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On Jerome Avenue in Mount Eden in the Bronx, "Cash For Clunkers" has a whole different meaning, as "clunkers" are the only cars many locals have the cash for.

"People do come and say, 'I got $2,000 and what can you do for me? What car do you have in that range?" says Wilson Jose of Albert Auto Sales.

Tracey Cummings recently bought a used SUV from JJ&M Auto and said she's happy with her purchase.

"It was more convenient for me and it fit into my budget. I can't afford a new car," said Cummings. "I can't. Not in this economy. I can't."

Others may look for the deal of the day, perhaps finding a luxury ride below market value.

"They want to see if they can get a car that is worth $10,000 and see if they can get it for $5,000 or $6,000," said Jose.

Used car lots are slashing prices because business is slow. Nowadays dealers are happy if they can sell two or three cars a week.

Jerome Avenue's used car dealerships are also getting some economic help from other businessmen who buy the cars and resell them in the Dominican Republic and several countries in Africa.

As federal lawmakers encourage drivers to purchase new cars by offering Cash For Clunkers, some dealers raise a red flag and warn New Yorkers that they might not be able to really afford the payments on a new vehicle.

"You buy a new car, you will owe money," said dealer Louie Magai of JJ&M Auto. "If you don't have it, what are you going to do? The bank is going to take your car."

"The government giving you $4,500 is only going to help people who have money to spend, big money," said Jose.

Meanwhile, Cummings said some people may consider her SUV to be a gas guzzler, but she doesn't mind.

"I don't care what people say. They are not paying my bills. I am," she said.