President Obama signed into law a program NHTSA is calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This is a government program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle.

5 Important Things to Know

1. Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
2. Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
3. Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
4. Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
5. You don't need a voucher, participating dealers will apply a credit at purchase

Consumers who want the best information on their trade and the car they want to purchase, should complete the form on the right. On the form, fill in the car you will be trading in and indicate the car that you want to purchase.