What Cars Qualify for 3500 & 4500 Auto Rebates?

Search Trade-Ins & New Vehicles on fueleconomy.gov for Clunkers 2009

Jul 28, 2009 Lena Gott

Which vehicles qualify for $3,500 & $4,500 government voucher incentives? Look up CARS eligible trade-ins & new autos on fueleconomy.gov. Get Cash for Clunkers 2009 info.

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:

1. No. Your trade-in must have a combined MPG rating of 18 MPG or less to qualify.
2. 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

The copyright of the article What Cars Qualify for 3500 & 4500 Auto Rebates? in Consumer Education is owned by Lena Gott. Permission to republish What Cars Qualify for 3500 & 4500 Auto Rebates? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Find New Cars Eligible for Government Auto Rebate	Fueleconomy.gov – Which Cars Qualify As Clunkers?	3500 Government Auto Incentives Available
Use U.S. Federal Car Rebate Stimulus Program	Qualifying Trade-In for Cash for Clunkers 2009?

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Comments

Aug 5, 2009 6:43 PM

Guest :

I would really like to know why my car is not eligible? You want all old, gas hogs off the road. Mine is a '83 Pontiac and I desparately need a new car. I can now afford to get one with the help from cash for clunkers. And now to find out my car is TOO OLD!! Does this make any sense to you?? Doesn't to me!! Thanks a lot, Peggy

Aug 11, 2009 3:09 PM

Guest :

If you need a new fuel ecom. go buy one its that simple , I am sure you could pick up a used USA brand alot cheaper and with a better mpg.

Aug 15, 2009 10:42 AM

Guest :

who the hell wants an 83 pontiac. Not even the gov't, so go and get a job then you could afford something newer to trade in.

3 Comments