Scrappage scheme is go!

18th May 2009

THE scrappage scheme goes live today! And while the cash-for-scrap initiative is sure to stir up some showroom action, the small print inevitably means there’s winners and losers.

Despite the Government’s original claim that makers would not be able to exclude certain cars from the scheme, cars with waiting lists of four months or more are in fact exempt. Check out this week’s magazine – on sale 20 May – for a full run-down of the models effect by this Government u-turn. A finalised list of the conditions is below:

1. The scrapped vehicle must have been first registered in the UK before 31 August 1999.
2. The scrapped vehicle must be a passenger car or van weighing less than 3.5 tonnes.
3. The scrapped vehicle must be owned by the registered keeper for at least one year.
4. The scrapped vehicle must have a current MOT test certificate, or one that’s no more than 14 days past its expiry date at the time of placing the order.
5. The new car must be delivered by the manufacturer to the dealership within four months of placing the order.

Despite the stumbling blocks laid out above initial reactions from dealers have been positive and in favour of the scheme. Darren Robins, sales manager, Marshall Ford, Bury St Edmunds, said: “This scheme’s made a huge difference, the level of enquiries is right up. We’ve sold a couple of larger vehicles but it’s mostly the Fiesta and Ka that buyers are interested in. The vast majority are paying cash, not seeking credit.”

So if you’re in the market for a new car and ready to get rid of the junk on your driveway, there’s never been a better time to buy. Check out the best offers from each manufacturer by simply clicking here.

Finally, with the scrappage scheme goin live this week, Auto Express would like to know what you think in this very quick survey - let us know your thoughts and whether you will be taking part.