"Clunkers" Deal Missing On All Cylinders

WARNING:GRAPHIC VIDEO CONTENT! On the surface, it appears that I (and I was not alone) was wrong about the "Cash For Clunkers" deal. I really didn't think that so many people actually had vehicles that would qualify. However, in the final analysis, will CFC be a boon to the economy, or is it just another political farce cooked up by the Democrats to win friends and influence people?

I have questions and nowhere on the Internet can find the answers. I want to know things like, "Under the C.A.R.S. program, how many people actually switched from a domestic make to a foreign make?" I don't have the official numbers, but I know a lot of people who did—and I mean alot. I work with a lot of local dealers, and I know Honda and Toyota did real well. Obviously, that won't help our economy.

Cash For Clunkers—Great For Japan's Economy

I'd also like to know, "Under the C.A.R.S. program, how many people who made a purchase where planning to anyway?" Again, I can find no official numbers, but everyone I know that traded in a clunker was planning on buying sometime in the next 3-6 months anyway. So what did the program stimulate the economy? Not really. Most dealers admit that they got a nice sales blip in the midst of a typically slow sales season, but when the CFC ends, where will the buyers be? I'll tell you where... out enjoying their new Gummint subsidized "people's cars." Further more, the CFC program was so popular during July, it's depleted inventories to the point that manufacturers have now cut back on their own incentive programs for August. So it becomes yet another "bail-out" for the automakers.

Finally, "Under the C.A.R.S. program, how many people who bought a car, really needed the $3500-$4500 Gummint subsidy?" No one I know. The fact is, people who could have really used this assistance can't afford a new car at any price. Wasn't that supposed to be part of the benefit—Helping folks who are down on their luck get a decent set of wheels? A survey of car dealerships and 2,200 consumers conducted by CNW Research found that the average income of those purchasing new cars under the program was $57,700—only slightly below the $61,000 for all new car buyers. So, if your neighbor happened to be driving what qualified as a clunker, you are were not... they get a handsom $4500 bonus from Team Obama, and you get screwed. Oh, and BTW, some of the $4500 your neighbor just got came from your taxes!  How do you feel about that?

Ok, so the "let's help people who can't afford cars" angle didn't work (duh!), so the dems are now going back to the old stand by of saying how much this program will clean up the atmosphere. Wrong again.

CNW Research says that the cars being traded in under the program so far have averaged 16.3 mpg, with new cars averaging 24.8. But this does not necessarily mean fewer carbon emissions. New cars tend to be driven more for a variety of reasons, ranging from reduced fuel and maintenance costs to the excitement of a new car. According to CNW, the cars traded in were driven some 6,000 miles per year, compared to the average for a new car of 12,000 miles. So, even if that shiny new machine in the driveway is driven less than that average, the benefits to the environment are insignificant—Especially when you figure in the environmental costs of building a new car and disposing of the old one.

Which brings me to this. Why must all these cars coming in be crushed? Some of these vehicles are in pretty darn nice shape. Just take a look on the used market and see what $4500 will buy—you may be surprised. Some of these vehicles have been very well-maintained, with no rust and clean interiors—they just aren't worth $4500 IN TRADE. On the lot, many would easily go for $6500 or better. Why not, at least, donate these vehicles to automotive trade schools, or to charitible organizations that need vehicles. Why not give them to churches to give to needed people in the community. Why? You know the answer. It's all politics.

With support for Obama's single-payer socialistic health plan in nose-dive, someone in the Democratic party woke up, smelled coffee and said "Hey guys, people seem to like this clunkers deal we cooked up, let's keep that going and maybe they won't pay so much attention this "Health Care" (they all gigle) plan.

Arrgh.

If you don't have a clunker, but would still want a great deal... check out  EconoCarsDirect.com -

Graphic Video: Is this really what you wanted for 'ole bessie, after all those years of faithful service?