vanguy

I think some people got caught up in the market hype by the dealers that they forgot to do the math. As I stated in my earlier post about a couple who went the clunker way and got $3500 credit for their 2001 Caravan. They probably could have gotten the dealer to give them that much as a trade in anytime or sell it on their own. The couple actually thought they got a great deal out of it.

Raoul

A quick check on KBB revealed:
2001 Caravan with 100k...
Private Sale = $3,350 to $2,525
Trade = $1,975 to $1,175

Now, if the van only had 20k on it....
Private Sale = $4,000 to $3,200
Trade = $2,650 to $1,850

But, most likely the van was in poor condition and had 250k on it...
Private Sale = "are you kidding me?"
Trade = $700

Thus, their excitement.

AlexusAnja

A RX would have to be a real clunker for sure to not pull in $4500 on trade-in or private sale. Also, wasn't the RX300 rated at 18 and 22 mpg (local/highway) so how does that average out to 18 mpg? I presume the source of the ratings and Edmunds or the such and they have rated based on the new EPA standards for fuel efficiency, which lowers the RX's numbers.

All I know is that I've put in money to bail out GM and Chrysler, and now more of my money is going to artificially inflate sales numbers, just so MO MONEY MO MONEY MO MONEY can be put into the CARS program and continue it.

What next, program to help pay for premium fuel to help the owners that bought their fancy new cars and keep the engine running clean and smooth?

hypervish

There is no reason to take advantage of the Cash for Clunkers on this car the RX is worth well more than $4,500. If you dont want to sell it privately trade it in but dont get the cash for clunkers offer just perform the trade in as you would have before this cash for clunkers.

hypervish

I think destroying these cars is creating more pollution...have you seen how they kill these cars. They pour this liquid into the engine and drain it of oil, thats fine but then they redline the car till it dies and all of the is just coming out of the exhaust and creating more harmful fumes and hurting the atmosphere as well.

Lexmex

It's the AWD RX300 that's the clunker, not the FWD. This I took from www.fueleconomy.gov, which is applicable to the clunkers program.