Top 10 Cars to Avoid if You Don't Have a Cash for Clunkers Trade-In

As expected, small and midsized sedans are the most popular cars that are being purchased under the program. Here is the list of the top 10 "cash for clunkers" purchases so far:
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Escape FWD
- Hyundai Elantra
- Dodge Caliber
- Honda Fit
- Chevrolet Cobalt
If you don't have a trade-in that qualifies for the "cash for clunkers" program, your best bet may be to hold off buying one of these popular models until after the program has ended.
Demand for these vehicles has shot up and dealers are in no mood to negotiate when there are tons of buyers clamoring for the same thing. Remember, supply and demand is one of the most important factors when it comes to the price of the car.
After the program ends, demand for these vehicles will go back down and dealers will once again be willing to make some great deals. Yes, you have to wait a couple of months, but the savings will probably be worth it.
It doesn't make sense to compete with buyers coming into the showroom with a $4,500 voucher from the government. It's not the same playing field, so don't short-change yourself.

Each week, I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest car deals and news that might affect your purchase. This includes...
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About The Author

Latest Weekly Car Buying Tips
July 2025
- Best 0% Finance Deals July 2025 Jul 03, 2025
- Best Bang for Your Buck Lease Deals Jul 03, 2025
- Best Electric, Hybrid Lease Deals Jul 03, 2025
- Best Car Deals for 4th of July 2025 Jul 03, 2025
June 2025
- Best Car Deals Around the Country Jun 26, 2025
- Real Prices of Compact Cars Jun 26, 2025
- Cheapest Luxury Lease Deals Jun 26, 2025
- Largest Hidden Dealer Rebates Jun 26, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest Lease Deals Jun 19, 2025
- All SUV Lease Deals Compared June 2025 Jun 19, 2025
- Cars With the Largest Rebates Jun 19, 2025
- Price Comparison of Subcompact SUVs Jun 19, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest New Cars Right Now Jun 12, 2025
- Real Prices of New Compact SUVs Jun 12, 2025
- Biggest Discounts on New Cars June 2025 Jun 05, 2025
- New Cars with the Most Available Inventory Jun 05, 2025
- Real Prices of Midsize SUVs Jun 05, 2025