Important Guidelines About The Car Allowance Rebate System / Cash For Clunkers Program

Here is a breakdown of the qualifications needed for the Cash For Clunkers (CARS) Program. Also make sure to review the Rules & Regulations provided by the NHTSA and Cars.gov website.

  • Trade In Must Be 1984 Or Newer, In Drivable Condition, & Currently Registered By Owner For At Least 1 Year.
  • Passenger Automobile Being Traded In Must Get Combined MPG Of 18MPG Or Less. (does not apply on trucks)
  • Vehicle Being Traded Will Be Appraised As Scrap/Raw Material Value And Must Be Destroyed And NOT Resold.
  • Only 7.5% Of Allocated Funds Provided By Car Allowance Rebate System Will Be Designated For Class III Trucks.
  • There Are No Additional Fees Required By You To Pay In Order To Redeem The Applicable $3,500 / $4,500 Voucher.
  • Only One Car Allowance Rebate Voucher Is To Be Redeemed Per Person For Each Qualified New Vehicle Purchase/Lease.
  • New Vehicle Being Purchased Under This Program Must Have A Manufacture Suggested Retail Price No More Than $45,000.
  • Only One Car Allowance Rebate Voucher Is To Be Redeemed Per Person For Each Qualified New Vehicle Purchase/Lease.
  • New Vehicle Being Purchased Under This Program Must Have A Manufacture Suggested Retail Price No More Than $45,000.
Vehicle Type New Vehicle Fuel Economy (Minimum) Minimum Mileage
Improvement Required
Minimum Mileage
Improvement Required
Passenger Cars 22 MPG* 4MPG Or Better 10MPG Or Better
Category 1 Trucks 18 MPG* 2MPG Or Better 5MPG Or Better
Category 2 Trucks 15 MPG* 1MPG Or Better 2MPG Or Better
Category 3 Trucks N/A Trade In Is 2001 Or Older Not Available
Rebate Amount $3,500 Voucher $4,500 Voucher

* Combined City And Highway MPG Ratings As Found In Fuel Economy Information Guide.

Passenger Car: Passenger Sedan, Coupe, Van, Wagon, Or SUV.
Category 1 Trucks: Non-Passenger Or Light-Duty Work Trucks. (5,999lbs. MAX GVW)
Category 2 Trucks: Large Truck, Light-Duty Truck, Or Large Van. (6,000lbs. – 8,500lbs. GVW)
Category 3 Trucks: Commercial / Large Work Truck. (8,500lbs. – 10,000lbs. GVW)

One Response to “ Important Guidelines About The Car Allowance Rebate System / Cash For Clunkers Program ”

  1. cobblestone says:

    wel my car qualifies but the trade in value is a little more than the $4,500. if i can find a dealer that gives me $500 for scrap value plus the $4,500 than it might be worth it

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