8 Easy Steps to a New Fuel Efficient Car

1.Read the  CARS legislation to fully understand the program and protect yourself against fraud. It’s worth the time and is relatively easy to understand—it’s not the usual lawyer legalese.(See our Resources section for a link.)

2.Determine if your vehicle is eligible for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). Check the government CARS website to see if your vehicle meets the mpg requirements (See our Resources section for a link). IMPORTANT: Note that it is the combined fuel efficiency number used to determine eligibility.

3.Locate a registered car dealer (call to ask or check dealer websites).

4.Shop for a new car that costs less than $45,000 and has improved mpg over the trade-in by 4 to 10 miles. (The higher the fuel efficiency, the more money the government will contribute toward the purchase of a new car.)

5.Bring proof of insurance for the previous year, title, and registration with you to the dealer.

6.The dealer will submit a rebate request to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration.

7.The NHTSA will review the request and verify eligibility for a rebate.

8.Ten days later the dealer will receive confirmation of the rebate and a financial credit.

photo credit: 1001 Nights