Government - Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/cars.shtml Is anyone else participating in this program? It starts today (July 1st) but dealers might not be able to take your vehicle until July 23rd. I have a 2000 4Runner 4X4 Limited with 302,000 miles. Total repairs over the last 10 years do not exceed $1,000. I put new front brakes on at 170,000 and still have the original rear brakes. My goal is to get a Prius II and the government will give me $4,500 to turn in my 4Runner. It is in mint shape and it’s a shame that it has to be demolished to participate in the program. I am just curios if anyone else is waiting for this to go into effect before they get a Prius.
Wow, that sounds like a great 4Runner. We had a 2001 and LOVED it, but foolishly traded it in on a Honda. The main argument with the CARS plan is that people will trade in perfectly good (albeit not great on MPG) shape. That being said, I don't see you getting $4,500 anywhere else. Good luck!
Yes, there are a few of us. I'm hoping mine arrives by the end of July (I've had my deposit in for awhile). There are other threads with discussions about the program too: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/64365-c-r-s-clunker-program.html http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/60156-cash-clunkers.html p.s. I have a 98 Ford Explorer with only 92k miles on it. I like the idea of going from 15mpg to 50!
I intend to take advantage of this program too. I have a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder -Betsy- that has been my daily driver since a bought her new. I'm just waiting for my dealer to get his hands on my new Prius (Solar III). Ol' Betsy is still going strong, but she had devolped a few rattles and squeeks. Blue book on Betsy is about $300, but Uncle Sam will "give" me $4500 in trade. Yes, Yes, I know the government isn't giving me free money, but If I as a taxpayer will be forced to fund the program, I might as well get something out of it.
I've been bugging my Toyota dealer for info. Just waiting on the program to go live and my 1997 Chevy Blazer (170,000 miles with Blue book value of ~$1,300) gets traded in on a 2010 Prius II. My blazer is rated at 16 mpg, I typically get around 18. My A/C compressor is not working, transmission is starting to have some weird vibrations, but she does have new tires and new brakes. If I knew this program was going to come around I wouldn't have spent as much on new tires last fall.
I'll also be taking advantage of the $4500. The dealer is still trying to figure out exactly what they have to do but realizes this sale is contingent on our ability to use the CARS program. The car is currently scheduled to arrive "mid to late July".
I have a 1997 buick to trade that gets less than 18 mpg but according to fueleconomy.gov....it gets 20. Hence, it doesn't qualify but in real life....it does. Any rumors re. how and if they are going to handle situations like this. My car is due to arrive just before July 24.
I just put that 4Runner on craigslist. Everyone tells me I can get more then $4,500 selling it out right. At least I have a BU plan with this program.
