No one gives a f uck what you average, it all depends on what uncle Sam says you average
Cash for Clunkers is dumb
- Thread starter boogenman
- Start date
No one gives a f uck what you average, it all depends on what uncle Sam says you average
I guess Obama himself wrote this piece of legislation and then it got through and senate with no major alterations. He alone is responsible for it's content.Come up with something better Obama!
That's because YOU DRIVE LIKE A COP! My wife can somehow manage to get 10mpg in my truck when I was out of town and yet I get 18mpg on average.
haha..not in my van i don't. i'm so afraid to get on the gas in that american pos that i drive it like ms. daisy's in the back. in the past 2 years i have changed out both O2 sensors, 2 batteries, 2 alternators, piston coil, brake rotors with less than 20k miles, 2 sets of wheel bearings (and a 3rd that i have to do soon)That's because YOU DRIVE LIKE A COP! My wife can somehow manage to get 10mpg in my truck when I was out of town and yet I get 18mpg on average.
i'm glad it's been paid for a while 'cause i couldn't afford to make a payment AND fix it every month
now..my subaru? i drive that one like a cop running to a brawl at woodstock. it's 15 years old, has zero problems and runs circles around my van in handling, performance, and gas mileage. i average about 27mpg in it. why can't 'mericans build cars like that? oh yeah, when it comes to maintenance, my subaru's oil filter and drain plug are easily accessible without a lift or special tools. my ford van had the drain plug so far back that i have to jack it up to get far enough under it to reach and the filter is so difficult to reach even Mr. Fantastic would have a hard time getting to it.
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Yeah - but putting 3 kids in one of those is a PITA. Unlike the van.
Top 5 reasons CFC might be teh failboat (most have been covered here):
I forgot that sarcasm and the internet don't work togetherI guess Obama himself wrote this piece of legislation and then it got through and senate with no major alterations. He alone is responsible for it's content.
I'm starting to think my situation is the exception.
I will be trading in my '87 4runner under this program. If this program did not exist, I would drive it for another 100k miles. It makes me a little sad, because I do consider the gen 1 4runners classics, but though mine started out straight and beautiful, it is now dented, scratched, cracked, and leaky. This is too much money to pass up, and it is better to get the thing off the road.
The only part that worries me is that she technically has a combined EPA of 19MPG (18/22), but that's by the old standard. I would be really really shocked if my 22 year old SUV did not qualify for this program because it's not "under 18MPG."
edit: I should add, I'm having the darndest time finding a new vehicle I actually want. Even the little Subies get **** for mileage. Toyota doesn't make a compact pickup or off-roadable SUV anymore. The Matrix AWD doesn't come in a 5-spd. Honda and Scion don't have anything with AWD. Christ, no wonder all these companies are tanking. They're not serving me.
The only part that worries me is that she technically has a combined EPA of 19MPG (18/22), but that's by the old standard. I would be really really shocked if my 22 year old SUV did not qualify for this program because it's not "under 18MPG."
edit: I should add, I'm having the darndest time finding a new vehicle I actually want. Even the little Subies get **** for mileage. Toyota doesn't make a compact pickup or off-roadable SUV anymore. The Matrix AWD doesn't come in a 5-spd. Honda and Scion don't have anything with AWD. Christ, no wonder all these companies are tanking. They're not serving me.
Lets not make the perfect the enemy of the good.
1mpg away and you 100% fail like this silly program
All vehicles MUST get 18mpg or less
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm
edit: sorry looks like you need to input your info for the link above.
my guess is they make it flexible. I mean, if someone is willing to get rid of the Fiero for a Fit, i would think they would give dealer discretion. Not that car salesman are known for good discretion, but you get the idea.
Really? You apparently don't have a healthy enough scorn for government stupidity.
I'd recommend driving your Toyota for another 100K miles.
Yeah, I already used that lookup. The final policy hasn't been decided. It's up to the NHTSA to execute the policy, so the "18MPG or less" is a guideline for them. We have to wait to see how they institute it.1mpg away and you 100% fail like this silly program
All vehicles MUST get 18mpg or less
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm
I'll wander as far as my unhealthy enthusiasm will take me...Really? You apparently don't have a healthy enough scorn for government stupidity.
I'd recommend driving your Toyota for another 100K miles.
Keeping the 'runner isn't the worst option, but I will say the idea of getting $4.5k towards one of the new little city cars is very alluring. I would be the straightest guy in SF driving around in my new cube or soul.
Diesel Subaru! 40 mpg and AWD / Turbo'ed. Too bad the US version will not include the Swedish spec'ed low speed transfer case. The manual transmission has a very tall 1st gear, if it is even available here any longer. I drive the turbocharged XT model with a manual tranny, FYI
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0801_subaru_boxer_turbodiesel_first_drive/index.html
$10 says that Subaru isn't available until after this stupid program is over.
AND I hope Sub has done some major re-engineering of their head gaskets.
AND I hope Sub has done some major re-engineering of their head gaskets.
Mr. Positive to the rescue.$10 says that Subaru isn't available until after this stupid program is over.
AND I hope Sub has done some major re-engineering of their head gaskets.
Since 05' and up, the head gaskets are great. The other stuff, like the strange and dangerous handling on ice, ultra-un-damp suspension and questionable AC system are a consideration towards Toyota and the like.$10 says that Subaru isn't available until after this stupid program is over.
AND I hope Sub has done some major re-engineering of their head gaskets.
fixed!mr. Realistic to the rescue.
I'd love it, but even if it makes it here, the diesel won't be avail in Cali. Sucks. I'd love a diesel. If I could swap one into my runner for less than $3k, that'd be bonerriffic.
The soul and cube are cool, but I live in the middle of a city and have a motorcycle, so if it's just for transportation I'm already covered. I need the vehicle to be able to haul bikes, skis and lumber at a minimum. Getting me up to Tahoe in the snow is pretty important. Accessing trails is a nice-to-have. My current truck does all of that. Maybe I'm talking myself into passing up the rebate, but only for lack of selection.
What about restoring your old Toy, it is the ultimate version of recycling? For a while, I was restoring an 88, only with one ton chevy axles and 40" tires, strictly an offroader. Then, I got smart and have recently sold most of the stuff and I am just sticking to bikes and skiing.
Nonetheless, restoring or improving a daily driver should be pretty affordable. Straight Fenders can be had for $50 and lots of other parts on various offroad forums / craigslist. Toyota motors are not all that expensive, and heck, you can swap some late Tundra motor into your rig if you want both fuel economy and power. There are even old imported diesels, but then I know California is a total pain in the neck with swaps.
check out www.yotatech.com. Let me know if your interested in an 88 body with a full 2" HREW cage and rock sliders
Sounds like the most sensible thing to do.
Been down that road, and I unfortunately don't have the garage space I used to. Besides:
* I'm getting rust spots coming through the paint at all wheelwells
* I've got oil leaking from the front crank seal (MAY be able to repair myself) and probably from the rear main seal (can't drop tranny myself)
* I've got a cracked windshield
* I've got dented front fender (easy replacement, less easy to paint) and a dented rear corner (can't replace, can't do bodywork myself)
* Tires are due for replacement
* Downey springs are sagging after only 2 years
* Rancho 9000 shafts are rusted and I'm not sure I can cash in the lifetime warranty since I'm not the original purchaser.
I'd love to do a 3rze swap, but is it really worth it when the body is starting to rust?
It would make a great off-roader for someone, and if I could buy this exact truck new from the factory (or even 5 years old), I would. But it's not worth pumping $1500-$2000 into a truck worth $2000 (let alone $3k plus for a swap) when I can get $4500 for it from the gubmint.
If it's a 22R(e) then the front seal is very easy to do. It goes out about every 100k but I've seen them go as long as 130k. It's easiest to do the belts and hoses at the same time. Less than $50 in parts and takes about 2 hours total. The dealer can even do it for $120 if you are lazy like me
I would say it's worth trying to haggle the trade, though. Rust on those is bad and the back isn't easy to fix (I've tried).
I would say it's worth trying to haggle the trade, though. Rust on those is bad and the back isn't easy to fix (I've tried).
I read August, so I guess the sooner the better, right?
It seems that the program is now called CARS or Car Allowance Rebate System
Just in case anyone is wondering if their car qualifies, here's a list
http://www.edmunds.com/industry-car-news/cash-for-clunkers-eligible-vehicles.html
Just in case anyone is wondering if their car qualifies, here's a list
http://www.edmunds.com/industry-car-news/cash-for-clunkers-eligible-vehicles.html
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Huh. Ain't a lot of Honda's on that list... Never would've guessed that.
Should have called it ASS. Autos for Sad Sucks.
Canada's version of cash for clunkers seems to work a little different:
Retire Your Ride Offers Incentives to Bike
from Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
TORONTO (BRAIN)—Retire Your Ride, Canada’s National Vehicle Recycling Program, announced a new initiative this week that gives participants up to $490 off the purchase of a new, high-end commuter bicycle through a national partnership with the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC).
“The goal of Retire Your Ride is not only to improve air quality by reducing the number of older cars on the road, but also to promote the use of sustainable transportation,” said Fatima Dharsee, executive director of Clean Air Foundation. “We’re encouraging Canadians to think about trading in four wheels for two—an act that will benefit both the environment and their health.”
In addition to the many other incentives already available across the country such as transit passes, car sharing program discounts and $300 cash, Canadians can now choose a reward of up to 70 per cent off a new, high-end commuter bicycle from participating BTAC retailers. The incentive is national with a number of retailers taking part in each province. Participating bicycle manufacturers include Specialized, Norco, Marin, Devinci, Opus (OGC), Rocky Mountain (Procycle) and Jamis (RB Inc.).
“Bicycles can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of Canadians,” said Janet O’Connell, executive director of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada. “By partnering with Retire Your Ride, we are reminding Canadians that bicycles are also an important contributor to the health and well-being of the environment, and a key element of sustainable transportation.”
Retire Your Ride is a national program designed to retire 1995 model year or older vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner, in an effort to improve air quality and encourage the use of sustainable transportation. The Retire Your Ride program is delivered nationally by Clean Air Foundation, funded by the Government of Canada and supported by a network of experienced regional delivery agents across the country, as well as a national network of automotive recyclers.
In the last few months, Retire Your Ride has already permanently retired more than 7,600 vehicles. The Government of Canada has committed $92 million over four years to the Retire Your Ride program to help Canadians recycle their older, higher polluting vehicles and make sustainable transportation choices, leading to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information, visit www.retireyourride.ca.
Retire Your Ride Offers Incentives to Bike
from Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
TORONTO (BRAIN)—Retire Your Ride, Canada’s National Vehicle Recycling Program, announced a new initiative this week that gives participants up to $490 off the purchase of a new, high-end commuter bicycle through a national partnership with the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC).
“The goal of Retire Your Ride is not only to improve air quality by reducing the number of older cars on the road, but also to promote the use of sustainable transportation,” said Fatima Dharsee, executive director of Clean Air Foundation. “We’re encouraging Canadians to think about trading in four wheels for two—an act that will benefit both the environment and their health.”
In addition to the many other incentives already available across the country such as transit passes, car sharing program discounts and $300 cash, Canadians can now choose a reward of up to 70 per cent off a new, high-end commuter bicycle from participating BTAC retailers. The incentive is national with a number of retailers taking part in each province. Participating bicycle manufacturers include Specialized, Norco, Marin, Devinci, Opus (OGC), Rocky Mountain (Procycle) and Jamis (RB Inc.).
“Bicycles can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of Canadians,” said Janet O’Connell, executive director of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada. “By partnering with Retire Your Ride, we are reminding Canadians that bicycles are also an important contributor to the health and well-being of the environment, and a key element of sustainable transportation.”
Retire Your Ride is a national program designed to retire 1995 model year or older vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner, in an effort to improve air quality and encourage the use of sustainable transportation. The Retire Your Ride program is delivered nationally by Clean Air Foundation, funded by the Government of Canada and supported by a network of experienced regional delivery agents across the country, as well as a national network of automotive recyclers.
In the last few months, Retire Your Ride has already permanently retired more than 7,600 vehicles. The Government of Canada has committed $92 million over four years to the Retire Your Ride program to help Canadians recycle their older, higher polluting vehicles and make sustainable transportation choices, leading to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information, visit www.retireyourride.ca.
And how would I carry my dirt bike on a commuter bike? Stupid Canadians.
cash for clunkers is so dumb that 250,000 people took advantage of it, thus using up its allotted funds in a snap.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/business/31clunkers.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/business/31clunkers.html?hp
Arrrrgh....Toshi, you beat me to the punch on that one. I was driving in this morning, and heard that on the radio. The first thing I thought was, "Toshi is going to be ALL over this one."
I think the program was a great idea. Seems like the qualification requirements could have been a bit more strict though, maybe next wave.
It's not a shock, really.
Dumb government program seeks to give away nearly $5000 to people who made poor vehicle purchase decisions and now have worthless pieces of $hit sitting in their driveway... and people are LINING UP to wallow at the trough.
Makes sense to me.
they are looking for more money to continue the program, most articles are purporting.
plus most manufacturers are giving the consumer money on top of the $4500, like Chrysler who is doubling the amount to $9000.
plus most manufacturers are giving the consumer money on top of the $4500, like Chrysler who is doubling the amount to $9000.
I'm not sure I follow what you're saying. A family buys a Suburban in 1990-when gas prices were just over a dollar, and that's somehow a poor vehicle purchase decision?It's not a shock, really.
Dumb government program seeks to give away nearly $5000 to people who made poor vehicle purchase decisions and now have worthless pieces of $hit sitting in their driveway... and people are LINING UP to wallow at the trough.
Makes sense to me.
Yeah. Do you recall the 70's oil embargo?I'm not sure I follow what you're saying. A family buys a Suburban in 1990-when gas prices were just over a dollar, and that's somehow a poor vehicle purchase decision?
People are dumb.