To start a new question.
We are all aware of the current situation re supplies of new cars; the problem mainly being cars being supplied with options missing. Not sure what happens in this situation; is the AP reduced? Rejecting the car would leave one waiting possibly even longer for a new car.
With the (my) MINI order there seems to be a different problem (other than the extended delivery dates). I got my order in at the start of Q1, when there where over 100 different MINIs on the scheme, the day before they where all removed. A few came back for Q2 but only for a short time before all but the MINI Electric were removed.
Recently MINI removed the Sport trim the MINI One and all manual gearboxes from their range. They also appeared to have simplified the wiring looms meaning less option packages. Unlike other manufacturers they have not removed options, just reduced the number of “packs”, combing them, making lots of the options standard and increasing the price of the lower trims. The main option now being Sat-Nav (or not) from what I can work out.
When I ordered my MINI you picked an engine, gearbox, trim and whether or not you wanted the comfort & navigation packs (combined). Each resulting in a higher AP. The engine, trim and gearbox options I picked are ones that have not been removed but the trim I ordered now comes with the comfort part of the pack.
While I am quite happy to have what is now the base Cooper S (but not the centre arm rest, that gets in the way of the hand brake and iDrive). I am not sure how MINI or Motability will treat this. MINI do not have the parts for the car that was ordered. So are going to build a higher spec (and more expensive) one.
Will MINI pass on the extra cost to Motability? If they do how will it affect my AP? I know it is guaranteed if it goes up, but I will not be getting the car I ordered. What I will be getting is one that sits halfway between that and the next AP up; no Navigation Pack. It used to be so simple; you ordered your car, and 3 months later you take you old car back and picked up the new one; as ordered.
Current lease: 2025 Omoda 5 Estate 1.6 TGDI [147] Noble 5dr 7DCT
Last lease: 2022 MINI Hatch 2.0 Cooper S Classic Premium 5DR Auto
First lease: 2018 SEAT Leon Sport Tourer 1.8 TSI FR Technology DSG