Cash for Clunkers Eligible Trade-In Vehicle List

Posted by Faizan Shiwani / at 12:44 PM / /

This following list is based on the requirements set forth in the Cash for Clunkers program (officially known as the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, or CARS) that was enacted on June 24, 2009, as well as the published regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") on July 24, 2009.

We compiled this list by searching the Edmunds.com vehicle database for models that have a combined MPG of 18 mpg or less and for which at least one of the styles of that vehicle has a current average national trade-in True Market Value® price (unadjusted for options or color and assuming "clean" vehicle condition and average mileage of 12,000 per year) of $4,500 or less. Accordingly, it is possible that some styles of a model may have a value higher than $4,500, and that the value of a particular vehicle may be higher because it is in exceptional condition or has very low mileage.

This list also includes certain very large vans and work trucks for which the EPA does not publish MPG data, because they are eligible under the program irrespective of their MPG. Please note that almost all vehicles that are model year 1989 or earlier have a trade in value of less than $4,500, and for that reason we have not included them on this list. Exceptions include vehicles that had limited production runs, such as the 1984-86 Buick Regal T Type Turbo, the 1985-89 BMW 6 Series 635CSi, and the 1987-89 Porsche 911 Carrera — as well as most collector and exotic vehicles. If you have a 1984-89 model year vehicle, please check the CARS Vehicle Eligibility Guide to determine whether your vehicle meets the eligibility requirements.

August 3 Update: On July 24, the EPA issued revised combined mpg numbers for 164 vehicles. As a result, some vehicles that were eligible for the Cash for Clunkers program became ineligible, and some ineligible vehicles became eligible. The list of eligible vehicles below reflects the revised mpg numbers. You can confirm your vehicle's combined mpg by visiting FuelEconomy.gov