I’m in much the same boat. I extended for the 2 years at the end of last year, and am now looking at leaving the scheme and buying privately. I currently have a Tiguan SEL, and want to change to an Allspace. The only one on the scheme is the Life trim – the base model. As our “Gentleman from Gloucester” is constantly saying, over 3 years this would cost me (with AP and adaptations) in excess of £16k and I would have nothing to show for it. I have calculated that buying an Allspace Elegance (after dealer discounts and including costs such as privately bought adaptations, insurance and servicing) would mean an outlay of approx £40k, but I would then have an asset worth about £20K. So cost over 3 years becomes about £10k (after allowing for £10k I would be keeping). So do I spend £16k on something I think I would be disappointed with, or spend £10k on something I’d be happy with? As my Mum once told me “it’s a no-brainer”!! I am in the fortunate position of being able to buy on a PCP, and settle immediately after delivery, in order to benefit from the best discounts and not worry about mileage limits etc. One thing I have found with adaptations is, it pays to shop around. For example (no names given) a Brig-Ayd electronic throttle and brake – I have been quoted £2,395 with 3 year warranty from one installer, and £3,150 with 1 year warranty from another! Does anybody else have experience of buying adaptations privately? Finally, where would I stand on my boot hoist? Some say it belongs to Motability, others say I could transfer it with Motability’s permission.
Huffpuffin – If you have to have hand controls fitted you should be able to get VAT exemption on the cost of the car if you go down the private route. Worth looking in to. That would make a huge difference on a car of that value. I have done the same as you on three or four occasions now. Get all the combined discounts (dealer, manufacturer and finance) and then pay it off a few months later so you are not tied to any mileage limits etc.