own an old clunker. Can I transfer the title into my name and use it for a Cash for Clunkers trade-in?
A: It would seem that unless you have the car register in your name for at least a year, the answer would be no.

Q: Can I buy any new car and still qualify? Does it have to be an American manufacturer?
A: You can buy any new car: foreign or domestic.

Q: Can I lease a car or do I have to purchase/finance it?
A: Qualifying leases must be at least 5 years long. You can finance the car under any term you qualify for.
Bonus Assistance

Q: How can I find out the current EPA MPG estimates for the car I drive?
A: Visit: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-22-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

Well.... time to go to the junkyard and find some cars....

I hope you are planning to license them and own them for a year.

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-22-2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

How about this - JUST BUY IT WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

I see your point, but that money will be used anyway. People may as well take advantage of it.

wild1 · 06-22-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

I hope you are planning to license them and own them for a year.

I can find clunkers all day long for less than $1000 that "run". I can park them in a friend's barn or something.

Turning $1,000 into $4,500 in a year? This is a hell of an ROI. I'm going to start my own business

wild1 · 06-22-2009, 02:13 PM

By the way, does it have to be a car? Can I turn one of my junkyard cars into $4,500 towards a motorcycle?

**BigRedChief** · 06-22-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

I can find clunkers all day long for less than $1000 that "run". I can park them in a friend's barn or something.

Turning $1,000 into $4,500 in a year? This is a hell of an ROI. I'm going to start my own business

uhhh offer expires November 1st.

**BigRedChief** · 06-22-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

By the way, does it have to be a car? Can I turn one of my junkyard cars into $4,500 towards a motorcycle?

Check the 2nd FAQ:
Q: Are there updated conditions on the bill?
A: The purchased vehicles, which must be new and cost no more than $45,000, must be bought between July 1 and Nov. 1 to qualify. You cannot trade in a clunker for a motorcycle.

wild1 · 06-22-2009, 02:15 PM

Why the hell can't you trade one for a motorcycle? They only want you getting 25mpg instead of 50mpg?

Third Eye · 06-22-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

Pssst! We've got $11 trillion in debt. Let's try not to spend what we don't have where we don't have to, k?

Yes, we can spend 106 billion to finance the war till SEPTEMBER, but we can't spend less than 1 percent of that to pay for this program.

**Skip Towne** · 06-22-2009, 02:28 PM

I quit worrying about the national debt years ago. It's somebody elses problem.

Third Eye · 06-22-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

I quit worrying about the national debt years ago. It's somebody elses problem.

Except you do realize that about 80 percent of that debt is owned by Americans.

**Saulbadguy** · 06-22-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

Why the hell can't you trade one for a motorcycle? They only want you getting 25mpg instead of 50mpg?

Why do you think?

wild1 · 06-22-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

Why do you think?

Because the UAW won't benefit considerably from the purchase of one.

06-19-2009, 04:22 AM
Kerberos Chiefs Baby Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Henderson, NV Casino cash: $10000632	Cash for your Gas Guzzler from Uncle Sam? http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...NoLWNsdW5rZXJz This is informative so I hope it doesn't end up lost in the black hole of DC WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress approved a "cash for clunkers" program Thursday to provide government incentives of $3,500 to $4,500 to motorists who trade in their gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles after Senate Democrats narrowly defeated a Republican effort to kill the plan. Auto state senators said the program would help hard-pressed car dealers and automakers by bringing buyers into showrooms, and they got help from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who made calls to wavering Democrats urging them to keep the plan alive. "This is an emergency for families and small businesses -- for an industry that has been the backbone of our economy for a generation," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who sponsored the proposal. Opponents said it would increase the federal debt without doing much to get expensive-to-operate vehicles off the roads. Senate supporters of the program overcame a procedural hurdle by the plan's leading opponent, Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., on a 60-36 vote, winning the minimum number of votes needed to keep the program in a $106 billion war-spending plan that the Senate passed later Thursday. The House approved the cash for clunkers bill last week on a vote of 298-119 and Senate Democrats attached it to the war-spending bill. The overall bill now goes to the White House for Obama's signature. Four Republicans -- Kit Bond of Missouri, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Susan Collins of Maine and George Voinovich of Ohio -- voted with two independents and 54 Democrats in favor of the clunker measure, while Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska was opposed along with 35 Republicans. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., changed her vote to support the vehicle incentive plan and spoke by phone with Obama during the vote. Cantwell spokeswoman Ciaran Clayton said Obama "acknowledged Senator Cantwell's concerns that the cash- for-clunkers program ... did not do enough to meet our nation's urgent need to reduce foreign oil dependence" and vowed to work with Cantwell and others to "maximize the number of efficient cars on America's roads." In addition to Cantwell, Obama and Biden reached out to Democrats Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Michael Bennet of Colorado, according to two people familiar with the outreach. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Obama has encouraged Congress to approve the consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's efforts to restructure General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Group LLC. The bill provides $1 billion for the program from July through November. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who supported a plan with more stringent requirements to receive the vouchers, said she received "absolute assurance" from Senate leaders that if the program was continued beyond November it would be modeled after the bill she pushed. Supporters said the program, which would be implemented by the Transportation Department, was expected to be implemented by early August. The auto industry and its union lobbied heavily for passage of the cash for clunkers plan as GM and Chrysler have received billions of dollars in government-led bankruptcies and the entire auto industry has dealt with plummeting car sales. In May, overall sales were 34 percent lower than a year ago. Under the proposal, car 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 mpg. The value of the voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car was 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle. The miles per gallon figures are listed on the car window's sticker. 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 got 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 was at least 5 mpg higher than the older vehicle. Dealers participating in the program would receive an electronic voucher from the government for the trade-in to apply to the purchase or lease of a qualifying vehicle. The bill directs dealers to ensure that the older vehicles are crushed or shredded to get the clunkers off the road. The program was intended to help replace older vehicles -- built in model year 1984 or later -- and would not make financial sense for consumers owning an older car with a trade-in value greater than $3,500 or $4,500. The U.S. industry is expected to generate about 9.5 million vehicles sales in 2009, compared with more than 13 million in 2008 and more than 16 million in 2007. Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report. The bill is H.R. 2346.
Posts: 5,638

06-19-2009, 10:58 PM	#47
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5698476	Well.... time to go to the junkyard and find some cars.... __________________ Super Bowl IV, LIV, LVII & LVIII Champions 2020, 2021, 2023, & 2024 AFC Champions 1985 & 2015 Major League Baseball World Series Champions 1980, 1985, 2014, & 2015 Major League Baseball American League Champions 2015 American League Central Division Champs
Posts: 53,228

06-22-2009, 08:51 AM	#48
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $2659627 VARSITY	from http://www.cashforclunkersfacts.com/ We have received hundreds of email with questions about the Cash for Clunkers Bill, and we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help calm anxious consumers. If you have additional questions, after reading this page carefully, send us an email. Send Us an Email Please follow us on our new Twitter account for latest updates on the bill. Q: Is the billed signed into law yet? A: On Thursday, June 18th the Senate voted to KEEP the Cash for Clunkers provision in the $106 billion dollar wartime spending bill. This means that both the house and Senate have approved the spending bill and now it will go to President Obama to sign. Consumers can start purchasing cars that qualify on July 1, 2009. Q: Are there updated conditions on the bill? A: The purchased vehicles, which must be new and cost no more than $45,000, must be bought between July 1 and Nov. 1 to qualify. You cannot trade in a clunker for a motorcycle. Q: Does the Cash for Clunkers bill apply to used car purchases? A: Currently, the language of the proposed bill is only for new car purchases. If you are looking for a used car, click here. Q: Is the value of the voucher tax-free to the consumer? A: Yes. Q: Is there an income limit that disqualifies certain vehicle owners? A: No. Q: If I already purchased a new car, in the last few months, can the voucher apply to my past purchase? A: We can not answer that question until the final bill is signed into law but…the answer looks like a NO. This is because all cars traded in for the program will be sent to the scrapyard. If you already traded in your car, there is no guarantee that it is off the road. Update: Cars prior to July 1st will not qualify. Q: If I want to buy a new car now and have a clunker that qualifies, can I get the voucher credit once the bill goes into effect by bringing in the old car to the dealership where I purchased my new car? A: Again, we can’t answer that question until we see how the bill is implemented. If you can hold off until further information is available, it may be the best choice. If you need a car now, that is a chance you have to take. Update: Cars prior to July 1st will not qualify. Q: If my car is worth more than $4,500, how would the Cash for Clunker voucher work? A: The program would not provide any benefit if a car dealer would give you more than $4,500 for your trade-in. If you want to purchase a new car, do not wait on this bill if your trade is worth more than $4,500 since it will not provide any upside relief. Q: If dealers are offering cash incentives toward a new car purchase, would that be in addition to this voucher? A: The program is independant from manufacturer buying incentives. For example, if a car dealer is offering $3,000 off the list price of a car and you qualified for a $4,500 voucher from your trade, then the total reduction off the MSRP would be $7,500. You should always shop for the best deals before buying a car. Q: I have two old clunkers, can I trade-in both cars for a $9,000 voucher toward a new car purchase? A: The current wording of the bill would seem to indicate that only ONE voucher can be applied to a new car purchase. Q: How do I know if I qualify for a $3,500 voucher or a $4,500 voucher? A: We need to wait on the final wording of the bill. Since there are various versions of the measure in play, we will notify everyone on our email list when the final bill language is signed into law? The amount will depend on the car you purchase and the increase in average MPG. Q: How do I find a local Cash for Clunkers Participating Dealer? A: If you will be purchasing a new car if the bill is signed into law, complete the form on the left. We will have a local dealer in your state contact you and get all your trade-in information now. This will allow you to be prepared when the bill is signed into law. Be at the head of the line for the car you want because popular fuel efficient cars will be moving off dealer lots quickly. Since there will be a large “rush” when the bill is signed, getting all your paperwork and loan approvals in place in advance could get you to the head of the paperwork line. Q: Can I go to the junkyard a buy an old car and use it for a trade? A: The final language of the bill is still to be decided but it seems that you will have to show that the car is operational and that you have owned the car for a period of time. Right now, that may be a one-year period. Q: What will happen to the car I trade in? A: Once again, we have to wait for the final language but it would seem that the car would be recycled so cars that are worth more than $4,500 on a trade would not be viable for this program. Q: My car is old and originally got more than 18 mpg, but now it gets 14 mpg. Will it qualify? A: That is another popular question. We will have to wait and see if the bill provides a reasonable assessment of current MPG versus original manufacturer EPA MPG. Q: How long will the program last? A: That is still unknown. Some insiders were hoping to get funding that would keep the program running for one year. However, if funding is reduced, the program may only last a few months. That is why we encourage all consumers to connect with a Cash for Clunkers Participating Dealer now, so your paperwork can be lined up when the bill is signed into law. Q: Are there restriction on the year of my trade-in? A: The car can not be any older than a 1984 model year vehicle? Q: Why would some trades qualify for $3,500 and other trades get $4,500? A: The difference in vouchers depends on the improved gas mileage as compared to your trade. For example, if your new car purchase gets 4 mpg more than your trade you get $3,500. If the new car gets 10 mpg better than your trade you get $4,500. Q: What if my trade-in is worth more than $4,500? A: This program does not apply to you because you will be better off trading the car in through traditional channels. All cars that are part of the Cash for Clunkers bill we be sent to the scrapyard. Q: I have an old clunker truck that gets under 18 mpg. Can I trade that in for a car that gets over 22 MPG? A: It would seem that you will be able to trade it in. We will wait on the final wording on the bill since this is a very popular question. Q: My parents own an old clunker. Can I transfer the title into my name and use it for a Cash for Clunkers trade-in? A: It would seem that unless you have the car register in your name for at least a year, the answer would be no. Q: Can I buy any new car and still qualify? Does it have to be an American manufacturer? A: You can buy any new car: foreign or domestic. Q: Can I lease a car or do I have to purchase/finance it? A: Qualifying leases must be at least 5 years long. You can finance the car under any term you qualify for. Bonus Assistance Q: How can I find out the current EPA MPG estimates for the car I drive? A: Visit: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ __________________ Time is worth more than money.
Posts: 79,292

06-22-2009, 02:13 PM	#52
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	By the way, does it have to be a car? Can I turn one of my junkyard cars into $4,500 towards a motorcycle?
Posts: 6,935

06-22-2009, 02:15 PM	#55
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	Why the hell can't you trade one for a motorcycle? They only want you getting 25mpg instead of 50mpg?
Posts: 6,935

06-22-2009, 02:28 PM	#57
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	I quit worrying about the national debt years ago. It's somebody elses problem.
Posts: 69,689