As long as the used car was rated at more than 18mpg, it does not qualify for the $4500 rebate, so it remains at “willing seller-willing buyer” price.
Of course, the used, full sized pickup truck & 4x4/SUV market now has a $4500 minimum price.
For example, the government can, at any time, make the mileage requirement much lower to exclude more models. It can also exclude specific models and makes by name.
The uncertainty of the program's future is what makes it such a joke.
Some dealers are even doubtful if they will ever get the rebated money from the federal government even though they have fully complied.
The dealers have to prove they destroyed the trade-ins before they are paid so if the feds refuse to pay, the dealer cannot even sell the vehicles to recover their losses because they have been required to destroyed them.
How would you enforce a claim if you are a dealer? Would you sue the federal government? Good luck with that.
This program is the biggest mess I have ever seen. What a joke!