Find Your Vehicle

Can I purchase a pickup truck or minivan as my replacement vehicle?
There are now hybrid and plug-in hybrid pickup trucks, Jeeps and mini-vans that qualify for the program. If the vehicle is hybrid, the vehicle must meet a minimum of 35+mpg combined. Please note other trucks including suburbans and non hybrid or plug-in hybrid trucks do not qualify.

Can I purchase a gas or conventional  car as my replacement vehicle?
No, not available at this time.

Can I purchase a used car as my replacement vehicle?
Yes! We encourage our customers to find qualified used vehicles with low mileage. The car must be 2017 or newer.

What other requirements does the replacement vehicle need to meet?

• Model year 2017 or newer
• Less than 100,000 miles on the odometer – ideally less than 80,000 miles
• Finance rate not to exceed 15.99%
• No active vehicle safety recalls (Check vehicle recalls at nhtsa.gov)

After I buy my car, can I decide to sell it or trade it in later?

Yes, after 30 months.

Your contract will say: Participant shall operate the replacement vehicle for a period of not less than thirty (30) months from the date the vehicle is purchased, or Participant shall refund a pro-rated amount based on the number of years and/or days the vehicle was owned and operated by the Participant.

What if I buy the car and change my mind?

• Used Vehicles have a minimum 3 day return period. Please verify with the dealership if they offer an extended return policy after 3 days.

• A 5-day waiting period will be imposed after the close of purchase of the replacement vehicle before the retired vehicle is scrapped.

• If you are purchasing a NEW and NOT a used car there is no return period. Please verify with dealership you are purchasing car with if they will offer a return option on a NEW car.
• Once the retired car is destroyed there is nothing that can be done. Your only option is to proceed with the program or rescind from program entirely forfeiting your vehicle.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Consistency with Check Request: If the VIN of the replacement vehicle is not the same on the day of the transaction as presented during the check request, we can no longer proceed with the transaction until a new check request is submitted for approval. For example, a new check request is required if the customer wishes to change the selected vehicle for another vehicle for a different color regardless if the new replacement vehicle is the same type. The new replacement vehicle and the new check request must be approved by the District prior to the scheduled transaction appointment. The check request process will need to be restarted. This can cause a delay in the new check request of an additional 4-6 weeks.

What is the mobility option?

You have the option to replace your car with a qualified E-Bike or transit pass

Can I have cash instead of a down payment check?
No. Our program only provides down payment checks as incentives for residents to purchase cleaner vehicles.

If I finance the car, can I pay off the loan early? Or do I have to pay it off as agreed on the dealership contract?
Financing the car or paying it off in cash is up to you.
Please check with the dealership or bank you are working with and ask if they have a pre-payment penalty.

Does Valley CAN help with the financing?

Valley CAN does not help make payments BUT our team can help you step by step into getting a loan through Self- Help Credit Union. Why Self- Help? Because they have an interest rate reduction of 0.25% – 0.50% for vehicles that are plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

If you would like more information feel free to reach out to our team:

loanteam@valleycan.org   OR  call/ text 559-392-4728

Can I lease a vehicle?

Yes, the lease period must be a minimum of 30- month lease term. The eligibility list maintained by the California Air Resources Board can be found here:  https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ZEV-eligibility-list