The article Cash for Clunkers Eligible Cars- Fueleconomy.gov introduced the CARS Vehicle Eligibility Guide provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This article describes exactly how to use this online database of qualifying trade-ins and new vehicles eligible for Cash for Clunkers 2009.
To get started with the Cash for Clunkers vehicle guide, visit the preceding link, then click “I’m ready to begin!”
Step 1 – How to Use the CARS Vehicle Eligibility Guide on fueleconomy.gov
The first step in using the CARS Vehicle Eligibility Guide is to indicate which of the following categories a trade-in falls under:
- A vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than or equal to 8,500 pounds (includes cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs).
- A truck, van, or SUV with a GVWR of more than 8,500 pounds, but less than 10,000 pounds. Note: Vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more are ineligible for the Cash for Clunkers program.
According to the NHTSA, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the “maximum allowable total weight of a vehicle when loaded, including the vehicle itself plus fuel, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.”
Step 2 – Verify if the Trade-In Vehicle Qualifies for Cash for Clunkers 2009
The next step in using the CARS Vehicle Eligibility Guide is to select the model year of the prospective trade-in vehicle. Since the oldest vehicle eligible for Cash for Clunkers is twenty five years old, only years 1984 through 2010 are listed as options. After the model year has been selected, users must choose a make, then an exact model plus engine and transmission options if multiple ones exist for the chosen vehicle.
The next page should display a photo of the chosen trade-in vehicle (if a photo is available) with stats like fuel type, combined MPG, and engine size listed below the image. Beside the “Qualifies for CARS?” caption, consumers will see one of the following statements in bold red letters:
- No. Your trade-in must have a combined MPG rating of 18 MPG or less to qualify.
- Yes. You may qualify for the cars program.
Step 3 – Find Qualifying Trade-In, Access List of Eligible New Cars & Government Voucher Amount
If the answer to "Qualifies for CARS?" question is “no,” then consumers have the option to evaluate another trade-in vehicle. If the answer is “yes,” then the consumer can proceed to choosing a replacement vehicle.
To find an eligible replacement vehicle, consumers simply need to follow the same steps as above (indicate the GVWR category the new vehicle falls under, choose a model year, choose a make and model, then choose engine and transmission options, if applicable).
Finally, results for each inquiry will show the potentially qualifying trade-in's information beside the chosen new vehicle’s information. Indicated in bold green letters below the new vehicle will be the voucher amount that should apply to that exact transaction.
Cash for Clunkers 2009 – U.S. Federal Government Rebate Program Details
The United States federal government cash for cars promotion won’t last very long, but consumers should make sure to carefully research a vehicle purchase before heading to a participating dealership.
Learn more about the 2009 Cash for Clunkers government voucher program in these articles:
U.S. Federal Government Cash for Clunkers Tips – Read about documentation that will be required by participating dealerships.
Which Cars Qualify for U.S. Government Vouchers? – Learn more about the four categories of vehicles for the Cash for Clunkers program – passenger vehicles and category 1, 2, and 3 trucks.
Resources:
Fueleconomy.gov
Car Allowance Rebate System website, cars.gov
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
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