I have seen numerous comments of folks intending to leave the scheme, and for different reasons. What I tend not to see is their intended replacement vehicle, and associated financial implications. > Type of vehicle. > Age of vehicle. > Price limit. > Means of payment. > Adaptations. > Estimated total expenditure over three years.
I have also made the difficult decision to leave and am also happy to answer your questions:
> Type of vehicle. Mercedes E Class Estate
> Age of vehicle. 6 years (50k miles)
> Price limit. £12,000 (had a great deal from a known to family health professional)
> Means of payment. Cash (Great company I worked for and paid me ill health retirement)
> Adaptations. None as yet but currently need electric seats and room for wheelchair (I am deteriorating now)
> Estimated total expenditure over three years.
Insurance = £1,000 (my first year with zero no claims due to being on Motability is just under £350)
AA cover including repair costs to £500 = £1,900
Servicing = £775 (discussed with local Mercedes specialist)
Tyres = £720
Total 3 year cost £16,395.
I should note that even with large wheels, the ride comfort in the Mercedes is superior to that of my XC40. I am also getting over 15mpg more.
I have not included fuel but I expect the higher cost of diesel to all but cancel the mpg gain.
A current Motability estate or suv have some AP’s of between £4,000 and £8,000. Some are lower, I appreciate, but costs are going up, not down, and I have another 12 months left on my current car.
So, the total could be £4,000 plus £14,414 Higher Rate PIP payments = £18,414.
For me, and this is purely personal, it’s a no brainer.
Of course, these are just estimates but in my eyes, a fair crack at the whip.
Yes, it could be cheaper for a Motability vehicle but I could also buy cheaper.
Some makes of vehicle that I have experience of have been extremely unreliable and so I’ve learnt that new or newer does not always mean more reliable.
I have really been grateful to Motability and am sorry to leave but, for me, it makes financial sense to do this. We are going to struggle in the coming years due to me having to retire and funds are going to be extremely tight.
I am very disappointed that I wasn’t able to continue with my career until the UK retirement age but at the same time am extremely proud that I was successful with working in the ‘ABLE’ world for a over 40 years (not including the jobs I sought out from the age of 12), and that work enabled me to travel the world, well, some of it. 😉
Sadly, time has come to penny pinch and baton down the hatches for the uncertainty that lies ahead for me and my good lady.
? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?