EPA alters eligibility of 164 'Clunkers' trade-ins

NEW YORK — A review of fuel-economy data has changed the eligibility of 164 trade-in vehicles in the government's "cash for clunkers" program.

The Environmental Protection Agency says 78 vehicles that used to qualify as trade-ins under the program no longer qualify. Eighty-six vehicles that did not qualify now do.

The EPA says the change is due to a review of the fuel economy of 30,000 vehicles over 25 years, as required by the cash for clunkers legislation. The review was completed last week and caused the mileage data to change upward or downward due to rounding.

The program took effect over the weekend and allows consumers to get a rebate of up to $4,500 if they trade in a vehicle with 18 mpg or less.