I see that the program’s logo refers to AirCheckTexas as a “repair and replacement assistance program.” That being the case, I wonder why the program (at least as described by the Dallas Morning News) doesn’t offer subsidies to overhaul older vehicles to bring them back into spec? I would think that repairing old, neglected vehicles to bring their emissions back to factory spec would be more environmentally sound, for two reasons. First, keeping an old car running well (with emissions at the levels the car had when it was new) eliminates the need to scrap the old car. Second, it also eliminates the need to expend resources in building a new car.

1) Texas also has an income based program that provides up to $600 to repair an older vehicle that has failed an emissions test, that’s been around for a couple of years now.

2) If you get the replacement voucher, the car you buy doesn’t have to be “new”. Late model used cars (2005 or newer) also qualify.

$3000 is a serious bit of change which can cover 1/2 the cost of a good used 3 year old Taurus.

I see that the program’s logo refers to AirCheckTexas as a “repair and replacement assistance program.” That being the case, I wonder why the program (at least as described by the Dallas Morning News) doesn’t offer subsidies to overhaul older vehicles to bring them back into spec? I would think that repairing old, neglected vehicles to bring their emissions back to factory spec would be more environmentally sound, for two reasons. First, keeping an old car running well (with emissions at the levels the car had when it was new) eliminates the need to scrap the old car. Second, it also eliminates the need to expend resources in building a new car.

You couldn’t be more right, but we all know this isn’t about the environment, as usual, it’s all about the $$$. Not to mention nothing like promoting fiscal responsiblity with an income-challenged family by coaxing them into a new car loan they can’t afford.

My taxdollars hard at work as usual. This low income Texas family will continue gleefully smogging the environazis in their Prius to death in our 1989, 1992, and 1994 fullsize, RWD, V8 cars and truck regardless of how legislators attempt to lure us into to their buddy’s new car dealership with my tax dollars into the foreseeable future.

That being said, I understand that moving metal is an easy metric with which to impress the politicians who are voting to fund this program….

I drive a 15 year old beater myself — as usual I don’t make enough to be rich but I make too much to load up on free government cheese.

Because our tax system is based on sales taxes and property taxes it is actually more progressive than income taxes. Good thing, or this would be even worse.

Lastly, I have seen no evidence that they limit the purchases to small, clean, affordable vehicles.

As always, there are devils in the details. Childless couples with “net income” over $42,000 aren’t eligible. What’s “net?” It’s take-home pay, which is verified with the last one to three months of pay stubs. You make $80K a year, you say? Just omit that month with the big annual bonus, or boost that 401K contribution for a while. Or get your old Aunt Millie, who is about to quit driving anyway, to front for you.

Another aspect: this program effectively says the present economic harm of a ‘97 Sable’s pollution is at least $3,000. If things are that bad, Texas should consider emulating Dick Tracy by putting cops in helicopters and ordering them to shoot engine block-cracking slugs at every old car.

To keep this from happening, you have to have owned the car for a at least a year, and it has to have a current state inspection sticker. That’s to keep someone from going out and buying a $500 beater just to get the $3K voucher, or from taking the Camaro off of the concrete blocks in the front yard to cash in on it.

It’ll take more than two grand for me to part with my old beater, even if it ain’t worth two bucks. She’s got sentimental value, ya know…

On an aside – is it just me, or does anyone else seem to notice more poor people driving nearly-new SUVs that get 12 mpg? I’m talking Expeditions, Explorers, Tahoes, Durangos, etc., sitting outside if countless trailers. Ridiculous.

For this Texas program, I haven’t heard what happens to the old car. If it’s not scrapped, I don’t think anything is getting accomplished.

Interesting to give it a try. It beats hell of, say, the British system of having a 3-year government inspection that is so onerous that everyone is afraid to attempt it, and so they trade in their cars before they’re three years old.

I’ve always thought that rich whiny environmentalists should do this — wait around at a 7-11, and the first redneck who shows up in an old beater, you spot them cab fare and $2000 cash for their jalopy right on the spot.