We've known for a year or two that we needed to replace the Chevy. Its transmission was starting to go, and it had a bad computer. I've been waiting since I first heard about the Clunkers program, during the initial stimulus talk.
The PT Cruiser is not my first, second or probably even 10th pick for a car, but it's rated well and Chrysler matched the $4,500 federal rebate. I never could have afforded this without the rebate programs, nor would I have purchased a brand new car.
I have a bit of guilt that I'm sending the "great white dragon" (our nickname for the beloved Chevy) off to slaughter before its natural death, but it was on its way anyhow. And it's not lost on me that this program is funded by taxpayers. Does it make me part of the financial problem?