Alexandria (web | news) , Va. - Many who've heard the plan and seen the commercials are wondering if they'd benefit from the government's new billion dollar Cash for Clunkers program.

The government hopes the program gets Americans buying cars again and some of the worst polluters off the road for good. They have set aside $1 billion to help drivers buy new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Isabel Escorza and her son Tony are taking advantage of the program, aptly dubbed Cash for Clunkers, to trade in the family's 16-year-old Toyota Camry with 130,000 miles.

"It's leaking oil; it had a head gasket issue," said Tony Escorza.

Still, the family is getting $4,500 toward a new hybrid. "We would never get that money for the car anyway, not even half, not even a third," said Isabel Escorza.

For vehicles to qualify, they must be less than 25 years old, get 18 miles per gallon or less, and be registered to and insured by the current owner for at least one year.

If the clunker meets the standards, the driver will get a $3,500 to $4,500 discount. For car dealers, it's welcome assistance during tough times.

"We've had about a 35-percent increase in our normal volume so far and I think its only get better as word gets out," said Bob Gasbarri, a Passport Nissan general sales manager.

Alexandria resident Esteban Garces' car certainly qualifies, but in this economy, money is just too tight. "It used to be black and could be considered a clunker," he said. "But I think for the most part a lot of Americans won't be taking part in it. They just can't right now."

The program is limited to one clunker per person. Motorists get the full $4,500 discount if the new car gets 10 miles per gallon or more than the old car.

Also, drivers don't qualify for the program if their car is worth more than the discount.

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