the clunker ripoff

[LMJD]

We seize the engines with silica after the paperwork goes through.

Well, that proves to me, as usual, it's a brilliant government program.

The main reason for the recession is that people were so far in debt. So, let's incentivise them to take on more debt by destroying perfectly good cars, which are probably already paid for, and finance new ones.

Well said, Hottub. Except you might have inserted "that us taxpayers are paying for" after the word "cars"!

[Pappy19]

I have a question: What are new car and used car dealers going to do in the future with all of the clunkers they have on their lots BEFORE the clunker program came into being?

[hapaschold]

interesting program no doubt

and what is the promise these clunkers dont end up parted out from a scrap yard seized engine or not.

[checkthisout]

Originally Posted by kc2kgt

I've heard from others that they were "blowing up" the motors.

I just don't understand that....why wouldn't these vehicles got to a salvage yard to have their parts harvested??

I will have to look at the paperwork again, but we have to kill the engines. I believe the rest of the parts can be resold for reinstallation by the salvage yard.

[checkthisout]

Originally Posted by hapaschold

interesting program no doubt

and what is the promise these clunkers dont end up parted out from a scrap yard seized engine or not.

See above.

I mean if the dealer or scrapper gets caught not seizing and then reselling the engines they will be backed out the $4500.00 and probably some fines levied on top of that.

[checkthisout]

Originally Posted by hottub1

The main reason for the recession is that people were so far in debt. So, let's incentivise them to take on more debt by destroying perfectly good cars, which are probably already paid for, and finance new ones. And that's excatly what the government wants, the less money you have the less liberty and choices you also have. These perfectally good cars were the ones that lower income families or people just getting started in the work force could afford. Now they will be scarcer and the prices for these cars will increase. Finally why would you just crush them? What a waste. OK, perhaps you would want to immobilize them but but arent the rest of the parts worth something? I thopught all of the tree huggers insisted on recycling everything. The only place these cars are going to be recycled to is China to help pay our debt. And finally, when you go into the government site to find if you car is on the clunker list you have just unknowingly given the government total and unending access to your computer, forever. You see, not only does the government get you into additional debt, tell you what to drive, how to spend what little money you have, it will also be able to monitor your every keystroke forever. Big Brother IS watching, Carl Marx is alive and well.

This program jives with the republican rhetoric of "tax breaks" and "tax incentives" to spur business and economic growth.

[Pappy19]

Yeah, and it worked. I can hardly wait to see how well the "tax the rich" crowd helps spur on economic growth and increase jobs. I don't think "trickle down" econimics works too well when all you earn is unemployment money, and if you live in Demoncratic California, all you get is a voucher IOU. Try and spend that.

[tbpower]

Looks like they are trying to extend this program. From my understanding a bill in the senate by 2 billion. Time to invest in gold. LOL. Our dollar is starting to fall. What does that create?

[Believer45]

Originally Posted by kc2kgt

I've heard from others that they were "blowing up" the motors.

I just don't understand that....why wouldn't these vehicles got to a salvage yard to have their parts harvested??

Ostensibly, another reason for the program is to get the clunkers off the road to reduce pollution. Allowing salvage yards to sell the engines puts the polluting portion of the clunker back on the road so it is not allowed.

[Believer45]

BTW, one of the dealerships here in Cincinnati was on the news and in the first day of the program they sold 18 cars on a day they normally sell 5-6 so tripling sales happened, at least at that dealership.

Dave / Believer45

[HighwayPrisoner]

The cash for clunkers should only be available at "Government Motors", or "Obama's Chrysler Motors". They need the business. Oh, the richness of the Corinthein leather, or the"Obama pimped smoke cloth" limited edition interior. " See the USA in your Obamamobile" coming soon comrade.
Stimulus is good but turned on is better. Question: Can you trade in an ex wife as a clunker, if she is a pre 1984 model?

[Got Diesel?]

I think the term "clunker" gets a bit stretched with some of the cars that fit in the program.

http://jalopnik.com/5327580/video-ho...r-clunkers-car

Not exactly what I would have thought to be a clunker... and it seems to have put up a fight... even sounds like its screaming toward the end....

I don't know if there's a car enthusiast that can watch that and not feel some regret...

[kc2kgt]

Originally Posted by Believer45

Ostensibly, another reason for the program is to get the clunkers off the road to reduce pollution. Allowing salvage yards to sell the engines puts the polluting portion of the clunker back on the road so it is not allowed.

I undestand the logic of getting the pollution vehicles off the road, but as Obama would say "what about the poor people" that need to go to the salvage yard to get their "clunker" fixed so they can drive to work?

It seems extremly wasteful to me.

[tbpower]

Originally Posted by checkthisout

This program jives with the republican rhetoric of "tax breaks" and "tax incentives" to spur business and economic growth.

Who is the majority? I won't go any further because I don't want to get into a useless debate of economic philosophy. We will see what happens in 2010.

[Pappy19]

I understand that the majority of the cars sold under the "clunker" exchange were Japanese cars so the Government Motors and Chrysler were left out with Ford doing at least some decent business. Anyone for an Obama crotch rocket?? Can't wait to see what that looks like.