Q: Does the Cash for Clunkers bill apply to used car purchases?

A: Currently, the language of the proposed bill is only for new car purchases.  If you are looking for a used car, click here.

Q: If I already purchased a new car, in the last few months, can the voucher apply to my past purchase?

A: We can not answer that question until the final bill is signed into law but…the answer looks like a NO.  This is because all cars traded in for the program will be sent to the scrapyard.  If you already traded in your car, there is no guarantee that it is off the road.

Q: If my car is worth more than $4,500, how would the Cash for Clunker voucher work?

A: The program would not provide any benefit if your vehicle is worth more than $4,500.  If you want to purchase a new car, do not wait on this bill if your trade is worth more than $4,500 since it will not provide any upside relief.

Q: If dealers are offering cash incentives toward a new car purchase, would that be in addition to this voucher?

A: The program is independent from manufacturer buying incentives.  For example, if we discount $3,000 off the list price of a car and you qualified for a $4,500 voucher from your trade, then the total reduction off the MSRP would be $7,500. 

Q: I have two old clunkers, can I trade-in both cars for a $9,000 voucher toward a new car purchase?

A: The current wording of the bill would seem to indicate that only ONE voucher can be applied to a new car purchase.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for a $3,500 voucher or a $4,500 voucher?

A: We need to wait on the final wording of the bill.  Since there are various versions of the measure in play, we will notify everyone on our email list when the final bill language is signed into law.  Click here to request to be added to our contact list.  The amount will depend on the car you purchase and the increase in average MPG.

Q: How do I find a local Cash for Clunkers Participating Dealer?

A: Tubbs Brothers will fully participate in the program.  Be at the head of the line for the car you want because popular fuel efficient cars will be moving off dealer lots quickly.  Since there will be a large “rush” when the bill is signed, getting all your paperwork and loan approvals in place in advance could get you to the head of the paperwork line.

Q: Can I go to the junkyard a buy an old car and use it for a trade?

A: The final language of the bill is still to be decided but it seems that you will have to show that the car is operational and that you have owned the car for a period of time.  Right now, that may be a one-year period.  You may have to provide proof that the vehicle has been licensed and insured continuously over the past 12 months.

Q: What will happen to the car I trade in?

A: Once again, we have to wait for the final language but it would seem that the car would be recycled so cars that are worth more than $4,500 on a trade would not be viable for this program.

Q: My car is old and originally got more than 18 mpg, but now it gets 14 mpg.  Will it qualify?

A: That is another popular question.  We will have to wait and see if the bill provides a reasonable assessment of current MPG versus original manufacturer EPA MPG.

Q: How long will the program last?

A: That is still unknown.  Some insiders were hoping to get funding that would keep the program running for one year.  However, if funding is reduced, the program may only last a few months.  That is why we encourage all consumers to connect with us now, so your paperwork can be lined up when the bill is signed into law.

Q: Are there restriction on the year of my trade-in?

A: The car can not be any older than a 1984 model year vehicle?

Q: Why would some trades qualify for $3,500 and other trades get $4,500?

A: The difference in vouchers depends on the improved gas mileage as compared to your trade.  For example, if your new car purchase gets 4 mpg more than your trade you get $3,500. If the new car gets 10 mpg better than your trade you get $4,500.

Q: What if my trade-in is worth more than $4,500?

A: This program does not apply to you because you will be better off trading the car in through traditional channels. All cars that are part of the Cash for Clunkers bill we be sent to the scrapyard.

Q: I have an old clunker truck that gets under 18 mpg.  Can I trade that in for a car that gets over 22 MPG?

A: It would seem that you will be able to trade it in. We will wait on the final wording on the bill since this is a very popular question.

Q: My parents own an old clunker.  Can I transfer the title into my name and use it for a Cash for Clunkers trade-in?

A: It would seem that unless you have the car register in your name for at least a year, the answer would be no.  You may be able to register the vehicle jointly with your parents and qualify. 

Q:  Can I buy any new car and still qualify?  Does it have to be an American manufacturer?

A:  You can buy any new car: foreign or domestic.

Bonus Assistance

Q: How can I find out the current EPA MPG estimates for the car I drive?

 A: Visit: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/