03 Aug 09
Saab 9-5 Wagon
The scrappage scheme has proved to be a great success with the British car buying public - the discounts being offered in under-pressure market were already sizeable, but the opportunity to get an extra £2,000 to trade in an old banger have been too good to miss, it seems.
But what can you get for £2,000? Unlike other car-buying websites that are constantly trying to woo you with shiny new scrappage 'bargains' we have assembled a list of perfectly decent £2,000-and-under cars that should not be condemned to the crusher and would make great used car buys.
This is the second in our 'anti-scrapper' series and this time we focus on executive cars that can be had for a steal. We think this selection will make perfect sense for buyers who want a bit of luxury at a knockdown price.
Alfa Romeo 156
Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS
If there's one reason all owners of the Alfa 156 cite for buying this car it's style. Just look at it: this really is a masterpiece of modern design. Form and function don't come together as well in the Alfa as they do in some rivals, with rear legroom and boot space a touch cramped in the 156, and watch for damage to the plastic rear door handles.
However, the Alfa delivers on the driving front. Crisp handling and steering are complemented by the willing 2.0-litre petrol engine and slick manual gearbox. The engine needs a major service every 60,000 miles but is otherwise strong, while all four wheels must be laser aligned to prevent premature tyre wear.
