Which car should I buy under the scrappage scheme?

I am buying under the scrappage scheme.  Which of the following would you recommend: Skoda Fabia, Ford Ka, Hyundai i10 or Renault Clio?

My budget is €10,000 and I want something that will last another 10 years! Most of my driving is around town but I don't want anything tiny!! 

Thanks

Nell Rynne (Sligo)

May 2010 Filed under: scrappage

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Expert answer

There is a relatively new version of the Fabia and that might not come in under budget, even with scrappage. The new model starts at €12,265 so with scrappage it would be €10,765, but if you could stretch to this it would be a very good buy.

The Ka will cost you just €7,995 under the scheme and this is great value for what is a smart little car, but it is small and only available as a three-door. 

The Hyundai i10 is a car that is superb value under scrappage, costing just €8,495 for the five-door and €9,495 for the three-door model.

As regards the Clio, you can have a three-door for €8,990 under the scheme. A five-door model will cost more, at €11,280.

Out of these, for a car to keep for 10 years, I'd suggest you try to haggle and get the Fabia as I think it would age best, but following that it would be the i10 because this car should be ultra reliable to. 

Without sitting on the fence though, I would say to try all of these and make your mind up after the test drive.

Complete Car Adviser