Hi, is there a possibility with some cars being available straight away to take on motability? Or is there always a few weeks before can collect?
Whilst not impossible, it’s far more likely that if a suitable car is already in stock, it will be nationwide, rather than dealer stock (at a port or U.K. handling centre). There is always a few weeks delay in getting these cars, as cars have to be PDI’d (pre delivery inspection) and some manufacturers rely on a degree of final preparation when the car reaches the U.K. (if not built here). Our current car was available in stock at a U.K. port when we ordered, but it still took 3 or 4 weeks.
A lot depends on the manufacturer. Brands like Hyundai, where the options that can be added to the car are very limited, pre-build cars ‘on spec’ so you can get them quickly. The more premium brands, like BMW, don’t build cars on spec, and all are factory orders, as the vast majority of customers add options so most cars are ‘bespoke’. Waits for these cars will usually be 3 to 6 months depending on the model. Occasionally this can be shortened if they can grab a cancelled order.
There are two other factors that determine delivery lead times. If a car has to be factory ordered, the dealer may have to wait a month or two (or even longer) until they can even order the car, as they have to wait for new ‘build allocations’. Dealers are rarely up front about this, hence why some people wait considerably longer than others for the same car.
Secondly, dealers receive a fixed handling fee for each Motability car BUT each order counts towards their volume targets, which can generate substantial bonuses and discounts for them. A car that is already in dealer stock has already done this for them, so they will often prefer to sell stock cars to private customers and insist that Motability orders are new orders. However, if they don’t think they’ll shift it to a private customer you stand more chance. If it’s an EV you’d have a very good chance, as private customers aren’t touching them and dealers (and manufacturers) are desperate to shift them.
So, in summary, there’s no ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to your question, as it depends on numerous factors and will vary enormously by car, manufacturer and dealership, but there’s no harm in asking. My final piece of advice is not to base your choice of car solely on which one is available quickest, as there may be a reason why some cars are readily available! Good things are sometimes worth waiting for!