Hopefully you've read my first Cash for Clunkers article, I over-lined some of the rules of the new program. Click here to check it out. The next step is to find what car you can trade to. With so many new cars out there it can get really confusing finding the cars that qualify. If you are looking to trade in your old coupe, sedan, or wagon, it must get 18 MPG combined or less. The new car must get a minimum of 22 MPG. 5-9 MPG increase nets you $3500, an increase of 10 MPG and up nets you $4500. If you are going to go for it, might as well go big, aim for the 10 MPG increase. Plus, I am sure you want to gloat about all the money you saved to your friends, $4500 is greater than $3500. You probably also want to gloat about how much greener you are. Plus, I'm sure you want to grin at your neighbors when we have those sudden and random gas price surges.
With all this said, I am going to assume your trade in gets the max allowed 18 MPG and that you are solidly aiming at the 4500 buck rebate. Translation: you need to find a car that gets 28 combined MPG. If you let me, I will even go further than just finding qualifying cars. Maybe you want to earn higher than required MPG, maybe you want a car with more incentives on top, or maybe you want to find a car that returns more than good gas mileage(you are my favorite kind, you are a driver).
Let me enter all the data into my brain... AHA... your search returns 30 options: Ford Focus, Pontiac G5, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac G3, Chevrolet Aveo, Mini Cooper, Mini Clubman, Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Honda Insight, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Kia Forte, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Smart Fortwo, Pontiac Vibe(1.8L), Toyota Matrix(1.8L), and Kia Soul(1.6L). Phew, that's a lot. This calls for a slideshow(scroll to the end of the page).
Alright, the “greenies” are up first. What is one thing that an environment hugger loves more than a good recycling program? Why a high MPG cruiser of course! Seeking the utmost mileage equates to checking out the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Honda Insight, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Smart Fortwo. Each of these vehicles get over 34 MPG combined. These are the leaders when it comes to fuel economy. My personal choice would be the Jetta TDI, mostly because I lean towards the sporty side of the automobile hemisphere. Honda Insight and Smart Fortwo take the trophy for the cheapest to buy in this enviro wacky group. And the 2010 Toyota Prius takes tops with 50 MPG combined.
Some people will do anything to save money. For those 1 ply toilet paper shoppers(you know who you are), you will want to check out the Hyundai Accent Sedan($1500 incentive), Hyundai Elantra($2000 incentive), Nissan Versa($1250 incentive), Chevrolet Aveo($1000 incentive), Chevrolet Cobalt($2000 incentive), Kia Rio($1000 incentive), Pontiac G3($2000 incentive), Pontiac G5($3500 incentive), and Pontiac Vibe($2500 incentive). Each of these cars can be picked up for under $15,000(11,500 with your rebate) out the door. My pick of the bunch would definitely be the Pontiac Vibe. It's a Toyota underneath for $2500 cheaper than a Toyota. Many can be found under 14k. That's a lot of car for 14k or should I say 9.5k! The cheapest of the bunch after incentives would be the Hyundai Accent and Chevrolet Aveo, both at 11,500. Word of warning though, these are strippers(and not the good kind of strippers).
Finally, my favorite part. The invigorating, sharped tuned, and sturdily planted group. These are the cars that may well be worth the tire upgrades after-market. These are the cars that you might actually want a stickshift in. These are my kind of rides. If you want to grin on your way to work, you need to check out the Kia Forte, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Mini Cooper, and Mini Clubman. Each one gets progressively sportier. Forte is new and tuned well, Focus has impressive steering feel, Civic is a known favorite, Fit is a sharp subcompact handler, and the Mini Cooper and Clubman... they don't really need any introduction. If you want the best performer there is no other choice than the Mini. Out of all the cars that qualify for our theoretical Cash for Clunkers option, nothing competes. Even more impressive are the Mini S models. They still get the 28 MPG we are aiming for.
As you can tell, there are plenty of choices. Whether you want to be green, cheap, or cool is up to you...
Comments
Camry Hybrid is only rated 34mpg combined, which is clearly NOT "over 36". Still a fine choice, of course.
I just bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid and I love it. It beats the Camry Hybrid hands down!
I beleive this new legislation is a big win for consumers who is ready to buy a new car with fuel efficient models
Jhenry
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www.cashforclunkersfacts.info
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