The government’s scrappage scheme, which offers drivers £2,000 to trade in their old car, started on Monday.

But how easy is it to get a car using the initiative? We talked to one of the first people to take advantage of the scheme.

Under the scrappage scheme buyers can receive £2,000 off the cost of a new car in exchange for a vehicle over ten years old.

Could you scrap your car for £2,000? Find out on Auto Trader’s scrappage site

We found one motorist who was looking to sell his fifteen-year-old car for a new one.

Phillip Harrison scrapped his a 1994 2-litre Subaru Legacy GLS estate with 150,000 miles on the clock for a £2,000 bonus.

“I wanted a smaller car for me and my partner, which would be easy to drive with low running costs.

“Originally I was going to trade the old car in to a dealership, but it’s only worth £200. When I heard about the scrappage scheme, we thought that would be a better idea.”

Find out if you should scrap or sell your car

The 43-year-old visited the Kia dealership in Brixham one week after the 2009 Budget announcement, and arranged to scrap his Legacy for £2,000.

This brought the price of a new 1-litre Kia Picanto down from £6,195 to £4,195.

“I’m very happy with the deal. It was fairly easy to arrange and there was no pressure from the dealer, who checked the car’s log book, tax disc and MOT certificate,” said Phillip.

His choice of buying a smaller, economical car was made after comparing running costs from his fifteen-year old Subaru Legacy with the new Kia Picanto.

“Driving the Legacy was costing me £80 per week for fuel, £250 per year for insurance and £210 in tax,” said Phillip.

He reckons buying the Kia Picanto will cut his annual motoring bill by £2,323.

“I would have had to buy a used car if it wasn’t for the scrappage scheme. Being able to buy a brand new car for just over £4,000 is brilliant.”

Phillip is due to pick up his new car this Friday. He will hand over his Subaru and sign a form confirming it will be scrapped.

Are you scrapping your motor for a new one? Have your say on the Auto Trader Blog