The Government’s scrappage scheme started earlier this week and you can now get £2,000 off a new car if you have a 10 year old banger to trade in. But even if you buy the tidily and most basic Renault Clio you need to find at least £4,000 to put to it.
So the question for the sane man is, what else can you buy for £4,000 plus, let’s say, a £1,000 trade in? Well, lots really. Whether you want something stylish and luxurious, some sensible family wheels or something small and funky, £5,000 can go a long way. Here are three examples:
Alfa Romeo 156
Great driving experience good image and because it's an Alfa low prices. Lots of ex company cars around that has softened prices especially the Sportwagon estates.
Most economical: 2.4JTD 42.8mpg
One to buy: V6s
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 16
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 V6 24v Lusso 2.5 with 35000 average miles will be between £ 4,135 and £4,865.
Citroën Xsara Picasso
One of the best and most numerous compact people carriers. Bags of room and good engines are important factors but the sheer number around means that prices are very attractive.
Most economical: 2.0TD 51.4mpg
One to buy: 1.6 petrols
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 20
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 Citroën Xsara Picasso I 16v Desire 1.6 with 26830 average miles will be between £4,128 and £4,857.
Smart Forfour
Grown up Smart which is pricey when new. As a used buy though much better value cheap to run and decent equipment. Will get cheaper in coming years.
Most economical: 1.5 Cdi 61.4mpg
One to buy: 1.0 Coolstyle
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 10
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 Smart Forfour Passion 1.1 with 39213 average miles will be between £4,201 and £ 4,943.