It’s not too late to trade in your tin can. The scrappage scheme has been extended until the end of June, so we’ve looked around the forecourts for some value.
By Will Nestor
Car buyers have been given a nice slice of good fortune with the announcement that the scrappage scheme has been extended.
The scheme was due to finish on 31 December, but the Government has eased the burden for motorists and extended it until 30 June 2011 – with some makers offering their own discount schemes for the entire year.
Those with a car aged ten years or older that they’ve owned for at least 18 months can trade it in for a brand new model and receive a €1,250 discount – or even more in some cases.
The car must have a valid NCT test certificate, or one that has expired no more than 90 days immediately before the date of scrappage or documentation to indicate that it has been presented for and failed an NCT roadworthiness test in the previous 6 months;
It also must have been insured for use on the road in the name of the registered owner or in the name of the spouse of the registered owner for at least 12 months in the 18 months immediately prior to the date of scrappage.
Only new cars that fall into Motor Tax bands A and B are eligible for the scheme, which means they can emit up to 140g/km of CO2, but no more.
JOE has been casting an eye around the forecourts to see what makes and models are the best buys through the scheme, so don’t delay after reading this and get down to the showroom to strike a deal.
Renault Fluence 1.5 dCi 90 Royale (pictured above)
Retail price: €20,300
Trade-in allowance: €1,500
Scrappage allowance: €1,750
Government allowance: €1,250
Special new price: €15,800
The good people at Renault are doing all they can to hand you the key of a brand new motor for a slashed price. A whole range of models can be bought through the scrappage scheme and, as you you can see from above, they knock off a nice few quid for a trade-in. Saving €4,500 on a Fluence is a tidy packet to have in your back burner.
BMW 3 Series Touring 318d Es (pictured below)
Retail Price: €38,815
New price: €37,565 (more discounts may be available from certain dealers)
Want an estate car that’s cheap to run and great to drive? The BMW 3 Series is the answer. It has rear-wheel drive and scalpel sharp steering, so those who need the space of an estate can still have fun behind the wheel. The frugal 318d Es is no slouch – it will hit 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, CO2 is 120 g/km and fuel consumption is 4.5 litres.
Fiat 500C
Retail price: €12,695 to € 16,695
New price: €9,995
It’s not quite the full open-air experience, but the centre section of the Fiat 500C’s roof can be folded back for top-down motoring. It’s also the cheapest car on our list and has very low running costs. The Fiat’s retro looks have made it a firm favourite and keeps it in high demand, so it hangs onto its value very well indeed.
Ford Focus Style 1.6 TDCi 90PS 3 door
Retail price: €21,490
New price: €16,834
You can snap up a Focus 3 Door with Bluetooth voice control, air-conditioning and 16″ alloys, price based on a 1.6 Diesel TDCi 90PS. This offer applies to a limited number of Focus scrappage units so first come, first served.
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