Some of the stipulations of this bill making it so hard to get cash for your old ride include:
The car being traded in must get less than 18 mpg.
$3,500 – $4,500 to put down on a new car isn’t that much.
People who own ten-year old “clunkers” are not looking to get a new car (usually).

With that stated, it doesn’t seem like Cash for Clunkers will amount to much cash for anyone, except those in an administrative position in Washington (or as we say in Philadelphia: Warshington). So, how does your beater Mercury rank? Let’s start with my old Topaz, which died on the streets of South Philly in 2005. (specs from www.fueleconomy.gov)

1994 Mercury Topaz V6

Specs/Cash4clunkers rating:
6 cyl, 3.0 L, Automatic 3-spd, (FFS), Regular – 18 city 22 highway
Cash4clunkers: $0

Hmm…no good, guess it was ok to donate it to the Salvation Army. Now how about a 1990 model.

1990 Mercury Cougar

Specs/Cash4clunkers rating:
6 cyl, 3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, (FFS) (S-CHARGE), Premium – 15 city 21 highway
Cash4clunkers: approx $3500-4000

Not bad. For one last shot we’ll go to a larger, older vehicle and rate a station wagon.

1986 Mercury Sable Wagon

Specs/Cash4clunkers rating:
6 cyl, 3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd, (FFS), Regular – 16 city 24 highway
Cash4clunkers: approx $3500

Basically, if you own a late 80′s Mercury you’ll probably get a few grand when a trade in happens, thanks to Uncle Sam. But if you have something built after 1992, you’re probably screwed.