Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) has made it easier than ever to calculate whether your current vehicle can qualify for the government Cash for Clunkers incentive program (otherwise known as the Car Allowance Rebate System or C.A.R.S.), by offering a really handy calculator right on the website.  By using the KBB Cash for Clunkers Calculator, you can get important details to assist you with determining if your current vehicle may be eligible for up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel efficient new car, research new car options, and even find a dealer if you need one - all right from the kbb website. 

The calculator helps you evaluate your vehicle with model years between 1989 and 2009 based on make, model, condition, and mileage. The age of the vehicle, its fuel economy and the fuel efficiency rating of the new car are important factors in determining whether or not the vehicle qualifies for a Cash for Clunkers credit toward the purchase of a new vehicle. The calculator also displays the Kelley Blue Book trade-In value, a great feature which really aides in helping to determine whether your vehicle is worth more or less than the possible credit you could receive from the CARS program.

The CARS program is scheduled to run from July 1, 2009 through November 1, 2009 - or until government funds are depleted.

Check out the video below for more information and further explanation about the Cash for Clunkers program and Kelley Blue Book.

Tags: Advice, Car Shopping, General

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Since it’s Wednesday, I thought I would share more Cool Car News and Awesome Sites sent to me by Cars for Girls readers over the last few weeks.  I hope you find something fun - or at least interesting - in today’s road trip around the web!

Just in time for summer, Hyundai offers a $1.49 price lock on gas.

The Curious Car Collection of Michael Jackson with slideshow. 

MSN shows us the Eight Dumbest Car Thieves.

How old is your car? Here are ten cars that seem to last forever.

Geekologie shows us that the Stealth Dodge Challenger was built by the Air Force.

Aston Martin Cygnet: The Toyota iQ In Wolf’s Clothing.

Car Gurus shows off some funny bumper stickers.

What are the Best & Worst Depreciating Vehicles?  MSN Autos has the answers.

Prius Hearse makes your last road trip a green ride.

Jalopnik looks at ten highly suggestive automotive print ads.

Los Angeles Sheriff Department to get electric Mini Coopers.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is the Best Selling Car in America.

Want to buy a convertible?  Here are ten best sellers.

Wait - What??

Are these the worst cars ever made?  Radar thinks so.

- Thanks to Kellie G., Mike L., Reni S., Monica B., Gary T. Ryan B., Cassie A., Lisa K., Jordana R., Vanessa R., and Lisa M. for sending in some great links!  If you have a link to share, send it to me at TMockmore@gmail.com.

Tags: General

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The Cash for Clunkers legislation - now known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (C.A.R.S.) - has become a reality and I’m sure we all have a few questions about the program.  Below are things you’ll want to know about the program.

1. What Qualifies as a Clunker?
A “clunker” is defined as a vehicle which is currently drive-able and must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date.  It must also have a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg or less.

2. How Does The Program Work?
Trade your clunker in for cash, which is used towards the purchase of a brand new and much more fuel efficient vehicle. The better the fuel efficiency of the new car (which must be at least 22 mpg for a new car, 18 mpg for new SUV’s and smaller trucks, 15 mpg for larger trucks), the more cash you’ll get towards the purchase. 

3. Can I Trade My Clunker in for a Newer, Used Vehicle?
No. Used vehicles, even those that are certified or which may even be more fuel efficient, do not qualify for the program.

4. Can I Trade My Clunker in on a Lease Vehicle?
Yes.

5. How Long Does the Cash for Clunkers Program Last?
 The program goes into effect on July 1, 2009 and will run through November 1, 2009, after which it will be determined if the program should continue and/or if changes should be made.

6. How Long Must I Have Owned My Clunker to Qualify?
The clunker must have been registered and insured by you for the previous 12 months. 

7. What Happens to My Clunker After I Trade It In?
Your clunker will be destroyed; therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade probably won’t exceed its scrap value. According to the new law, the dealer is required to disclose to you the estimate of the scrap value of your trade.

8. Should Everyone Take Advantage of the Program?
No.  It depends on your unique needs.  Edmunds.com has a great PDF list of cars that are worth less than the value of the voucher (click here to view). If you’ve been in the market to trade in your clunker and buy a brand new car, now would be the perfect time; obviously you’ll save some cash if you can take advantage of the program.  On the other hand, if a new car isn’t something you can readily afford, or your preference is for a used vehicle and you find you can save more money by purchasing a used vehicle, than the used car is your best bet. 

9. Do I Need a Voucher?
Beware of scams.  You don’t need a voucher to take advantage of the program. Dealers will apply a credit at the time of purchase.

10. What if I Have More Questions?
If you need more information, check out these helpful websites:

• Cars.gov - The official website for the CARS Car Allowance Rebate System
• Jalopnik - Chart
• Cash for Clunkers Facts
• Fueleconomy.gov

Tags: Advice, Car Shopping, General

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Summer brings on many things; warm weather, driving with the top down, cruising with our windows open – and car theft, which, according to the Insurance Information Institute, peaks in July and August.

Since July is Auto Theft Awareness Month, designed to educate drivers to be more vigilant in protecting vehicles from theft as well as to provide information to vehicle owners should theft occur, I thought I’d pass along the following tips on how you can take preventive measures to keep your car secure.

• Consider using a security device, such as a steering wheel lock or a gear shift column lock
• If at all possible, park your vehicle in your garage an remember to lock all garage doors
• If you keep valuables or personal property in the car, remember to lock it up in the trunk
• Don’t leave your car running while it is unattended
• Park only in areas that are well lit
• Remember to keep all windows rolled up and windows locked when leaving your car
• Install an auto alarm system
• Never leave your keys in the car
• Consider getting a GPS system installed
• Consider a Smart Key, Keyless Entry or Advanced Key System

According to statistics, more than one-third of all vehicle thefts occur near the vehicle owner’s residence and only one-fifth of vehicle thefts are committed in parking lots. Another one in five thefts takes place when drivers leave their cars unattended - with the keys in the ignition.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau believes a layered approach works best to prevent auto theft and recommends that beyond employing anti-theft and vehicle immobilizing devices (like fuel cut-offs and smart keys), that GPS systems are a great idea simply because they work to aid law enforcement in tracking a stolen vehicle.

If your vehicle is stolen, the National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends owners have the following information ready to give to the police:

• The year, make, model and color of the car and the license plate number
• The approximate time the car was stolen
• A description of anyone you may have seen loitering around your car before it was stolen
• The names of any witnesses

Remember, the more difficult you make it for the thief, the better the odds that you wont be a victim.

Tags: Advice, General, Guides

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Kelley Blue Book says that when they put together last year’s list of the 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000, gas was almost four dollars a gallon and fuel efficiency was more fashionable than frugal.  This year, while the price of gas has so far not reached the four dollar mark, the economy is certainly in a sad state – which makes affordability a definite factor, and probably even more so this time around.

Kelley notes that as far as trends go, there’s a heavy emphasis on personality these days, as well as technology and versatility. This year – just as before – Kelley used the same set of criteria that consumers use; safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology and cars that are fun-to-drive, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool factor.”

The list of qualifying vehicles - all under $18,000 – were culled using the New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provides a useful comparison point than Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Here, in alphabetical order, is Kelley Blue Book’s 2009 list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000:

• 2009 Ford Focus
• 2009 Honda Fit2 of 10
• 2010 Kia Soul
• 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
• 2009 Nissan Cube
• 2009 Scion xB
• 2009 Smart Fortwo
• 2009 Subaru Impreza
• 2009 Suzuki SX4
• 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Tags: Advice, Car Shopping, General

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