New cars & the scrappage scheme

The wifes parents were telling me about some friends of theirs getting trading in their car for a Hyundai Coupe, and it worked out cheaper trading in their existing car and going brand new, than it was to sell their car and buy the same car second hand.

I don't like Hyundai's in the slightest, but it got me thinking anyway, is there any real world benefit to getting a brand new car under the scrappage scheme, or is the above situation a one-off?

How long have we got left of the scrappage scheme before it is taken away again?

I'm thinking it might be a good option for me when it comes around to MOT time early next year, but not sure if the pros out-weigh the cons.  New cars are fcuking expensive, but would be nice to have the 3 years no MOT, servicing deals and warranty and all the stuff that comes with it.

How much room for haggling is there with new cars, including adding alloys wheels and the like?

Me and my family have always had 2nd hand cars, so I've no experience of this at all.

I'd like a brand new motor, but feel the cost would be WAY out of reach for an average wage, but not for a 2nd hand well looked-after but older one car (which obviously doesn't include said scrappage scheme).

Just after advice really!