Scion has sent adolescents into a frenzy recently with the announcement of the xB Release Series 6.0! Dubbed Absolutely Red due to the body color, this Scion features a couple of tasteful modifications that young people will identify with. But with only 2500 being made the xB RS 6.0 will most definitely fly off the dealer lots. Continue reading »

The Cash for Clunkers program is available now, and it’s a great deal for those in a position to take advantage of it. If you would like to get a new car, but don’t have the money yet, you should probably look into this deal. It just might change everything.
First, doo you have a car to trade in? Does it get 18 miles per gallon or less?  If not, sorry – this plan is not for you.  You can’t go to the nearest junkyard and buy a gas guzzler to trade in for the rebate. This has to be a car that you have owned for at least a year, including insuring it and having it registered. There are other requirements intended to make sure that the money goes toward taking gas guzzlers off the road. In order to qualify, your trade-in must:
•    Get 18 MPG or less (according to their chart, not your actual mileage or what the manufacturer said when you bought it)
•    Be in drivable condition
•    Have been owned, registered and insured by you for the last year
•    Be less than 25 years old
•    Must be owned free and clear (the dealership can probably help you pay off your loan as part of the purchase of the new car)
Next, you need to find an eligible new car. You can find a list at cashforclunkersresource.com.  It needs to get at least 4 miles per gallon more than your old car for the $3,500 rebate or 10 mpg better for the $4,500 rebate. The rules are slightly different from trucks and SUVs.
If your trade-in and your purchase qualify for the Cash for Clunkers rebate, it is in addition to other government incentives and manufacturer’s rebates. So research the prices and incentives on the new vehicles you are considering. Also look into other government incentives like the hybrid vehicle credit.  If you can combine government incentives and dealership offers, you could get a really spectacular price on a new car. You must buy the new car or lease it for 5 years or more to be eligible.
The NHTSA  is in the process of certifying new car dealerships to administer this program, but that’s taking time. Don’t wait, though. Go ahead and contact your local dealership now. They may be willing to process the rebate to you, knowing that they will be certified and can submit for reimbursement then.
Get your paperwork in order.  You will need:
•    Proof that you have had the car insured for at least a year. Bring this year’s insurance certificate and last year’s.
•    Proof that you have had the car registered for at least a year. Bring a copy of this year’s registration and last year’s.
•    The pink slip. (If the car is not yet paid off, bring information about the current loan and lienholder.)
•    Financial information to apply for a new loan or lease.

Now you’re ready to go buy a brand-new fuel efficient car or truck!