@MickC If they are on the scheme then we already know about them, so it’s not news. If they aren’t then it is pure speculation and, as has been pointed out by others, often inaccurate!
@Fartoostrong I agree that it would be good if there were more options than just having to order a brand new car every 3 years, especially as that’s not what the majority of the general population do. However, I don’t think it will happen for several reasons. Firstly, the whole Motability model works on having a block VAT exemption and you can only get VAT exemption on brand new cars. Plus, when you factor in the huge discounts that they also negotiate, a used car could cost them (and therefore us) more than a new one!
I’ve often thought that it would be good if they offered cars that were returned early at a discounted rate (when I had company cars this was something that we could do as an alternative to ordering a new car) but, for reasons best known to Motability, they have never considered it.
All the other things that you suggest (better choice of larger vehicles, lease extensions etc) were all options in the past but have since stopped. We also had the option to buy cars at lease end, but prices were way too high for a car sold with no warranty and were non-negotiable. You could do better buying a used car privately, where you could negotiate a deal, finance (if needed) and get a warranty. Motability make a healthy profit on each new lease, so that’s what they want us to keep doing. Sadly, the interests of Motability Operations (excessive salaries, big bonuses, gold plated benefits etc – for all staff, not just the CEO) outweigh the needs of disabled people.