Newbie here so may have this in the wrong place and apologies if I say something I shouldn’t! But would love to get your thoughts…
Like you, I love my MX-5. It’s a W reg (1998), I got it as 2nd owner in 2001, ~90,000 on the clock. I’ve looked after it, but live in London, so it’s got a bit battered over the years. At the mo, it’s got a dented wing, needs a new soft roof, and it’s got some rust patches. But I’ve also spent a lot on it in the past (all underside rust fixed during Covid) & it’s solid.
It doesn’t comply with the (extended where I live) ULEZ, but I work from home, use public transport in London, so really just use it for the couple of times I’m getting out of the city and take the hit on the charge. I should also say, I’m a solopreneur start up in travel, completely financially battered by Covid with no government support and watching every penny.
The ULEZ scrappage scheme is due to soon be closed to new applicants on 8 September.
I never wanted to scrap it, because I’m in sustainability and don’t really believe in that when it’s a good car, but have to think carefully about its ongoing maintenance (getting on now) & costs. The scrappage offers £2000 - I think flat, rather than reduced to market value which won’t be much I’m sure.
Should I apply to the scrappage scheme?
I don’t want to miss out if it’s the right thing to do, but equally can’t afford a new car, especially hybrid, or spiralling maintenance. Just canvassing really - anyone else done it? Thoughts & questions I need to consider welcome!
Edit: I’d love to know from anyone who’s done the scrappage if you can apply, then if accepted, decline at that point? Just might buy me a bit of time.
Unless you can be confident it’s will make over £2k selling privately (to save it from being scrapped) then it’s really a no brainer.
There isn’t much more that can happen if it’s as described (condition) £2k for a Mk2 that’s had remedial work done in the past (rusty bits fixed) and needs more work won’t fetch much or near £2k. Saying this and never seen the car mind I reckon you know what’ll happen.
Thanks Mick, I’m mulling because it won’t give me enough to get another decent car with known history, where I know mine. I’m not earning well or reliably to be able to know I can top up any grant. To keep it means I have a car, if I scrap it I probably won’t for now not sure I want to be without. It might cost me on maintenance, but I’m more likely to have that amount than more to buy another so I could just run it into the ground?
I’ve never been practicle with money and usually get well too attached to my cars, in your shoes I’d not hesitate to keep the car rather than fritter the money. Good luck what ever you choose.
Sorry, I was working on the understanding you hardly use it, use public transport (mainly) and the Ulez charges are going to be too costly?
I see your point about being car less if sold, maybe for a while and try to pick up something within budget.
Small economy cars have edged up in price and will continue to especially in your area of the Ulez zones, most should be compliant. I feel your pain I’m glad we don’t have to deal with such stuff but maybe that’s coming our way, who knows what the future brings?
Nice thinking, though I used to have a midget, full classic car. I upgraded to my MX5 for a reliable car. I live in London with no garage, and little time, for a classic. You have to look after them. I’d spend hours on my midget tinkering to make sure it was going to run OK if I needed to go somewhere, then when it came to the crunch it was unreliable as it was outside & damp. I retired it to a good home and need something more practical, but not boring or expensive!
Looks, like the car can be donated rather than scrapped if its still in working order but you still get the grant. It’s interesting that it looks like a one off payment unlike the previous schemes where it was a trade in value on a new car.
Yes there is that option and if I did it that’s what I would do, particularly as I work in charitable travel in chimes with me. Sadly don’t make enough profit for it to help with tax!
But imagine someone driving round war zone Ukraine in a soft top MX5?!
