3 months ago
If all good things must come to an end some might say it's almost time to say good-bye to the US government's Cash for Clunkers program.
It pays up to $4,500 to drivers who trade in their low-mileage vehicles for newer models that don't use as much gas.
For Ronald Morgan that's a reason to celebrate, especially if you ask his wife.
"Oh yea, I told you she wouldn't ride in it, she refused to ride in it," said Morgan of Bonaire. Along with a missing window and a broken foot rail, he says his 1992 Ford Mark III had a mind of its own.
"This thing wouldn't run in the rain. If it's raining it would cut off in the middle of traffic, anywhere," he said.
Morgan joined the morning rush at Jeff Smith Automotive in Perry adding to the more than 100 customers the dealership has already seen from the Cash for Clunkers program.
One sales manager John David Hudson says has kept his sales people busier than a typical Saturday on the lot.
"It's been kinda like the day after Thanksgiving when all the sales go on and people start Christmas shopping early. It's been a blast, it's been fun it's been chaotic, but it's been good," said Hudson.
So good that the Obama administration announced it would end the car rebate program Monday at 8 pm to make sure sales didn't pass the $3 billion dollars set aside for it.
Joe Ruth at Lowe Toyota in Warner Robins says he thinks the program's end will bring even more customers driving in looking for a new set of wheels.
"It'll be all day today and all day tomorrow, so we expect to sell 50 cars in the next two days," said Ruth.
Morgan says he's made a deal his wife can be proud of.
"Yea she's real thrilled, I even got a kiss on the cheek," he said. Leaving Morgan a happy man and the owner of a brand new car.
The cash for clunkers program began on July 24.
Hudson and Ruth say they'll have to get all the information from their sales in by 8 pm on Monday.
