Americans Seem Eager to Use 'Cash for Clunkers'

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Figurewing of 3:16PM December 31, 2009

A great idea and overwhelming success... only the Obama haters seem to be against it.

longwalksinparis.blogspot.com of IL 7:21PM August 01, 2009

C.A.R.S. let me trade in my '91 Ford Explorer and receive more on the trade than I paid for the used Explorer in 2002. In fact we received $500.00 more. We brought home a reliable, fuel efficient 2010 Mazda3 for $10,482.00, down from a $16,645.00 sticker price. We're happy but we will miss the tough, troublefree Explorer. Great program and we are very thankful and aware that our fellow countrymen's hard work/tax dollars helped us in this way. Thanks America.

T,K. of NC 7:16PM July 28, 2009

This is a fantastic idea to get old ineffecient cars off the road. Unlike the lending in the housing market, financing isn't going to balloon after a few years. Consumers can make an informed decision with regards to aquiring the additional debt.
The Cash for Cars program helps the ecconomy in several ways. First, it builds consumer confidence which drives spending. Second, it puts money in the banks because people are taking out loans. Third, it helps the manufacturer, the dealer and their employees remain in business. Hopefully, as an added bonus, if people are saving money on fuel and maybe they will be more willing to spend on other luxury items or take trips.
I think this was a brilliant idea and I hope they dedicate more money to the program. Rarely does the government actually come up with a plan that works to help the average person but this, in my mind, is a success.

Regina of IA 12:27PM July 28, 2009

I think you should only get the credit if you pay cash. It amazes me how we can go down this road again. First the govt encouraged people to buy houses they couldn't afford to prop up the housing industry. Now they are trying to artificially prop up the auto industry by encouraging people to buy cars they otherwise would not be able to afford. So much for being responsible...

Lewis of AL 10:13AM July 28, 2009

Through the 90's when everyone else bought a new SUV every four years, I bought an 85 Toyota Corolla and drove it till it finally died, a few years after the dot com bust, because I think it's idiotic to spend 1/4 of your income on your car. I took most of the money I'd pay on a car payment and comprehensive insurance, and put it into savings. In 2002, I'd saved a few thousand, not much, so I bought a used car in the classified ads, a 92 Volvo 240 wagon, and drove it for seven years while I saved up more money again. I took my savings, sold my leaky Volvo that couldn't pass an emissions test anymore, and qualified for a 3500 rebate. I paid cash for my new Yaris, one that I would have otherwise not bought. I would have bought an older car, one that wouldn't get as good mileage or run as cleanly as what I bought. It worked for me, it was the right thing to do, and it makes this world a better place.
If you save your money, take advantage of dealer and rebate incentives, and do right, that's its own reward.

d'Artagnan of TX 1:58AM July 28, 2009

Government rarely helps those who do the right thing! But it takes decent people like you to make this world livable!

Inge Bernaldo of FL 11:10PM July 27, 2009

Once again if you have tried to be a good citizen, don't over spend, recycle, pay attention to your enviromental footprint, you get screwed. I bought a house could afford. I have always purchased cars that get good gas mileage to keep my footprint to a minimum.
Turns out if I would have bought three times the house and not met my payments I would have a lower mortgage and interest rate then I do now. If I would have bought an SUV I could get $4500 FREE.
I quit.

Debora Hutchinson of IN 7:08PM July 27, 2009