This is a great move by the government seek to replace your car “old”: the conversion bonus. As the name suggests, this is an amount paid in exchange for writing off the car in exchange for a low-emission car. Yes for the state encourage the purchase of a new car, decarbonize French fleet. By decommissioning old and sometimes polluting models, in particular gasoline and diesel models. A controversial aspect of the maneuver is that vehicles often go to the shredder in very good condition. While they drive and function perfectly, they could enjoy a new life every now and then. Especially for export to countries where less attention is paid to greenhouse gas emissions or the general condition of vehicles.

It is forbidden to resell them on the second-hand market

Only, you can’t, because it is strictly forbidden to sell the vehicle received back as part of the conversion bonus. This is what it comes back to our hidden camera investigation performed at several car factories in France. We found out whether it is possible to dig up, even illegally, a profitable bargain. “Gone are the days when we sold cars just like that. With conversion bonuses, once you get one, you kill it. “, allows the head of the end-of-life vehicle center. In the absence of an opportunity to sell the entire model, these centers are authorized to sell spare parts, says another. “Cars associated with the conversion bonus are dismantled and destroyed. We just sell spare parts. Others are 98% damaged. “. The shortage of these professionals in the sector: “Ah, if we could sell it, we would be in business… But no, as an approved center, we must destroy them, even if they are in excellent condition. And believe me, it happens often! »

Better luck with independent pests?

And how about the account independent pests, less regulated than these official centers? We also get frustrated there quickly, as we are mostly spare parts dealers. “You are in the wrong place. There are no cars here, thousands of them. Go look at the landfills, maybe you’ll find something.” The last solution, of course least legal and most risky, find a dealer willing to find us a model for cash. But don’t be too fussy about the product. “I can find you one for 500 or 1000 bucks… What are you looking for? “. Finally and contrary to what we thought, it is not easy to find a wrecker willing to sell us a whole car. Especially the model associated with the conversion bonus! Only official trade networks and bulletin board online…

Read also:

Conversion bonus: what will change in 2023

Environmental bonus: what surprises does it have in store for you in 2023?

Buying a car: how does the environmental bonus work?