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.
Logistics and cost was what used to be quoted.
Motability do not have a fleet of transporters and staff to ferry around ‘early terminated’ cars. Nor even a customer facing website to advertise them.
Hence, if ‘Mr Gloucestershire’ wants a vehicle previously returned to a dealership in Scotland or NI, how does the vehicle ‘marry up’ with the potential customer?
If Motability did transport it down to Gloucester, what if ‘Mr Gloucestershire’ then finds it unsuitable? However, someone back up in Scotland now wants to look at it!
The costs of all this would have to be added to the scheme costs and most likely make it prohibitive.
Or, if it is upto Mr Gloucestershire to personally go and check out a returned vehicle in Scotland, what happens if Mr MacBagpipes, just down the road from the vehicle, steams in whilst Mr Gloucestershire is travelling north?
It is far easier (and cheaper) for Motability to let BCA or whichever auction house collect all returned vehicles to dispose of at auction.