Blogging for Change

Do you want cash for your old clunker?

by Tanisha Warner on
8/10/2009
in Personal Finance

Cash for Clunkers, or the $1 billion government funded program officially named Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), looks to be getting an extension. Congress is planning to invest an additional $2 billion into the program in the form of government stimulus rebates of up to $4,500 per clunker. The first phase of the program was wildly successful wiping out the initial $1 billion investment more than four months ahead of schedule. The success of this program will do a lot for the auto industry, but ask yourself – what will it do for your bottom line.

Buying a new, more gas efficient car, means less money for gas, but more money for monthly car payment and insurance. People who own clunkers are more than likely not locked into a car loan. Going from zero monthly payments to paying more than $300 a month on average, could make a huge impact on your family’s budget.

When shopping for a car, using the Cash for Clunkers incentive, the same fundamentals of buying still apply. The key is to do your homework:

Determine what you can afford. Review your spending plan and determine how much you can allocate each month for the car payment, gas, insurance, registration and maintenance.

Get the best deal. Shop around for the best offers. With new car sales at a 27 year low, car dealerships are offering amazing rebates and incentives. In addition to the government rebate on fuel efficient cars, you may also qualify for thousands of dollars in dealer incentives.

Consider new vs. used. Carefully weigh your options and consider the loan terms on a new car vs. a used car. According to Bankrate.com, the average used car rate is 7.5 percent and the average on a new car is 2.9 percent, which means you could save more over time on a new car.

Finally, shop around for the best rate. Credit unions and smaller finance companies may offer better loan terms than larger lenders.

What you should know about the Cash for Clunkers program:

• The purchased vehicles, which must be new (2008, 2009, 2010 models).
• The vehicle can not cost more than $45,000.
• Motorcycles are not part of the trade-in or sales process.
• Your clunker has to be in driveable condition.
• You must have a clear title to present to the dealer; no liens.
• The person on the title of the clunker has to be the same person who is buying the new car.

 

Tanisha (Warner) Smith is a former communications manager at MMI.

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