The big thing with leasing privately is even though it is more expensive the Motability, you can have any car you want (providing you can afford it of course). However lease schemes tend to have a fairly high initial payments as well, you have then got to factor in insurance, tax(depending on vehicle) as well as the mileage limititations and thats before factoring in any adaptions needed or if indeed the lease company will allow them to be fitted. Of course for many MB users it could make perfect sense to lease privately at the moment, for us with all the adaptions we require leasing from MB is still the better option. You pay your monies and takes your choice I suppose.
I think you’ll find the AP’s for private leasing companies are on the whole lower than those being asked for on the scheme. Of course the monthly cost is higher but it is surprising how close the figures are if you are a low mileage motorist. Insurance is dependant on age and location, but the quotes I’ve had recently have been quite low. Tax doesn’t apply to us as being disabled makes us exempt. A big plus point for some is the fact that there are private leasing companies with vehicles in stock. I’m lucky in that I still have just under 2 years left until my 3 years are up, but for some people who are coming up to their 5 year deadline going private may be their only option as things stand.