I know that most of the dealership "enticements" that we receive in the mail about trading our cars in are usually something "tricky" and I just don't figure out the trick ... so I ignore them. This one I'm curious about though.

This is referencing pre-1997 vehicles (we have a 1989 Caprice Classic.) The flyer states:

Texas State Public Notice Just Announced!
The State of Texas is offering $3,000 to replace vehicles on the road manufactured before 1996 effective by the end of the year.

But you don't have to wait! Right now XXXXX Chevrolet will buy your 1989 Chevrolet Caprice.

Owners who agree to trade-in their Pre-1997 vehicles are entitled to at least $3,000 cash back, PLUS at least another $3,000 for your trade!

Now ... AT LEAST $3,000 for the trade would be a welcome thing for my son since I doubt that he could get more than $1500 for the existing vehicle in a private party sale. Of course, I suppose the catch is that any vehicles on the lot right now are probably being discounted far more than $6,000 under MSRP without a trade-in.

But ... I'm sure there's something I'm missing here ... like ... is this Texas State Public Notice something real? I Googled it and didn't find it, but I could be overlooking it. If it is, I'm sure it would be to his advantage to leave his car out of any purchase "deals" on a replacement car.

edit ... I found information ...

http://www.tceq.org/implementation/air/mobilesource/vim/driveclean.html

Scam!

agreed

either they are marking up the cost of the vehicle OR they are soaking you for the "discount" in other fees during the purchase of the vehicle.

i believe this is called High Balling

Either way it all sounds like a bunch of b.s.

I'm glad I didn't discount this dealer's advertisement as a "scam" or "BS."

While I have no doubt that the traffic this dealer generates will be more to their advantage than the owners of vehicles older than 10 years, there IS a legitimate program through TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) called the "Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program."

http://www.tceq.org/implementation/air/mobilesource/vim/driveclean.html

This program is for owners of vehicles over 10 years in age that are registered in certain Texas counties and meet other requirements. The vouchers are valid toward replacement vehicles that meet certain requirements.

I will be calling the phone number listed on their web-page on Monday, to find out the additional details of the program. My son (and the 1989 Caprice Classic we purchased when he was a baby and subsequently signed over to him) qualifies for this program.

If, to my husband's disappointment, he decides to replace this vehicle instead of pampering it as my husband would have, this is an excellent opportunity for him to get $3,000 out of it that he wouldn't have otherwise gotten. He will just need to know how this program works and get his voucher through legitimate channels without using the car as a "trade-in" at a dealership.

As long as the state doesn't compel you into replacing your car, I see nothing wrong with it.

I've heard of them before in other states, the limits were something like $700-1000. I believe Shell Oil underwrote one of the $700 programs. Wish I could find one like that in NY state! Every "driver" in my family would be cashing in on that one.

While legit, I suggest you ready that site carefully though....

They aren't buying your car, they are giving you up to $3500 for a trade-in. The state of TX is basically guaranting your trade-in value is all.

You must buy a car no more than 3 years old and there are income restrictions as well... If your son lives alone, he can make no more than $30,630 per year. If he lives with you and your husband the number goes all the way up to $51,510.

No doubt the dealer will not be allowing any additional manufacturer discounts either.

Sorry, while legit it is still not much better than a scam.

Plus, this should be seen as a car grab by the state of TX by the owners, like us, of these older cars. You know what will happen to cars like this that are brought in don't you? They are headed to a crusher.

think about it... the dealership gives you $3000 trade for a vehicle that books for $300 do you really think they are just giving you $2700 profit toward your new car? its one of the oldest dealer scams out there. they will "fluff" the final cost of the car until they get their 3000 back, then they either auction the car off or sell it for scrap. google dealership scams

http://www.carbroker.com.au/car-dealer-tricks-tactics-scams.php

look under "high balling"

I've heard of them before in other states, the limits were something like $700-1000. I believe Shell Oil underwrote one of the $700 programs. Wish I could find one like that in NY state! Every "driver" in my family would be cashing in on that one.
That's because you live downstate Bob. I live farther north in Syracuse where most vehicles don't make it to 10 years because they rust out prematurely:lol:.So in essence with the State of NY using so much salt on the road in the winter, you could say there is a "plan in effect" to get rid of cars older than 10 years.

That's because you live downstate Bob. I live farther north in Syracuse where most vehicles don't make it to 10 years because they rust out prematurely.So in essence with the State of NY using so much salt on the road in the winter, you could say there is a "plan in effect" to get rid of cars older than 10 years.

Very true, I live in the Rochester area. Thsi is why my Caprice no longer gets driven in the winter. It originally came from Florida, saw two winters and that was enough for me... My "85 Caprice, which was my grandfather's beforhand started to rust at about age 8, he then gave it to my father who drove it for a while, then after I got my first car, my '84 Caprice as seen in my avatar, the '85 was given to me for parts because in 2000 it wold no longer pass inspection due to the severe rust. During the car's final driving years, brake lines rotted out yearly, the gas line rotted out once, the tank rusted through twice, trim fell off because there wasn't enough metal to hold onto anymore, the windshield started to leak... all before the car even hit 15 years of age.

Here's a picture of the '85 Caprice's "good side" just before I really started to strip it for parts in July 2001. You can see my '84 in the background. (Click on the picture to see in full size)
http://www.freewebs.com/petea/85caprice.jpg (http://www.freewebs.com/petea/car005.jpg)