If you’ve got an old junker in your front yard that is more habitat for cats than transportation then this deal is for you.
In an effort to boost auto sales, the House passed a bill in hopes of increasing car sales of vehicles that get better gas mileage than what you presently own.
Under the House bill, car owners could get a voucher worth $3,500 if they trade in a vehicle getting 18 miles per gallon or less for one getting at least 22 miles per gallon. The value of the voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car were 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle. The miles per gallon figures are listed on the window sticker.
Owners of sport-utility vehicles, pickup trucks or minivans that get 18 mpg or less could receive a voucher for $3,500 if their new truck or SUV is at least 2 mpg higher than their old vehicle. The voucher would increase to $4,500 if the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 5 mpg higher than the older vehicle. Consumers could also receive vouchers for leased vehicles.
This yearlong vehicle program is expected to cost the taxpayers $4 billion dollars.
5 comments
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June 11, 2009 at 9:09 am
ronin
This is straight out of the socialist playbook. How is it fair that my taxes go to subsidize someone else purchasing a new vehicle? Can’t afford a new car, buy a used car.
June 11, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Lord Crimson
The Obamanation plans to put capitalism in the rear view mirror. This little wealth transfer scheme is only the beginning, mainly because not enough people are willing to stand up and say no.
I imagine when things get bad enough there will be retaliation against the political/ruling class, but I fear by then it will be too late.
June 11, 2009 at 2:32 pm
the Grit
Hi LC,
I fail to see why anyone would want to trade in such a fine vehicle as the one in your picture? Particularly on a modern vehicle that falls apart at the slightest impact. Shoot, I bet the one shown above, even without tires, could crush at least a dozen new cars before needing minor body work.
Of course, it’s still inferior to my wife’s ride, a 1984 Lincoln Town Car. People wonder how we can afford gas for it, but since the trunk is so large that we don’t have to do business with U-Store It, we are actually saving money. Besides, it’s really nice to have a vehicle with a motor larger than many cars on the road. Ah, the joy of putting it in neutral at a light and revving the engine until the car shakes from side to side. It’s especially delightful if there happens to be one of those stupid hybrids in the lane next to you.
the Grit
June 11, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Lord Crimson
Hi Grit
You make a good argument to keep this sweet machine. If Obama has his way we won’t be able to find a safe vehicle anymore. On second thought it’s a keeper – even the political commentary.
No matter the cost, gas will always be cheaper than being crushed inside an aluminum can.
June 14, 2009 at 2:07 pm
the Grit
Hi LC,
Ah, but you forget the socialized medicine we are about to be stuck with! After that, being crushed inside an aluminum can and then not getting immediate medical attention, resulting in death won’t cost 95% of us anything. Well, except for the death tax, but you pay that eventually anyway. Now I’m starting to change my mind about Nanny State Government. You know, if Nancy Pelosi would come by once a week and wipe my ass I might even vote Democrat next year.
the Grit