The cash for clunker era begins - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #1 07-08-2009, 04:04 PM

Any predictions? Craigslist is jammed with people wanting to sell their piles of crap for $4500 because "that's what they'll give me with cash for clunkers".

I can't imagine the radio and ad campaigns dealers are going to bombard people with.

At least according to the government website it ends in November.

http://www.cars.gov/index.php/rollout

What an enormous waste, and more Americans will go deeper into debt.

DieselAddict · #2 07-08-2009, 05:40 PM

Then let them get $4500 for their clunkers. I like the program even though I can't use it, but getting old polluting clunkers off the roads is OK with me.

#3 07-08-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Then let them get $4500 for their clunkers. I like the program even though I can't use it, but getting old polluting clunkers off the roads is OK with me.

Right - manufacturing and transporting a new car doesn't cause any pollution.

DieselAddict · #4 07-08-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhills0146

Right - manufacturing and transporting a new car doesn't cause any pollution.

I was expecting this kind of response from someone, but no, that's not what I said. You said it. To me it's a good trade-off.

Skid Row Joe · #5 07-08-2009, 05:58 PM

This gives the people who need it, hope. A rare commodity out there in 10%+ unemployment land.

POS · #6 07-08-2009, 06:11 PM

It's been a failed experiment - analysts are saying that there is a 4% success rate as far as people trading in their old and buying new. When this same program was used in Germany, there was a 40% success rate.

Another great political plan.

DieselAddict · #7 07-08-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

It's been a failed experiment - analysts are saying that there is a 4% success rate as far as people trading in their old and buying new. When this same program was used in Germany, there was a 40% success rate.

Another great political plan.

Huh? What is success rate? The program just started a few days ago in the US. And the less people use it, the more money the govt saves, so either way it's a win-win.

450slcguy · #8 07-08-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Huh? What is success rate? The program just started a few days ago in the US. And the less people use it, the more money the govt saves, so either way it's a win-win.

Failure and despair appears to be the goal of those on the right, just ignore them.

Simpler=Better · #9 07-08-2009, 06:43 PM

It's almsot tempting....I would have a hard time getting $3k for my 300d...

TylerH860 · #10 07-08-2009, 06:44 PM

What would you buy brand new?

Eskimo · #11 07-08-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

It's almsot tempting....I would have a hard time getting $3k for my 300d...

Do you think your 300D is even eligible for the program? From what I've read, it wouldn't be.

If it IS eligible, then I'd certainly like to know about it.

E150GT · #12 07-08-2009, 07:01 PM

The problem with this program is that besides the people like us who drive "old polluters" because we like them, most people who have an older vehicle have one because thats all they can afford. I'm sure if all of us had all the money we needed we'd be in a new car every year, but it just aint so. The people who can really purchase such things as new cars dont really need gov. subsidies to help them. Of coure there are exceptions to every rule. Just my take on it.

pawoSD · #13 07-08-2009, 07:06 PM

Thankfully essentially all MB diesels are immune....most are too old (only 1985 onward even qualify), or the mileage gain would be too small or non-existent to qualify for much of a credit unless it was for a *shudder* hybrid or something. That, and most diesel drivers would never crush their beloved MB to buy a prius. Anyone who does should be run over, with said diesel car. If its a car and doesn't get at least 5mpg (gov rating) more than the old car, it doesn't qualify.....if its less than 10mpg more then you get 3500, 10mpg more, 4500. Since the only diesels in the category that could even be considered are the 1985 300SD/300D/300TD/190d, or the 1987 300D/TD or 190d.....or the 1990's 2.5s and 2.2s.....most of them get too high of mileage for the credit to apply to anything other than a new diesel VW or a hybrid....or a smart car. Massively limited selection of cars.

This program might take some dying MB gassers off the road though.

What a waste of good salvage parts.

And in many cases, a perfectly good car that could be repaired. Theoretically my 300E qualifies easily, the gov site claims they only average 17mpg....ha...not really....more like 20-23....like MB said when it was sold. That's not going to happen. I'll keep my metal car....they can keep their plastic.

aklim · #14 07-08-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Huh? What is success rate?

And the less people use it, the more money the govt saves, so either way it's a win-win.

He is talking about the success rate in Germany.

I don't follow. If you wanted to save money, don't start the program. Remember that it costs money to start anything. If they use the program, how is it a win situation? It costs money and puts those who cannot afford it at further risk. I think it would be better for the people concerned, especially at this junction, to keep what they have paid for as opposed to enticing them into something they might not be able to afford or have issues making payments and/or defaulting.

Eskimo · #15 07-08-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Thankfully essentially all MB diesels are immune....most are too old (only 1985 onward even qualify), or the mileage gain would be too small or non-existent to qualify for much of a credit unless it was for a *shudder* hybrid or something. That, and most diesel drivers would never crush their beloved MB to buy a prius. Anyone who does should be run over, with said diesel car. If its a car and doesn't get at least 5mpg (gov rating) more than the old car, it doesn't qualify.....if its less than 10mpg more then you get 3500, 10mpg more, 4500. Since the only diesels in the category that could even be considered are the 1985 300SD/300D/300TD/190d, or the 1987 300D/TD or 190d.....or the 1990's 2.5s and 2.2s.....most of them get too high of mileage for the credit to apply to anything other than a new diesel VW or a hybrid....or a smart car. Massively limited selection of cars.

If they aren't rated at 18 MPG or less, then those passenger cars don't qualify as clunkers under this program, do they? Yes, the differential in fuel economy has something to do with the amount of the voucher - but the current car still has to meet the "clunker" requirement to begin with.