IMO, the House and Senate should combine their bills by making the rule something like “an increase of at least 4 mpg or 25%, whichever is greater,” and move the maximum mpg allowed to qualify up to 20 mpg.

The current mpg standards to qualify to participate in the ‘Cash for Clunker’ trade in program disqualify so MANY that should and, more importantly, WOULD trade up to a hybrid or true ‘alternative fuel’ vehicle. Not that a gasoline powered car that can get over 40 mpg is anything to scoff at.

But the whole point to this, to me, should be to move the US closer to kicking it’s addiction to fossil fuel.

Regardless of whether the motivation is to help bail out the auto dealers, or reduce gas consumption… the qualifying standards should have been based on percentage of fuel economy Gained, instead current epa mileage rating.

btw – I’ve been one of the good guys – Always consciencious about driving a vehicle that is as economical as I can afford. I’ve been driving a little Mitsubishi Expo, 2wd compact car. It used to get almost 24mpg comblined driving. But it’s going on 16 years old and I’m lucky if I can get 20 combined now. I want to replace it, and Need to replace it. But according to the current qualifying ‘mileage standard’ for the make and model of MY Mitz… It’s listed at 20 mpg. Which is 2 mpg too high to qualify for ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program.

Makes me feel like I’ve been kicked in the stomach for being green, and good all these years. ;-(

Beetle

lousy program