What vehicles qualify for this program?
The trade in vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
- have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
- be in drivable condition
- be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
Note that for some transactions, work trucks (i.e., very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) only qualify if they are
2001MY or earlier.
Am I limited to what new vehicle I can purchase?
Yes. First, for most transactions, the EPA combined city/highway fuel economy of the vehicle you purchase
must be higher (by specified amount) than that of the vehicle you are trading in. The amount of the
difference that is required depends on the specific types of vehicles involved in the transaction.
Second, the manufacturers' suggested retail price for the new vehicle can not exceed $45,000.
Third, the program requires that the new vehicle meets certain MPG requirements. Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury offer 20 vehicles* that will qualify for this program.
Ford – Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Ranger, Edge, Escape, Flex, Taurus X, Transit Connect, Fusion
Hybrid, Escape Hybrid
Mercury – Milan, Mariner, Milan Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid
Lincoln – MKX, MKT
In addition, F-150, Super Duty and E-Series will qualify under certain conditions if the vehicle being traded
in is a truck of comparable size, as defined in the legislation.
Go to ford.com and select your current vehicle to see specific C.A.R.S. incentives you may be eligible for.
*Note not all powertrain combinations will qualify and select trim series may have an MSRP above $45,000.
What do consumers need to do to claim and redeem their C.A.R.S. incentive?
Participating Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers will be able to seamlessly handle this program for consumers.
The dealer will take a customer's qualifying vehicle as a trade in and deduct the C.A.R.S. incentive amount from
the purchase price of the new vehicle. The dealer will handle all of the paperwork and will apply for the C.A.R.S.
incentive on the customer's behalf.
How do I trade in my old vehicle?
You must purchase your vehicle from a participating new car dealership. The C.A.R.S. incentive amount will be
applied to the new vehicle purchase price rather than sent to you.
What if I want to purchase an F-150, Super Duty or Econoline?
There is a provision for current truck owners to purchase a new F-150, Super Duty or Econoline, as
outlined below:
If you trade in a truck or van with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 – 8,500 lbs, you can purchase an F-
150 and receive $3,500 for 1 mpg improvement for the same class of trade-in or $4,500 for 2 mpg
improvement for same class of trade in, as long as the new vehicle's combined fuel economy rating is at
least 15 MPG.
If you trade in a truck or van with a with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 – 10,000 lbs. that is 2001
model year or older, you can receive $3,500 if you purchase a Super Duty or Econoline with a gross
vehicle weight rating of 8,500 – 10,000 lbs.
Note not all powertrain combinations will qualify and select trim series may have an MSRP above $45,000.
I have a truck and I cannot find its fuel economy rating. Is it an eligible trade-in vehicle?
Maybe. Large work trucks do not have an EPA fuel economy number. For these trucks, age is the only criterion
for determining whether they are eligible trade-in vehicles. If you have one of these trucks, it must be from model
year 2001 or earlier. The other criteria for an eligible unit must also be met in order for the vehicle to be eligible.
Does the program apply if I want to lease a vehicle, or must I purchase a vehicle?
Under the program, you may purchase a new vehicle or lease a new vehicle, provided the lease period for the
new vehicle is at least five years.
Is there an income limit that disqualifies certain vehicle owners?
No, there is no income limit for this program.
Is there a charge to participate in this program?
No, there is no charge.
