With the government planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040, a number of manufacturers have already announced scrappage schemes aimed at encouraging drivers of older diesel vehicles to switch to a more environmentally-friendly vehicle. They offer significant discounts on new models when drivers trade in their older cars. We take a closer look at what’s being offered…
Potential money off: £2,000 to £7,000
Trade requirements: Any car registered before 1st January 2010
One of the few schemes accepting petrol as well as diesel cars, the Ford scheme is running until the end of 2017. Cars available include Fiestas, Kugas and Transits and the discount you’ll receive is fixed depending on which model you opt for, regardless of the value of the car you’re trading in.
Potential money off: £2,000, plus your car’s trade-in value
Trade requirements: Diesel cars that only meet Euro 4 regulations or earlier
The big advantage of this scheme is that unlike some others you’ll receive your old car’s trade-in value as well as the scrappage scheme incentive. You’ll need to have owned your car for at least 6 months to qualify.
Potential money off: Up to £5,000
Trade requirements: Cars which were registered before 31st December 2009
Like the Ford scheme, the discount received will depend on which new car you’re buying. The maximum discount applies to the Santa Fe model, while the i10 benefits from a £1,500 saving.
Potential money off: £2,000, plus your car’s trade-in value
Trade requirements: Diesel cars that only meet Euro 4 regulations or earlier
When it comes to choosing a new car you’re limited to those with CO2 emissions of under 131g/km including both petrol and diesel models. You’ll need to have owned it for at least a year.
Potential money off: £2,000, plus your car’s trade-in value
Trade requirements: Diesel cars that only meet Euro 4 regulations or earlier
BMW owns Mini so the two brands’ schemes are almost identical. Cars available with the discount include the 1 Series, the electric i3, the new 5 Series and the 7 Series.
Potential money off: Up to £4,000
Trade requirements: Any vehicle more than seven years old
Running until the end of the year, the newly-announced Toyota scheme offers discounts of between £1,000 and £4,000. The popular Prius will attract a saving of £2,000. You need to have owned your vehicle for at least 6 months to qualify.
Potential money off: £1,800 to £6,000
Trade requirements: Any diesel vehicle that has emissions standards lower than Euro 5 and was registered before 2010
All Volkswagen UK brands including Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be taking part. Electric and hybrid vehicles which also qualify for government grants are included, making the potential for discounts even bigger.