Clunker Laws… They’re Back…

By Robert Snowden

A few days ago a friend of mine brought me a recent copy of Crain Automotive News (October 6, 2008.) In this publication, he pointed out an article promoting greater involvement by congress to fund a national scrappage incentive. The story focuses on revised "old clunker" laws, but this time the emphasis is on the impact this action would have on "spurring the economy."

The theory proposes that if you remove these old cars from the highways, people will then go out and purchase a new or later model vehicle. Two states, Texas and California, have very active scrappage programs. In some cases owners are paid as much as $3,500 to scrap their old car or truck. In Texas alone, over 15,000 cars and trucks have been scrapped since last December. I'm personally opposed to these national scrappage programs in that they are destroying old cars - no matter the year, make or model!

Now, I don't feel congress will ever pass any type of "clunker law" that will in any way directly affect our old car hobby. My belief is that clunker laws will always allow you to register your classic cars rather than force you to take them to the crusher.

As for "spurring the economy", perhaps congress needs to take a closer look at the manufacturing and sales of aftermarket auto parts. American auto enthusiasts spend billions of dollars each year restoring and repairing their old clunkers. I'm afraid it's going to take more than scrappage incentives to get Americans back into the dealership showrooms. As an example, let's just assume a person gets the maximum $3,500 allowed for his or her old car to be crushed - just how far will that money go toward the purchase of a new car? Not far enough to pump up the economy is my guess.

You’re an auto enthusiast so should any type of "clunker law" or scrappage incentive program come up for a vote in your state, just think back to how long it may have taken you to find that one part for your old Chevy - now think about seeing that part going through the crusher. If this kind of legislation comes up in your area, call, write, or e-mail your representatives and let them know that old cars are valuable parts of American history and that you feel they should be saved.