Used cars need bailouts, too

In another attempt to meld economic stimulus and environmental stewardship, Congress is considering legislation that would hand car owners up to $4,000 if they get rid of their old gas guzzlers and replace them with fuel-efficient vehicles. We're exhausted trying to keep up with all the bills coming out of Congress that are designed to change one aspect of the economy or the other. In sum, we suspect they'll do far more harm than good over the long run.

But the "cash for clunkers" proposal is among the least offensive -- unless of course, it favors one part of the industry over another. And that is a very real risk with this legislation. At least some versions would allow ex-clunker owners to use their federal handouts only to purchase new cars. That approach puts used-car dealers at an enormous, government-created disadvantage. It also restricts consumers' ability to make decisions about which fuel-efficient cars to purchase and at what prices. In difficult economic times, it makes no sense to exclude one category of a product -- in this case used vehicles -- especially when that exclusion steers buyers away from what may be the most affordable option.

We're glad to see that CarMax, the hometown auto retailing giant, is standing up for itself -- and for consumers. The entire Virginia congressional delegation should do the same.