Want Clunker Cash? Stop Reading, Call Your Dealer, It Ends Today

John Voelcker

Senior Editor BIO

John is Senior Editor for High Gear Media. In addition to news coverage and new car reviews, John creates and oversees all editorial for High Gear's... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
They both deliver smooth, all-electric power. They both plug into the wall to recharge their... Read More

#4LEADERBOARD RANK
2900ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
1950COMMENTS POSTED

1,516 views Aug 24, 2009

Follow John

Add to circle

Cash for Clunkers banner with Mercury Sable, Albany, New York

Enlarge Photo

If you've got a clunker you've been meaning to trade in, you'd better take the rest of the day off, 'cause the whole Cash-for-Clunkers program winds up at 8 pm tonight.

Here's our checklist of steps for anyone who's still hoping to get those $3,500 or $4,500 rebates for a new car that gets at least 22 miles per gallon (for $3,500) or at least 10 miles per gallon better than the traded-in clunker (for the full $4,500):

Make Sure Your Dealer Is Still Taking Clunkers. Many have already stopped doing clunker deals. No sense in visiting unless they confirm they'll actually take your car.
Make Sure They Have The Car You Want. Dealers may not have the most popular high-mileage models, including the Ford Focus. The 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid is almost sold out too.
Get Your Paperwork Together. If you don't have all the documents showing the car has been continuously registered and insured under your name for one year, you're out of luck.
Make Sure Your Car Qualifies. Your salesperson can also do this, but you can check the list online at the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) website.
Get Down There, NOW!

For more details on the wind-down of the Clunkers program, see the full report at our sister site GreenCarReports.com.