Not all 'cash for clunkers' vehicles are being junked

[Newsjock]

Source: Orange County Register

The sapphire blue 2001 Nissan X-Terra was still in pretty fine shape - but, getting only 17 miles or so a gallon, it had “Cash for Clunkers“ written all over it.

So in August, Dan Hoang and girlfriend Tara Bui gathered up all the paperwork required by “Cash for Clunkers” - registration, title, proof of insurance - and went to Volkswagen of Garden Grove to ditch the gas guzzler and replace it with a more environmentally friendly VW Jetta.

... So imagine Hoang and Bui’s surprise when they breezed by the dealership days later, and saw its flashing sign advertising a pre-owned 2001 X-Terra for sale. Current price: $5,995.

... “They came in for the cash for clunkers, but we went out and looked at the car and decided it’s a pretty clean car, so we took the car on a trade-in,” said Ken O’Donnell of VW of Garden Grove. “We decided we’re going to give them the $3,500 they would have gotten from the clunker program as the trade-in. We’re not asking the government for any reimbursement.”

Read more: http://taxdollars.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/21/couple-shocked-to-find-their-clunker-wasnt-destroyed-but-is-for-sale/36999/

[KharmaTrain]

1. Ya Mean Used Car Dealers Are Acting Like Used Car Dealers?

Who woulda thunk it...

[Travis_0004]

3. I don't even see why this is making the news

I assumed that if somebody had a nice car to trade in they would sell it to make more profit.

As long as they don't ask the government for money from cash for clunkers, then I say go for it. In fact I would rather have them sell it, that's less money the government has to spend.

Plus, why is the owner upset. It the car is working and in good condition, it makes much more sense to use it for a few years then destroy it.

[liberal N proud]

4. Because if you only read the headline, you think someone is taking advantage

of the government.

Of course many of the tea baggers can't read past the headline so the perception will be that the CARS program was a failure.

[KharmaTrain]

7. You Are Spot On...

This isn't a government program that required all those with "clunkers" to sell them. Auto dealers surely reserved the right as to what to do with a car once they take title. 2001 isn't that old...especially if it has low mileage. My daughter has a '99 Civic that she is loathe to part with as it still gets 25mpg...I wouldn't quite call that a "clunker". Bottom line is it is up to the dealer...they can either "cash" the "clunker" in (if it qualified) for the $3500 or made an extra $2gs by trying to resell it. Heck 5gs for a dependable car is a bargain...why shouldn't it be resold?

Welcome to DU...

:hi:

[bighart]

2. If the facts as stated are correct

this isn't a "cash for clunkers" vehicle as no government payment will be made for it. It's called a trade-in.

[JonQ]

5. Seems legit

as long as they are serious about not seeking reimbursement.

Is Mr. Hoang upset that his old car isn't going to be smashed in to a cube?

[Hepburn]

6. I don't see what the problem is with this deal.

The buyers got their benefit of the bargain which they would have gotten on the Clunkers program and got the car they wanted. The dealership used their own money and paid it over and got a nice used car which they cleaned up and put on the market. The government program worked ~~ it was not wrongfully used by anyone.

What the hell is the problem with this??? :shrug:

[Javaman]

8. file this under, "dog bites man".

no story here, just bullshit faux indignation.

[Gold Metal Flake]

9. OBAMA! Corruption! BIG GUBAMINT! Nazis!

We all know at whom this story is aimed.

[cbdo2007]

10. Sounds like they are just mad cause they may have been able to get more for it.

If they had decided to sell it themselves or had even checked with Carmax or another dealer, but they settled for the "Cash for Clunkers" price because they wanted to "do their part" and help out the govt. with their program.