Unless you’re in a social snooze and out of the news loop like Rip Van Winkle, you have heard multiple broadcasts about the U.S. government plan to jumpstart the auto industry with a billion dollars by enticing one-year plus owners of gas-guzzling (18 mpg or less) clunkers to buy a new more fuel efficient car. If you have a car that qualifies and its valued less than the available $3,500 or $4,500 federal vouchers, the time to hunt for your next car or truck is RIGHT NOW. Go to Cars.gov for information.
Why RIGHT NOW? The program runs from July 1 thru November 1, 2009 OR when the money runs out. The PUBLIC RESPONSE HAS BEEN SO OVERWHELMING THAT MANY EXPECT THE MONEY TO BE GONE BEFORE JULY IS OVER.
What does DNRguide think is the most important thing to do if you want to get the Cash for Clunkers money? You must do business with a dealer who knows how to apply for your voucher. Period. The race is on for who gets the money - and the customers who buy from the well-prepared dealers are going to win.
Normally a car buyer first looks for the dealer who gives the best price on the car. With the Cash for Clunkers deal, your absolute first priority must be to find a dealer who knows all about the Cash for Clunkers program AND has the ability to process your car voucher FAST and CORRECTLY. Only then do you go about making the best deal for the car you want. Do not put any money down until you know they can deliver on submitting your Clunker information to the federal CARS program.
A pending super car deal means nothing if you are working with one of the many clueless new car dealers who haven’t taken the essential time to get organized to serve their customers with timely Cash for Clunker voucher processing. Already, the inept dealers are trying to blame the government for the program organization. In contrast, the smart new car dealers who took the time to read the 130 page instruction book from the feds, are making lots of car sales - and have organized to make sure their customers get the voucher money they are eligible for.
Bottom line? If you want any chance to get the Cash for Clunkers money -
- decide immediately what car you want & would be eligible for the federal voucher.
- find a dealer who knows how AND can deliver on timely application for your voucher.
- quickly negotiate a good deal.