Cash For Clunkers : Supended : No More Cash

[Tech_Guy]

For a moment, let's take a look at the overall impact of this program.

So, if the amount allocated for "Cash for Clunkers" is $ 1 Billion, and if the average payout is $ 4,000 per clunker - then the program will stimulate sales of 250,000 new automobiles and get the same number of gas guzzlers off the road. Now if there are 315,000,000 people here in the U.S., then one out of every 1260 people will be getting a new car.

Is there an error in my arithmetic?

Keith

[Jabber]

To be truthful:

1) I am willing to bet that more than a billion has been spent. One dealer I know of is owed almost $500,000. Just my dealership is owed about $200,000. There are roughly 21,500 dealers who have cars that qualify. Simple math will tell me that it is gone. If that is the case, the government will have to pony up additional funds just to pay what has already been spent so dealers don't get killed. Which, in turn, will kill the consumer becuase dealers will go back after the consumer. It will be a nightmare for public relations either way.

2) I will be glad when this program is over. I'm going to sleep for a week straight.

[Jabber]

Originally Posted by Tech_Guy

For a moment, let's take a look at the overall impact of this program.

So, if the amount allocated for "Cash for Clunkers" is $ 1 Billion, and if the average payout is $ 4,000 per clunker - then the program will stimulate sales of 250,000 new automobiles and get the same number of gas guzzlers off the road. Now if there are 315,000,000 people here in the U.S., then one out of every 1260 people will be getting a new car.

Is there an error in my arithmetic?

Keith

Small problem with it.. 315,000,000 is every living, breathing, human in the US. Assume 70%(?) of that number is of legal age to own a vehicle. Changes your math to 1 out of 882.

[goulds]

So am I yoked on this?

Put 1G down on a 2010 Prius IV on 7/16 - the car had a "sold" sign put inside, and was parked in a corner as the dealer was "waiting" for the details to be finalized on the 24th before they would be able to officially do a c4c deal. On the friday the 24th I got information that everything would begin on Monday (4 Days ago) 7/27 - that's when deals at this dealer would begin to be consummated. My salesman on monday said it was a mess in there, blamed the Fed web site and such, and said he would call me when he knew what was what. On tuesday, he calls and says they got the go ahead for c4c deals, but that I wouldn't be able to come in tuesday and that Wednesday would work. Meanwhile I sent the insurance info for my clunker, faxed my reg and the front and back of the title, etc. but we have no time set up for Wed. I call Wed, and he says he can only do a 6 pm appt. I said I could meet him anytime all day Wed, but he tells me he can't accomodate me until 6pm, the only time he said he could "get access to his financial mgr, who was apparently taking at least 2 hours per deal to sit with clunker customers as they fill out the forms. I can't do that time - dear friend's 84th b'day party that night, and we're bringing the cake. So, since Wed. can't work, we talk about thursday (today), but I can't get in there (dealer is an hour away), so we set up our appt. to finally, once and for all, get this done on friday. We have an appt. tomorrow at 4pm to turn in my '99 explorer and pick up the black prius IV that's been sitting there ever since I put deposit on it two weeks ago. I called this afternoon, but my salesman is out until tomorrow. But now I hear this news. My blood pressure is high already, and this news is not helping.

So I ask again... am I yoked? I won't do the deal without getting the $4500 for my previously worthless (I was told) Explorer XL V8.

[firemanbobswife]

Let's just hope they don't try to rush some more money into the program by attaching the so called healthcare reform to it as a way to get it passed.

[Jabber]

Goulds, in a nutshell? Yes. You are screwed. Unless you call the manager and tell them you will be there within the next 2 hours to complete the deal. Or ask him if he processed your paperwork since you sent him everything in advance. DO that quick!

[Tech_Guy]

Originally Posted by firemanbobswife

Let's just hope they don't try to rush some more money into the program by attaching the so called healthcare reform to it as a way to get it passed.

Hey, I think you are on to something!!!

I can get my tonsils and appendix removed for almost nothing and drive away from the hospital in a new car that I saved $ 4500 on the purchase price - all in one month.

Lets go for it!!!

(I really like this socialism thing, except for one minor detail - eventually you run out of other people's money.)

Keith

P.S. Sorry, I guess I forgot to take my medication, again.

[SR45]

AP sources: Govt to suspend 'cash for clunkers' - Yahoo! News

Just in case some have not read it eles where

[goulds]

Originally Posted by Jabber

Goulds, in a nutshell? Yes. You are screwed. Unless you call the manager and tell them you will be there within the next 2 hours to complete the deal. Or ask him if he processed your paperwork since you sent him everything in advance. DO that quick!

Jabber - thanks for your reply, but I can't say I'm happy that you're confirming my worries... and it depresses me. This dealer closed at 8pm, and the phone just rings and rings. No midnight deadline worries on their part. Sticking to their posted hours. I have a sneaking suspicion the dealer was dragging it's feet on this whole c4c thing anyway, despite the animated gif block heralding their participation in the program on their web site.

[LoraJ]

What time did this get announced? May have been too late for many East coast dealerships.