What is the Car Scrappage Scheme?

Selling an old car can be notoriously tricky, especially as the mileage is likely to be much higher than a new model. Fortunately, with the car scrappage scheme, owners of older vehicles have a way to relinquish their cars and get paid for them. But what is the car scrappage scheme, and how does it work? 🤔We’ve got all the details with this handy guide. 

What is the car scrappage scheme?

The government car scrappage scheme was introduced in 2009. It encourages motorists to purchase newer, more environmentally-friendly cars by offering money for their older vehicles. The scheme was designed to remove older cars from the road and reduce pollution from vehicles, which accounts for just over 18% of UK emissions. Getting money back for your older vehicle on the scheme is just one reason to buy an environmentally friendly car.

There is plenty of concern over air pollution in the UK’s major cities, and initiatives like ULEZ – a fee charged to the most polluting vehicles – have been implemented in London and Birmingham to help combat the reduction of air quality. But the car scrappage scheme is designed to give something back to motorists by incentivising them to get rid of their old car.

The Impact on Diesel Cars

Since the government introduced ULEZ, the price of diesel cars –along with high-polluting petrol cars- have dropped significantly. As a result of this move, there has been an increase in people deciding to trade in their vehicles that harm the environment. The car scrappage scheme is a way for them to do it without too much hassle. This is especially helpful, as it’s becoming harder to sell high-polluting vehicles on the second-hand market. Check out our guide on electric v petrol cars to see how they compare.

Which cars are eligible for the car scrappage scheme? 

Scrappage scheme cars need to be between eight and 10-years-old, and the driver must have owned the car for at least 12 months. Therefore, if you’ve recently bought an older car second-hand, you’ll need to wait a year before you can use the scheme. 

How does the car scrappage scheme work? 

The majority of car manufactures take part in the car scrappage scheme. When you buy a new car from them, you can trade in your older model as part of the transaction. Popular manufacturers involved include Ford, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, etc. 

How much can I save on a newer car?

The amount you save on your next vehicle varies, depending on the time of the car, with factors like age and mileage taken into account. However, it’s not uncommon to expect to save somewhere between £1,000 and £8,000 on your next vehicle. 

How do I know if my car is eligible? 

Eligibility for the new car scrappage scheme depends on aspects like the age of your car, its emission rating, mileage and whether it’s a petrol or diesel vehicle. You can check with the manufacturer to see if your car is eligible and how much you could get for it.  

Taking Advantage of the Car Scrappage Scheme

With the car scrappage scheme, you have an available way to sell your older vehicle without any hassle. You can put the money towards a new motor, getting a more environmentally-friendly vehicle as a result. Plus, you get the keys to a shiny new car, and what’s not to love about that? 

For more car buying advice, check out the Carmoola blog, packed full of tips, tricks, and advice on all things motor related. 🚗