Cash for clunkers program 2009 has gotten off to a rocky start. Since the program began it is run into many problems including running out of funds. Hopefully, the politicians will see fit to add more funds for the program because of its wild popularity.

There have been some challenges with the program. Some dealerships have complained that they have not gotten word back as to the approval status of their applications in a timely manner. This delays the delivery of the vehicle to the customer.

The maximum rebate of $4500 is given to you if your car is no older than 25 years old and gets less than 18 miles per gallon. Your automobile has to have been assured and registered for the past full year. And finally, the vehicle that you turn it will be scrapped and there’ll be a substance poured into the engine so it’s completely ceased and cannot work again.

You see many advertisements for new cars on the television offering to supply you with a great deal including the $4500 that the government allows. However, in my experience car salesman like to play with numbers to make you think that you’re getting a deal when in fact they’re not offering as much as they should.

There a few questions that you should ask yourself before participating in this program. Do you in fact need a new car? This is the most important question. You need to ask yourself if you’re just responding to the increased amount of advertising because of the success of the program.

Remember, that when you buy a new car you are in fact going into debt by several thousand dollars and for several years at a time. This may not be a great decision considering the economy is fragile and unemployment rate, the real unemployment rate, is well over 10%. Exercise caution and you will see that it may be a good idea to keep your old car or buy a used car that’s older and forgo the rebate.