I’ve only had one Motability car (my current), and have a new one on order. My husband was on the scheme for many years (had seven different vehicles) until he was PIPed. I always went with him to the dealership as the car had to be suitable for me as well.
We always felt we were valued customers. Except once; when he was looking into getting an A-Class. This was strange as they had always treated him with respect when he owned an old S-Class. Needless to say we did not get a A-Class. When hubby went onto PIP, we decided to get the next car in my name. I do not drive so hubby would do the driving.
We do most of our searching online, and really only go to the dealers to make our final choice and order the car. That said I was torn between a Vitara and the Leon ST and tested both. Bother dealers where very helpful, the only problem was neither dealers were able to supply an Auto for test drive, and the Leon was a HB instead of an ST. In the end we went for the Leon. When this car came up for replacement, we tried a few.
First we tried MG; they couldn’t be bothered. Next we tried Vauxhall; Ian was not their (who had given my husband very good service over the last decade). No one else could be bothered to stop talking to see to us, they did let us sit in the car, but moaned they would have to clean it (due to Covid). We didn’t bother to go back when Ian was there. My husband bought a smaller scooter so we could look into other cars (his old one would have fitted the MG or Vauxhall and I didn’t want another estate).
I quite liked the MINI, so we phoned the MINI dealer. We made an appointment for the end of the week. The next day the dealer phoned us to say could we come in that day as BMW where pulling out of the scheme at the end of the week. We went in and explained the no one requirement was that the scooter would fit in the back, Anthony lifted the scooter in and tried it, it only went in one way but did fit (we were going for the 5 door). The car we test drove while not the exact trim, was a 5 door same engine gearbox seats etc. When we ordered it I mentioned that I liked the colour of the convertible that at the time was not an option. As it was going to be an option in March, Anthony managed to order it for us. He has kept up updated by phone and email since I put my order in at the beginning of February. So when we come up for renewal we know who to avoid and who to go to.
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