Banger-nomics. Been there. It’s like gambling, people only tell you of their wins. The peace of mind over a Motability car runs far deeper than the financial, it’s about eliminating risk. You have to touch the flame to understand; If you have ever been so scared taking your car for an MOT that it has affected your health, or been in a situation where your car has failed its MOT and needs hundreds of pounds of welding and you have no money, literally no money, no overdraft facility and no credit cards, the only option is to borrow from family, as without your car you have no way of getting to your job as you work shifts and the busses don’t run.
Chances of a car under 10yrs old these days falling into the banger-nomics and require welding is highly unlikely.
I still standby many of the lower end cars such as the MG ZS 1 litre and Dacia Sandero can be had new cheaper overall than what the scheme offers, even when taking into account servicing etc.
There is no right or wrong way. There are many variable and each persons outlooks finances are different I.E someone is awarded PIP for 5yrs but unsure they will get again. What do they do – use there 16k award over 5yrs and have nothing to show for it at the end or choose to go down the buying route.