ORISKANY, N.Y. (WKTV) - Ken Brown, owner of Brown's Auto in Oriskany, says he is losing money on the Cash for Clunkers program. Brown says every time someone trades in their "clunker" it takes business away from him.

Brown, who has owned his shop for seven years, says people used to have their "clunker" tuned up at his business. However, now that business is gone once they trade in the clunker.

"A lot of them could not afford new vehicles, so they would do their repairs necessary to get them by," Brown said. "Of course that naturally brings more business into small business people."

According to Brown, he serviced between 10 and 12 cars per day. He says that since the Cash for Clunkers program started, about 30% of his business is gone.

"Now I do about 6, 7, maybe 8 cars a day," said Brown.

Brown says he is confident he will see his regular customers come back, even if they bought a new car. However, he says it will be for fewer visits, and for less maintenance.

Another concern Brown has for his customers, is how they will afford their new vehicle. He says he knows his customers personally, and feels some that are taking advantage of the program are getting in over their head.

"I know the ones that can afford it, and I know the ones who can not," Brown said. "I was trying to figure out, if you can't afford the $400 for a break job, front and rear at a reputable place, how can you afford a $300 or $400 car payment for the next four or six years."