| Look on used car websites and you begin to notice a | | | | new cars seem so appealing that people rushed to |
| trend. There is a shortage in the number of used cars | | | | scrap there old cars in return for a shiny new one. |
| on the market which has led to dramatic price hikes. In | | | | Therefore, those that would have otherwise sold on |
| fact, the price of a used car has increased by a | | | | their older cars to fund the purchase of their one |
| colossal 30% over the past year. This change in the | | | | vehicle have decided to have them scrapped - |
| market has occurred because of the | | | | meaning that the used car market has been severely |
| government-funded Scrappage Scheme. | | | | depleted. |
| In an effort to kick-start the failing new car market the | | | | Inevitably, because of the lack of supply, the demand |
| government decided to inject some much needed | | | | has increased and therefore prices have seen a |
| funds into this industry The Scrappage Scheme got | | | | significant rise. |
| underway in May and has been since hailed as a | | | | In some cases, because of the great deals available |
| success. | | | | on the Scrappage Scheme, some people have been |
| The scheme not only increased new car sales, but | | | | able to buy a brand new car for less money than the |
| also helped to get old, dirty cars off the road. So the | | | | same model a year old. |
| scheme has also benefited the environment as old | | | | This has meant that people looking for a bargain first |
| gas-guzzlers have been replaced by new fuel-efficient | | | | car are really struggling to find one. The likes of the |
| cars. | | | | used Vauxhall Corsa and the little Ford Ka have been |
| The Scheme has been so successful that it has even | | | | scrapped in their thousands - both of these cars have |
| been extended until next year. Ford and Vauxhall have | | | | always been a firm favourite among young first-time |
| benefited the most during the scheme, in particular | | | | drivers as they are cheap to insure and run. |
| they saw great sales figures during the all important | | | | As the Scrappage Scheme has been extended the |
| 59' plate launch month. | | | | used car market won't really change until next Spring |
| However, although the scheme has helped local car | | | | at least. Once all funds have been exhausted then we |
| dealers - and the larger manufacturers in particular, it | | | | will be able if the market returns to it usual state...but |
| certainly hasn't benefited used car hunters. | | | | then perhaps new car sales will fall once again... |
| The Scrappage Scheme made the prices of brand | | | | |