What I Wrote My Senators About the Clunky Clunkers Deal

It sounds good, but the popularity is starting to work against it.  Here's a letter I just sent to my two Oregon Senators:

I'm writing to express my frustration about the cash for clunkers deal.  I started researching my vehicle when I heard about the deal.  The drama late last week about the money perhaps running out is well-known.  But what is frustrating now is that the dealers have all the leverage.  Lots are out of vehicles, everything is popular, and dealers have negotiating power now.  You can't go in and get a deal close to invoice for the better models anymore, because the Dealers know they can just say no and someone else will buy it at a higher rate.  What is the point of the clunkers rebate if it gets eaten up by the dealers' profit margin?  Most used cars being traded in are worth a portion of the rebate anyway, so it doesn't take much for the Dealers to eat up the remainder, and cause a lot of stress and aggravation in the meantime.  Maybe the first 3-4 days helped consumers, but from here on out the impact on helping consumers will be severely limited.

Please introduce an amendment or two that protect consumers more:

1. The $3500 - $4500 has to be discounted from the DEALER INVOICE.  No haggling.

2. If a customer is ready to buy, they will be assured of getting their car even if it isn't on the lot.

If it's possible, try and guarantee a decent interest rate too, so the dealers don't find a way to screw consumers by jacking that up.

Thanks,
xxxxx