South Coast Subaru
2927 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Sales: (800) 306-6687
- Service: (800) 650-5591
- Parts: (714) 689-2103
Cash For Clunker Program
The Car Allowance Rebate System is a new program from the government that will help you pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or SUV from a participating dealer when you trade in a less fuel efficient car or truck.
How do I know if my car or truck is an eligible trade-in vehicle?
There are several requirements (but you also have to meet certain conditions for the car or truck you wish to buy). Your dealer can help you determine whether you have an eligible trade in vehicle.
Your trade-in vehicle must
- have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
- have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
- be in drivable condition
- be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
- The trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured not earlier than 25 years before the date of trade in and, in the case of a category 3 vehicle, must also have been manufactured not later than model year 2001
Follow this link to find out if you car is qualified. CARS vehicle eligibility guide!
Under the program, you may purchase a new vehicle or lease a new vehicle, provided the lease period for the new vehicle is at least five years.
The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.
Can I use the credit in combination with manufacturer rebates or discounts?
The CARS Act requires the dealer to use the credit under the CARS program in addition to any rebates or discounts advertised by the dealer or offered by the new vehicle's manufacturer. The dealer may not use the credit to offset these rebates and discounts.
What do I need when I go to the dealer?
You should bring your title, registration, insurance card and a drivers license. Here are the exact words from the CARS website as of June 27, 2009:
- have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
- have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
- be in drivable condition
- be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
- The trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured not earlier than 25 years before the date of trade in and, in the case of a category 3 vehicle, must also have been manufactured not later than model year 2001.
Click Here to request more information. | Search our Inventory | Vehicle eligibility guide | Sales: (800) 306-6687
