Get All Access for $5/mo

Cash for Clunkers Lives On...But For How Long?

By Carol Tice Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

There's hope for those of you still hoping to get $4,500 for your old gas-guzzler under the new federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). Though last week it appeared the program might be out of money, the Senate ended up pumping $2 billion more into CARS at the end of last week.

That may sound like a lot, but if you're interested inparticipating in this program, you shouldn't drag your feet. Thoughmany mainstream newspapers are reporting that the new funding shouldtake the program through Labor Day, CARS may not make it that far, even with the new cash infusion.

The first $1 billion of the program didn't last a week, and the program went into limbo for a week or so until the Senateauthorized additional cash. Simple math would say $2 billion more givesthe program perhaps two weeks more...which would mean perhaps until theend of next week. One factor that may make it last a bit longer: manydealers have sold most of their inventory of fuel-efficient cars that qualify for the CARS program. But still, the idea that the program will run all the way through Labor Day? It's iffy.

Before you visit a dealer, make sure they participate in the program, and that they've still got the car you want to buy.

Carol Tice

Owner of Make a Living Writing

Longtime Seattle business writer Carol Tice has written for Entrepreneur, Forbes, Delta Sky and many more. She writes the award-winning Make a Living Writing blog. Her new ebook for Oberlo is Crowdfunding for Entrepreneurs.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

A Former Corporate Lawyer Now Makes Six Figures on YouTube — Here's How She Does It

Here are the secrets to starting and growing a successful YouTube channel, according to a YouTuber with millions of subscribers.

Growing a Business

How to Determine The Ideal Length of Your Marketing Emails Your Customers Will Actually Read

Wondering how long your marketing emails should be? Here's what consumers say — so you can send them exactly what they like.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.