Of course, it came across as ugly, I all but stated that my feelings were somewhat unreasonable, and while I am well aware of the terms of my lease, my point was (supposed to be) that rules are rules, true, but blindly following a rule for no other reason than “Because it’s the rule” is completely counter-intuitive. I run my own business and we have “rules” but I regularly bend or break them when there is no, or next to no loss to me or my customer AND there’s a benefit to either or both of us. The truth of the matter is, there really wasn’t a downside for Motability from allowing me to get the car early (but still well within the final 3 months when they will allow you to order) but there would have been a substantial benefit on both sides. I’d have had the car I wanted, and they’d have had a confirmed continuing customer for another three years. Win-win, both sides benefit which, personally, I think is EXACTLY the time when you should bend a rule. Rules should, in my opinion, always be a guideline, and if there’s a GOOD reason not to stick to the letter of them, then that’s the time to consider if it’s better for everyone if there’s a little flexibility, so I repeat (ironically the one thing no-one mentioned in the comments.) that I believe rules should be taken with a little common sense to get the best overall outcome for everyone. This was never about me bitching about not getting what I wanted, it was about the missed opportunity for both sides of the situation to benefit, ultimately resulting in BOTH sides being worse off.
Colin,
If you find that Motability are so rigid that they do not meet your flexibility requirements, then why use the scheme? Surely if you want the flexibility to change cars whenever you like, you should go down the private purchase route. Then you are totally free to change vehicles whenever you wish.
For a lot of people on this forum, Motability is a lifeline, without which they would be stuck, unable to afford a reliable and comfortable vehicle. As such they avail themselves of Motability and comply with Motability’s rules which to be honest are hardly onerous in comparison to taking out a private PCP/Lease plan. Particularly with regards to cost, early terminations, minor damage, damage caused by wheelchairs etc.
Motability make the rules to apply to everyone, not to someone trying to game the system or have ultimate flexibility on when they can change their cars. We as customers accept those rules as part of the package. It is not a case of ‘rules for rules sake’. The rules are there to protect the scheme and customer.
With respect, if you don’t like Motability’s rules, you are free to not have another car on the Motability scheme and find a supplier/scheme/solution that can meet your mobility requirements.
Dave