Not a clunker, this classic Mercedes is available for rental from DFW Elite Auto Rental.com.

Whether you are planning to buy a new commuter car or hoping to drive an exotic vehicle, it’s a good idea to become familiar with these guidelines before buying a new car.  For the full list, check out the PDF file of Cash for Clunkers rules created by the US Department of Transportation.

The Cash for Clunkers program offers consumers up to $4,500 for trading in their old, gas-guzzling beater cars.  However, not all cars are eligible, and to qualify car buyers must be buying a new car that meets the eligibility standards.

To meet the government’s requirement for clunkiness, the trade in needs to be less than 25 years old and get less than 18 miles per gallon.

You must have owned and insured your clunker for at least a year before you trade it in for a new more fuel efficient ride.  The clunker must also be drivable.

The car you purchase must be a new car and must improve on your old vehicle’s gas mileage by a significant amount.  The suggested retail price of your new car must be less than $45,000, and – believe it or not — the replacement car can be leased.

The $45,000 limit means that no one will get a break on a new Bentley.  With retail prices often topping $100,000, exotic cars are out of reach for many consumers.  But, those truly desiring a chance to experience time behind the wheel of an elite auto can always rent a ferrari in DFW or rent a Bentley in Fort Worth, TX.

Renting beats buying when you consider that in addition to buying the car, owners of exotic sports cars also need to pay for maintenance, shell out for expensive exotic car insurance, and find a secure, climate controlled Ft Worth car storage to garage the exotic.

“Owning an exotic vehicle can be a hassle,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Fort Worth exotic car storage facility.  “It’s not always easy to find secure, climate-controlled storage and few exotic owners drive their cars more than a few days a year. But there are a lot of alternative to ownership if you are creative.”

Luckily, there are options besides owning an exotic vehicle.  Exotic car rental and exotic car sharing clubs give car enthusiasts the opportunity to drive their dream car.  With these alternatives, you get all the fun of driving an exotic car without all the hassle.

“Exotic car rental is a great option,” says Sturgeon.

For those who need to buy a new car, the “Cash for Clunkers” program may offer help.  Consumers will have to take advantage of the program soon, though.  It’s set to expire on November 1, 2009.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance SE friendly content writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.