By By Adam Robinson
sports editor
Is your car considered a clunker? If you are looking to replace it, the time may be right.
People all over the United States and in Brewton are trading in their “clunkers” for newer and more fuel-efficient cars under the federal stimulus program CARS — the Car Allowance Rebate System — also known as “Cash for Clunkers.”
Chip Peach, owner of Peach Ford and Peach Chevrolet in Brewton, said the dealers have seen some interest from local residents.
President Barack Obama on Friday signed legislation passed by the Senate Thursday to add another $2 billion to the program.
The program began in June with $1 billion in funding that was quickly snapped up by consumers, generating more than $920 million in rebates and more than 220,000 in auto sales.
U.S. auto sales were down about 12 percent in July from the previous year, but the incentive program helped push the sales to their best performance this year.
Peach said the Cash for Clunkers program is based on gas mileage on your current car and the car you are preparing to buy.
Peach said once a deal has been reached, the dealer has to apply for the money, and it is a lengthy process.
Peach said the program is a good value for consumers because the government incentive is higher than the trade-in value on most of the vehicles.
Peach said he seeing cars “all across the board.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., voted against an infusion of money for the program.
He suggested a sliding scale that adjusted the subsidy with the difference in gas mileage between old and new cars.
But Obama said the program has been a success not only for consumers but for businesses.
Top ten trade-Ins:
1. 1998 Ford Explorer
2. 1997 Ford Explorer
3. 1996 Ford Explorer
4. 1999 Ford Explorer
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
6. Jeep Cherokee
7. 1995 Ford Explorer
8. 1994 Ford Explorer
9. 1997 Ford Windstar
10. 1999 Dodge Caravan
Top ten new cars:
1. Ford Focus
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Corolla
4. Toyota Prius
5. Ford Escape
6. Toyota Camry
7. Dodge Caliber
8. Hyundai Elantra
9. Honda Fit
10. Chevy Cobalt