Which Vehicles Qualify?

Both your trade-in vehicle and the new vehicle must meet several conditions to qualify.

Your trade-in vehicle must:

• Be in driveable condition

• Have been continuously insured consistent with State laws and registered to you for at least one year immediately prior to trade-in

• Be manufactured less than 25 years before the date of the trade-in (i.e., before mid- to late-1984)

• Have a combined MPG of 18 or less. This does not apply to category 3 trucks---trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 8,500 lbs. and 10,000 lbs.

MPG requirements for 1985 and newer model year vehicles are based on the Combined "New EPA MPG" as given in the Find a Car section at fueleconomy.gov. Data for 1984 model year vehicles will be added soon.

The purchased/leased vehicle must:

• Be new (i.e., legal title has not been transferred to anyone)

• Have a manufacturer's suggested retail price is $45,000 or less

• (If Leased) be leased for at least 5 years

FAQ's

When does the program begin?

This program begins July 1, 2009, but it would be prudent for consumers and dealers to wait until the details of the program are resolved and finalized. Program details will be in place by July 23, 2009.

When does the program end?

The program will end November 1, 2009, or when the funds appropriated for the program are exhausted, whichever comes first. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will develop a method to provide ample warning to consumers and dealers regarding the amount of program funds remaining.

How do I participate in this program?

You must purchase or lease the qualifying vehicle from participating new car dealership. Dealers must register with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to participate. Since this program is new, it may be late July before dealers are registered to participate. NHTSA will provide a list of participating dealerships and qualifying vehicles at CARS.gov in the near future.

Will consumers receive a paper voucher?

No. The automobile dealer will credit the amount of the incentive to your purchase or lease at the time of purchase. The government will then reimburse the dealership through an electronic funds transfer.

Note: Dealers cannot charge you any fees to participate in this program.

How will this affect trade-in value?

Your trade-in will be scrapped. You will receive a voucher instead of a trade in amount.

Can I combine this with other government incentives?

Yes. You can combine this with other State and Federal incentives, such as the hybrid vehicle credit.

Why is my vehicle not listed in Find a Car?

1. If your vehicle a large truck or van with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 8,500 lbs., EPA fuel economy estimates for your vehicle do not exist because manufacturers are not required to provide MPG ratings for those vehicles. Some common vehicles that are exempt from fuel economy standards are listed here. You can usually find your vehicle's GVWR inside the driver's-side door post or in your user's manual.
   
   In this case, you don't need to worry. Eligibility for these vehicles is determined by model year.
   
   
2. Some vehicles are missing from our database---this is more common for model years prior to 2000. We are currently working to fill these data gaps.
   
   

   If your vehicle is not a large truck, e-mail the following information about your vehicle to fueleconomy@ornl.gov:

   • Model year
   • Make/manufacturer (e.g., Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, etc.)
   • Model (e.g., Focus, Malibu, Camry, etc.)
   • Number of cylinders
   • Engine size, in liters (e.g., 1.8L)
   • Transmission type (e.g., 6-speed automatic, 4-speed manual)
   • Fuel type (gasoline, diesel, etc.)
   • Drive type (front-wheel, rear-wheel, 4-wheel/all-wheel drive)
   • Any other comments that might help us identify the vehicle (e.g., supercharger, turbocharger, VTEC engine, dual overhead cam (DOHC), single overhead cam (SOHC), etc.