Most local dealers said they are participating in the "Cash for Clunkers" program, or the Car Allowance Rebate System. The $1 billion government program, signed into law earlier this year, offers $3,500 to $4,500 credit toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle with the trade in of an older, less efficient vehicle.

From the U.S. Department of Transportation:
• Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
• Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
• Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
• Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
• You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
• Program runs through Nov. 1 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
• The program requires the scrapping of your eligible trade-in vehicle, and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.
For more information go to www.cars.gov or call 1-866-CAR-7891.