While the “Cash for Clunkers” program is estimated to save 72 million gallons of gasoline each year, simple vehicle maintenance would save more than 12 billion gallons of gasoline a year (equivalent to all of the gasoline used in Illinois, Michigan and Connecticut in one year).

Seems a huge waste to me but thats just my humble opinion. Even a clunker has some value in the used parts arena. Some people may not be able to afford “new car payments” even with the credit for the clunker. Why not offer the old cars to a junk yard? Anyway, heres a press release that describes the bitter end to your old family friend.