Separate to the above, I would love to see some posts on alternatives to the Motability scheme. I’m also tempted to move outside of it. I’m hopeful that @wmcforum would be alright with posters discussing and posting alternatives? In my mind it’s still folk in receipt of an allowance discussing ‘which’ Car.
I left the scheme and ‘went private’ early this year.
My view was that I had the money sat in the bank, earning bu$$er all interest at the current low rates and having recently retired from my day job, I wanted a vehicle to suit my hobbies, as well as for generally pottering about on our family farming business. Plus the vehicle I wanted was not on the scheme (and is very unlikely to ever be on the scheme).
I got a very good deal, having tacked my order onto an order placed by the farms, so I went for it and have never looked back.
Some of the perceived ‘security’ of the scheme is mitigated by the fact that the vehicle came with a 3yr unlimited milage manufacturer’s warranty which can be extended, 3yrs rescue/recovery including European cover etc and a negotiated 3yr servicing package. Also, I am eligible to tax it as disabled so have no road tax to pay.
Other than insurance (yes, that one hurt a little because of the vehicle, but again it was mitigated by the ‘no claims discount letter’ from Motability/RSA being honoured by my insurers) and tyres, I really have no running costs other than fuel and other consumables.
Plus having specced the vehicle up, I know there will be at least some return on the additional specification when it comes to selling the vehicle (or trading it in 3 years down the line for a new one).
In return I bank the £69.85 weekly amount that was formerly paid to Motability and save that up, to put towards the vehicle’s eventual replacement.
Overall, I suppose it was being in the fortunate position of having the money just sat in the bank to buy the vehicle outright brand new that was a main factor (I have no wish to be the richest man in the cemetery), plus I have no interest to pay or PCP/lease conditions to adhere to etc. Plus it was opportune timing to tack my vehicle onto a multi-vehicle order to secure a very decent discount.
I realise not everyone has the cash just sat there to buy a vehicle outright, but there are other options if they suit your own personal circumstances (very low mileage etc). However I do understand why some people stick with Motability.
Dave