As of 11:00 pm EST on Wednesday August 5, 2009, the official website for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) www.cars.gov indicates that consumers can still participate in the Cash for Clunkers program. 

The key question for today, Wednesday, will be if local car dealers will accept any more CARS deals without additional assurances from the NHTSA or that the Senate funding bill passes.

David Wilson, CEO of Preston Motors in Maryland emailed us a few moments ago to say that all their stores will be accepting CARS deals today at www.prestonmotor.com . 

Alex Difeo GM of Hyundai of St. Augustine Florida, located near Jacksonville also called to say that he will continue to do CARS deals as long as the cars.gov website says the program is running.

Hagen Durant GM of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine Texas will also welcome Cash for Clunkers deals today.  Hagen is comfortable that additional funding is on the way.  In his words ” I am ready to sell Chevrolet cars and trucks and we have a great selection in stock“.

Schedule For Senate Vote 

We still do not have confirmation when the Senate will vote on the measure.  It seems that the NHTSA is continuing the CARS program based on the Obama administration’s confidence that there are enough votes to pass the supplemental $2 billion spending bill this week.

Yesterday Senator Harry Reid told reporters that the spending bill would be approved before the Senate left for their August break.  Both parties are agreeing that their are enough votes from Democrats and Republicans to pass the measure.  

The Cash for Clunkers spending measure needs to be approved before the summer recess Friday; everyone should be relieved that the uncertainty is put to rest once the vote is finalized. 

If the vote was delayed for any reason,  CARS would most likely be put on hold until the Fall.  A suspension of the CARS program would create a new set of problems for consumers and car dealers that would be plain ugly. 

Before You Go Car Shopping

If you are ready to purchase a new car and have a qualifying clunker, here is what we recommend:

• Print out our CARS checklist to make sure your have your paperwork in order
• Call a local dealer and see if they are accepting deals today
• Ask the local dealer if they have the model in stock that you want
• Check this website for any factory rebates that may apply
• Do your research and go shopping

You can also complete the form on the left and we can ask a local dealer to contact you.  A dealer will be chosen based on your zip code and the new car model that you want to purchase. 

This is an easy way to automate your car shopping or you can just call a few local dealers and track down the car you want.  You choose.

Dealers May Have CARS on Hold

Do not get upset with local dealers who may not want to take your deal until the Senate vote is finalized.  The public was told on Sunday by Transportation Secretary LaHood that CARS sales on Monday and Tuesday would be covered under the current legislation.  There has been no official statement past yesterday’s cut-off date. 

Although the pulse of Washington looks like the $2 billion in additional funding will pass, dealers can’t “guess” when thousands of dollars at stake.  It will be an interesting day to watch.  Follow us on Twitter for real-time updates:  http://twitter.com/cashclunkers

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone who is participating in the forums and helping other consumers with their issues, questions and needs.  This site has evolved into a great support structure for the CARS program; consumers helping consumers. 

Check out our SPEAK UP forum by clicking on the button on the right which is one our most active forums.

• National Clunker Memorial Gallery
• Links
• Archives