What Car Q&A December 2009 - Scrappage, or not scrappage?

Q) I 'm considering buying a Fiat Panda 1.1 Active under the scrappage scheme, but would waiting until the end of the scrappage scheme save me money? A friend thinks I'll save £2000 by haggling for a discount once the scheme has finished, which means I could sell my old car privately for a better overall deal.
Liz Harrison

A) It's highly unlikely you'll be able to haggle £2000 off the price of a Fiat Panda 1.1 Active – even after the scrappage scheme has ended. Our What Car? Target Price shoppers managed to negotiate a £907 saving on the list price of £7350, but even if you push the salesman hard, you'll struggle to save more than £1000.

So, if your old car if worth less than £1000, the scrappage scheme will be the cheaper route. However, if your old car is worth more than £1000, selling it privately and then paying cash for the Panda will save you money.