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Quick introduction, I’ve started the search for ordering the new car in Q2 – this is my dads Motability car, he no longer drives, and I’m the only named driver.

Needless to say I’m concerned about AP deposits looking at current ones, and choice available.

We currently have a Seat Ateca Diesel Automatic which has been a decent car, it was ideal from the offset but dads declining mobility over the last two years means he is now finding it a struggle to get in and out of. Previous car was a Ford Kuga but we didn’t rate fuel consumption on the Eco Boost 4WD.

So, I’m hoping someone can offer some advice.

Personally, I’m not overly keen on going down the Motability route again given availability, and AP’s and the fact my dad barely goes in the car more than twice a week. As his full time carer, I use it to commute to his home, as well as shop, collect medications and take his dog to the park, sometimes I’ll visit his family an hour away. All of this he use to engage in frequently with me but the pandemic, and lack of going out has seen his mobility decline massively in the last two years, he’s pretty much housebound these days, apart from a weekly trip to the pub and medical appointments he does not go anywhere else.

He will never drive again due to the amount of medication he takes.

In terms of cars it needs to be an automatic as I only have an automatic licence. I also have mobility issues.

I have been to see the Grandland today, but it looks massive compared to the Seat Ateca, there was no Crossland on display but they said they can arrange a test drive on one. I ruled out the Mokka as it was too high a step to get in but once in was fairly low down in seating – if that makes sense.

Also been to Renault but found the Arkana too long and a little difficult to get into, I like the Capture, better to get into but rather small inside.

Whist dad is struggling with the Seat Ateca I’m wondering whether we might be better buying it outright, given the current AP’s and the amount of use dad gets from it, alternately I’m wondering whether we should give up the idea of another Motability and buy something second hand.

I admit I’m not keen on going for another Motability car because seeing dad and realistically knowing he’s never going to improve physically I feel it is a waste of using his PIP.

We don’t carry a wheelchair, we use to in the Kuga but I could no longer lift it into the car nor push dad in it, so we returned it back to the NHS.

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