Scrappage - the end. What now?

Feb 5 2010 Matt Tumbridge

THE scrappage scheme meant £2,000 off without having to ask for it and has been a huge success. But it is nearly over now and the manufacturer's replacement schemes - Toyota's is called Swappage for example - are limited to certain cars.

However, as I have been saying for a while, this doesn't matter to the savvy car buyer. I drive cars with 3,000 - 15,000 miles on the clock every week of the year and they feel like brand new. But if you were to buy one, they will often be more than £2,000 less than the new price. They still have over two years warranty, more than two years until the M.O.T. and now that no one understands the number plate system who cars if it's a 58, 09 or what is it in 2010 anyway?

Here are some I have seen on the forecourts of Great Britain.

Latest shape Renault Megane

Achingly cool designer car that looks much more expensive than it is. Lots of gadgets on the top level specs. Renault's diesel engines prove looking cool can be thrifty (and refined) too. Renault dealers will offer you great prices too, but be careful.

Most economical: 1.9 DCI

Best used buy: 1.6 or 2.0 VVT

Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A five-door 1.6 VVT Privilege is £15,306 new. You can buy a late 2009 car with 3,500 average miles for nearly £4,000 less without trying.

Latest Ford Mondeo

Don't be fooled by the Mondeo name. This a very impressive car in every respect. The benchmark for this generation of family and executvie saloons.

Most economical: 1.8 TDCi ECOnetic

Best used buy: 2.0 Titanium

Used Car Expert magazine guide price: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium is just over £24,000 new. We can pick up a 2009 car with 5700 miles for £16,000. Saving £8,000.

Hyundai i30

An excellent all round family hatchback. Basically the same as the Kia Cee'd but often better equipped and the interior is better, and it has a five year warranty.

Most economical: 1.6 CRDI

Best used buy: 1.6 P Comfort or Premium

Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A new 1.6 Comfort is about £11,700. But we can buy a 3,500 mile one for £10,200. Or be a bit less fussy on the mileage, taking one home with around 10,000 on the clock for a low £9,000 figure. That's saving at least £1,500 more than the scrappage buyer and then getting £500 plus more for the banger we trade in.