[Speedyrelief]

Hi everyone

I have been on the scheme since 1997 (get old!). Unfortunately, I had to take forced medical retirement nearly ten years ago. As you can imagine, our financial situation is very challenging (I know others are in the same situation), but when we got our last Motability car, we had saved for three years and only just managed to get enough for the deposit.

I have been advised by Motability to apply for a grant for help but would like to know if anyone knows the process I would be grateful for the guidance.

Due to being over 6ft 2in with a fused spine and bilateral hip replacements (sixty operations since my second birthday) it’s very difficult to get in and out of most cars.

We need a large SUV and have looked at the Kia Sportage, MG HS and going to look at the Ford explorer this week.

I need a fully electric driver’s seat and preferably passenger seat. The boot needs to be big enough for my mobility scooter.

Do Motability give you a choice or just the cheapest deposit car?

Sorry if this has been covered before but just trying to get my head around the process.

Thanks in advance – Andrew

Topic

[Rene]

Speedyrelief wrote:

Do Motability give you a choice or just the cheapest deposit car?

They do give you a choice, but those don’t necessarily are the ones you’d like. In your case they probably look at what cars are available to suit the requirements you have, and the “cheapest spec” that has said options.

I think you get the option of throwing 50% of the grant value at it additionally (out your pocket), but someone would need to confirm this.

Generally speaking, the grant usually gets you what you need, but not necessarily what you want. 

If that makes sense. They also kinda get it wrong sometimes, so your mileage may vary there.

Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.

[Speedyrelief]

Thank you for your help. I have to call them tomorrow to start the process.

[Jojoe]

Have you looked at the Skoda Enyaq EV, it’s a big car and has a huge boot, Mrs Joe’s scooter fits in it. Ours has powered drives seat with 3 memory settings.

[Speedyrelief]

We went to our Skoda dealership last time but they were extremely unhelpful but that was over three years ago.

Can I ask which version/model Enyaq comes with the electric drivers seat?

Many thanks

[Jojoe]

We have the Edition, the Enyaq is a big car. Hash powered drivers seat, passenger in manual, boot opening is powered

[Rich44]

85 edition and 85x definitely have drivers seat electric can’t remember but I think the passenger one is part of an option or it was and the boot fits my scooter and a suitcase fairly easily.

If the dealer you tried before wasn’t any cop may e make a appointment this time so the motability guy definitely sees you. Failing that try another dealer. Norwich dealer could not have been nicer gave me an Enyaq charged to 100% said just be back by 5pm (that was at 10am). Had my 85x a year now and still love it, seats comfy, electric seats you can tweak whilst driving to stave off pain brilliant.

300 miles to a charge and rapid charging faster than I can order, collect and eat McDonald’s lol.

Regards the phone call to start the grant application, if you call and the operator gives you a load of grief hang up and call again as the person you’re speaking to at that point isn’t part of the grants team they’re literally like a Dr receptionist trying to get rid of as many as possible.

Once you spoken to them they’ll send you a link to an online application give them as much info as you can explain everything and quote examples. When they come back with unsuitable stuff be calm, go thru their list and explain why every example is unsuitable. I was offered a 60 Enyaq said battery is too small and it does not have adaptive cruise control which is an essential for me now among other issues too.

Don’t be afraid to fight your corner with logic remember you can only add 50% what they offer offer you to top up. They offered me £1500 which meant I couldn’t get to the 85x with a bit of to and fro they eventually upped their offer to £2000 and I agreed to fund the rest then the price we t down by £750 so I got lucky lol.

Good luck with them, don’t accept bullying either.

 

[Author]

Replies