If you have questions about the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) rogram we have created three easy steps to see if you can particpate. Don’t feel bad if you are confused. Many consumers have unanswered questions.  Please be patient.  The program rules are still be finalized. The NHTSA has not been given much time to pull this all together.

The CARS program will implement the provisions outlined in the “Cash for Clunkers” bill that was signed by President Obama into law. The NHTSA is implementing the bill’s language. The NHTSA did not write the rules; our elected officials wrote the rules.

If you want to express your opinions on the language of the bill, you can click on the “SPEAK UP” button on the right and share your thoughts.

	Go to the official government website http://cars.gov for the CARS program and look-up the COMBINED mpg rating for your car.If you need help reading the EPA charts, click here.You can not skip this step. If your car is not listed, contact the NHTSA.	If your car is rated over 18 miles per gallon on the official CARS website, you do not qualify. This rating is not your actual mpg but a standard rating system for the program. There are no exceptions for cars at this time that are rated 19 mpg or higher.
	If your car is rated as getting a combined mpg of 18 or less, you cleared an important first step.Now you have to make sure your car meets the other requirements for the CARS program which includes ownership, drive-ability, insurance and age.	Go back to http://cars.gov and click on the “CARS FAQ” button. You need to read the latest rules for your trade-in.If your cars qualifies based on the latest information provided on the FAQ page, go to step 3.If you have unanswered questions, contact the NHTSA.
	If your car has passed steps one and two, you can use your car as a trade in to purchase a new fuel efficient car. You DO NOT need a voucher in advance of visiting your local dealer. There is no consumer pre-registration needed. Your local new car dealer will handle all the paperwork starting late July.	Contact a local dealer as soon as the CARS program officially is started. It is estimated that the program will start in late July.To be notified when the program starts via email, click here. When you purchase a new car make sure you inquire about additional manufacturer rebates and incentives.

If you would like a local dealer to contact you about purchasing a new car with your qualified trade-in, complete the form on the left. You can call any local dealer yourself and ask if they will be participating. You can also have us do the work for you and ask them to contact you.

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