You can get thousands off a new car with one of the various UK car scrappage schemes. Almost all the major manufacturers offer one, including Ford, Mazda, Toyota and Vauxhall.
If your motor is getting on a bit, then and it’s time for a trade-up, hold off before phoning one of those firms that promise to buy any car.
You could instead make use of a manufacturer’s scrappage scheme, and enjoy a juicy discount on a brand new car.
Here’s what’s on offer from some of the big names when it comes to scrappage schemes.
Alternatively, if your car is worth more than the scrappage limits below, read our top tips for getting the best part-exchange deal.
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Ford – £2,000+
Ford has just launched a new scrappage scheme, which offers drivers the chance to save at least £2,000 including VAT on selected models ‒ including commercial vehicles ‒ when they take in their old motor to a Ford dealership.
Any make of vehicle is eligible for the scrappage scheme ‒ it just needs to have been registered on or before 31st December 2012, and you need to have owned it for at least 90 days.
To qualify for the scrappage discount, you’ll need to order a new Ford before 30th September, and have it registered before 31st March next year.
The scrappage scheme can’t be used to purchase the following passenger vehicles: KA+, Fiesta Trend, all Zetec derivatives, Mustang, and all ST derivatives.
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Hyundai – £4,000
At Hyundai, you can trade in a vehicle that was registered before 1st October 2011. Again, you’ll need to have owned it for at least 90 days.
You can then get a discount of between £300 and £4,000 off a new Hyundai.
The actual discount varies depending on which model you go for ‒ while you’ll only get £300 off an i20 Play model (with a further £500 off if you test drive and buy), you can get £4,000 off any of its New Generation Santa Fe models.
New Hyundai cars need to be registered before 30th September, while the i30 N, I30 Fastback N, Kona Iron Man and Kona Electric models aren’t eligible for scrappage discounts.
Kia – £2,500
Kia’s scrappage scheme offers people the chance to save £2,000 off a new Kia Picanto or £2,500 off a Kia Stonic, Venga or New Sportage.
To qualify, the car you trade in will need to be at least seven years old. You’ll then need to register the car by 30th September 2019.
Mazda – £6,000
With the Mazda scheme, the discount again varies depending on the model you go for, with savings of between £3,000 and £6,000 on offer.
You’ll need your old car to have been registered before 31st December 2010, and to register your new vehicle by 30th September.
The scheme is only available on Mazdas with emission levels of less than 144g/km. As a result models like the All-New Mazda3 and Mazda CX-5 petrol models are excluded.
MG – £2,000
MG prefers to call its offer a “swappage” scheme. Trade a car that’s at least seven years old, and you can get at least £2,000 off a new MG3.
If you trade in an old MG, then the saving is bumped up to £2,500.
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Renault – £3,000
Drivers can save between £1,000 and £3,000 with Renault’s scrappage scheme.
You can trade in a motor that was registered on or before 31st March 2012, with the size of the discount varying based on the model you go for.
For example, with a Megane or a Scenic you’ll only get £1,000 off, but with the Kadjar you’ll get the full £3,000.
Toyota – £2,500
With Toyota’s scrappage scheme you can get £2,000 off an Aygo X-Trend or £2,500 off a Yaris Icon Tech.
To qualify your vehicle will need to have been registered before 1st October 2011 and you’ll need to have owned it for at least six months.
Vauxhall – £4,400
Vauxhall’s scrappage scheme offers motorists the chance to save a cool £4,000 at least for cars more than seven years old. If your vehicle isn’t that old, you can part-exchange it and get a minimum of £3,000 instead.
The exact size of the discount depends on what Vauxhall model you go for. With a Mokka X you’ll save as much as £4,400 for example.
Best way to finance a new car
So there's our roundup of the top car scrappage schemes in the UK.
If you need additional cash to pay for your new motor, make sure you find the cheapest possible finance. Earlier this year, the financial regulator warned we are wasting £300 million a year taking out rubbish loan 'deals' from car salespeople earning juicy commissions.
To learn more about your options, check out our guide to the cheapest car finance options or simply compare car loan rates with loveMONEY now.
Car insurance about to renew? Don't accept the rip-off renewal! Search for a cheaper deal with Confused.com