Cash-For-Clunkers Update: Consumer Reports Guide For Buyers & Motorcycles to be added to the legislation

June 16, 2009 at 6:40 pm

(Source: Autoblog & Consumer Reports)

With Congress on the verge of passing some kind of ‘cash-for-clunkers’ legislation, it’s time to take a look at what cars are worth trading in for the scrappage credit and what models would be better to sell by other means. To help the average Joe Sixpack on the street, Consumer Reports has compiled a list that outlines the Make, model EPA combined mpg rating, etc.  The used cars listed are the newest vehicles likely to be available for less than $3,500, the minimum voucher value. For this to be worthwhile to the consumer, the vehicle’s trade-in value would need to be less than the voucher. Older versions of these vehicles are likely to be worth less, making the vouchers even more appealing. Many of the models have mechanical twins sold by another brand that may qualify, but we have not listed them here. The CR staff has examined the prices and concluded that pre-1993-94 Cadillac DeVilles, Eldorados and Sevilles are all solid candidates.

Make Model Older than model year EPA combined mpg Category
Cadillac DeVille 1994 17 Car
Cadillac Eldorado 1994 17 Car
Cadillac Seville 1993 17 Car
Jaguar XJ6 1996 18 Car
Lincoln Continental 1999 18 Car
Lincoln LS V8 2001 17 Car
Lincoln Town Car 1996 18 Car
Mercury Grand Marquis 1998 18 Car
Oldsmobile Aurora 1998 18 Car
Pontiac Firebird 1992 18 Car
Chevrolet Astro 2000 16 Truck
Chevrolet Blazer 2dr 4WD 1995 16 Truck
Chevrolet Blazer 4dr 4WD 1999 16 Truck
Chevrolet S10 4WD 1997 16 Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 4WD 1998 16 Truck
Dodge Dakota 2001 14 Truck
Dodge Durango 1998 13 Truck
Dodge Ram 4WD 1994 12 Truck
Dodge Grand Caravan 2000 18 Truck
Ford Aerostar 1996 17 Truck
Ford F150 V8 4WD 1995 14 Truck
Ford Expedition 4WD 2000 17 Truck
Ford Explorer 4WD 1999 15 Truck
Ford Windstar 2001 18 Truck
Isuzu Rodeo 4WD 1996 15 Truck
Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 1997 14 Truck
Jeep Wrangler 1995 16 Truck
Kia Sedona 2002 16 Truck
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4WD 2001 17 Truck
Nissan Pathfinder 1998 15 Truck
Nissan Quest 1999 18 Truck
Toyota 4Runner 4WD 1992 13 Truck

Click here to read the entire article. In a related news, US Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-PA) has introduced legislation into the Senate that would add motorcycles to the controversial Cash for Clunkers program that was recently passed by both the US House and Senate, though with significantly reduced funding of $1 billion. If passed, the new amended bill would offer a $2,500 rebate for the purchase of a new motorcycle when an older trade-in is scrapped. FYI, Pennsylvania is the home for Harley Davidson, the renowned American motorcycle maker.