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We've had some requests from readers lately to receive more information about the current Cash For Clunkers Programs going on around North America. What these are, for those who don't know, are incentive-based programs to remove older, poor fuel economy vehicles from the road and replace them with newer, much more earth-friendly models.
There is a lot of controversy that goes with such volunteer programs, as a lot of folks simply don't think that just because a vehicle is old, it should be destroyed. Not to mention, there are still many older vehicles which maintain decent fuel economy and emissions standards, so it is not all older vehicles which should be turned over to the program. With that said, there are many older gas guzzlers that should be taken off the streets, which is exactly what these programs aim to do.
Regional Cash for Clunker Programs
- The Skinny on Fat Funding Cash for Clunker Programs in Texas, California, and Canada The first thing you need to know about the majority of these programs is that they vary from state to state. Residents in the Austin, Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for instance, have access to a $45 million funded program called, Drive a Clean Machine. This yearly program offers approximately 12,857 lower income families ($63,600 or less a year) up to $3,500 for vehicles that are 10 years of age or older.
- Residents in California have a similar program, however they can only expect up to a $1,500 voucher for a retired vehicle. The program organized by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, is funded up to $50 million, and is limited to 33,333 participants per year. The vehicles have to fail emissions tests to qualify, but once qualified there is no minimum income requirement for applicants, as in Texas.
- Canada has a new program out called Retire Your Ride, which is aimed at getting up to 50,000 older vehicles off its streets. This three-year, $92 million program, plans on getting rid of these vehicles by offering each participant the choice of public transportation price deductions, a discount towards a new bicycle, or $300 cash. The only major qualifier for a vehicle to be considered, is it that it must be in operating condition.
- A National Level Cash For Clunkers Program is Down but Certainly Not Out
Part of the proposed Stimulus Package to bring new interest to the dwindling auto market, was to initiate a national level Cash For Clunkers Program. Such a program would offer up to a $4,500 voucher towards the purchase of a new, cleaner vehicle. Its proposal was meant to serve three main purposes, promote new-car sales (stimulate the economy), help improve clean air, and reduce the national consumption of fuel.
Enthusiasts of classic and restored vehicles lobbied this portion of the package and were able to have it kicked out for the time being. Their opposition was that it is these very clunkers, we like to call them, that help drive their hobby. Without the availability of these used clunker parts, owning and maintaining an antique or classic vehicle would become rather difficult, not to mention expensive.
Regardless of which side of the fence you reside, pro clunker program or against, there are a lot of people upside-down on their payments towards a gas guzzler, which they'd love to trade-in for a more economical model. Hopefully someday there will be better options for such folks who find themselves in this very unsavory predicament.
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