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My lease finishes in Feb 25 so am able to order a new car on Nov 24. Am eagerly awaiting October to see the impact on AP which seems to be mostly on the rise. Current car is a city car but no longer fit for purpose as we need something bigger and a car for long journeys. Starting this post so if anyone comes across any deals in q4 they can share or just comment on what they are looking at.
On my current list are the following: Skoda Karoq, Honda HRV, Mazda CX-30, Volvo XC40, Toyota CHR, Lexus LBX. All depends on what the AP is and also availability.
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“It amazes me how many people there are who seem quite comfortable paying £4k+ APs. We’re already (currently) paying £75.75 per week for these cars out of our PIP so a £4k AP over the course of a three year Motability lease equates to a further £25.64 per week. That means shelling out £15,817 over the course of the three year lease. Then you hand the car back and have nothing to show for it!”
when we got our first mobility car over 2.5 years ago, I only chose cars that had zero AP. I did end up paying £500 for mats and an arm rest, which was reasonable.
Sadly the current car is no longer fit for purpose so eagerly waiting to be able to order a new car in Q4. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that for something bigger and more comfortable suitable for long journeys, I will need now to pay a minimum of £2.5k but I do not want to pay more than £3k, especially as it appears motability are pushing a forced change every 3 years. I am hoping that the new renewal agreement will allow for a 2 year extension which then makes an initial AP outlay more bearable in my opinion if you can keep the car for 5 years. So we are going to choose wisely and keeping fingers crossed that there is not a huge increase in AP for the likes of a Volvo XC40 or Skoda Karoq which are currently on our shortlist.
With the increase in AP prices for the cars I’d consider I must say that buying a second hand approved bmw x4 or similar has now come onto my radar. The large APs don’t justify Motability for me at the moment and show no signs of falling
It amazes me how many people there are who seem quite comfortable paying £4k+ APs. We’re already (currently) paying £75.75 per week for these cars out of our PIP so a £4k AP over the course of a three year Motability lease equates to a further £25.64 per week. That means shelling out £15,817 over the course of the three year lease. Then you hand the car back and have nothing to show for it! This might make sense for those who do a high mileage and live in their cars but surely most on the scheme don’t do that? I don’t understand how many disabled people have so much money to throw around leasing top spec cars. I struggle to pay £1000 APs but needing an SUV for mobility issues I have to do that. I dread to think what the APs will be next time round when my lease is over.
As others have said, the qualifying benefits for Motability are (thankfully) not (yet) means tested, so there will be a vast range of customers, from those living on benefits to those with extreme wealth. That’s quite right IMHO.
Whilst I agree that APs have gone through the roof and many cars are now 2 to 3 times what they were not that many years ago, a quirk of the scheme is that the more expensive cars still represent by far the best value, if you look at total outlay (AP plus sacrificed benefits) as a percentage of the cars list price. This is because you sacrifice the same £12k in benefits whether you have a zero AP car or a car with a £6k AP.
To illustrate this point, somebody ordering a £24k car with zero AP is paying 50% of the cars value over 3 years, whereas someone ordering a £50k car paying an AP of say £6k is ‘only’ paying 36% of the cars value. So, just as you can’t understand why some folk pay high APs, I can’t understand why others sacrifice so much in benefits for a modest car that, if they were able to, they could probably run much cheaper privately, or they could use the same outlay to buy a much nicer nearly new car that they would eventually own. However, everyone’s circumstances are different and not everyone is able to do this, hence why the scheme is good in that it appeals to a wide range of people.
Wouldn’t be surprised if this Government means tested PIP.
Daily Mail readers would have a field day if they knew that wealthy people and those in full time employment could get Motability cars.
Wouldn’t be surprised if this Government means tested PIP.
Daily Mail readers would have a field day if they knew that wealthy people and those in full time employment could get Motability cars.
I’m sure that they would because, as with the last time that they lambasted the scheme, they wouldn’t explain what the purpose of the scheme is or how it works. They would imply (as they did last time) that the cars are ‘free’ with no mention of the £12,000 sacrificed benefits and high advance payments. They also wouldn’t explain that two-thirds of those entitled to join Motability decide that they can do better with their money outside the scheme.
Whether we agree with it or not, we live in a country where we have a benefits system that is geared towards those with the lowest (or no) incomes. Disability, however, does not discriminate and those with severe disabilities rightly have certain relief on things like VAT on adaptations and, of course, the VAT free Motability scheme.
Many disability related things are already means tested. Because my wife and I both worked hard and saved hard, we have to pay for adaptations in our house that others will have provided free of charge. We are now having to have carers visit when I am not at home and, again, because we have been sensible financially, we have to pay for this in full when others will get it free. I get a Carers allowance – and it’s taxed. Thankfully, the Motability scheme doesn’t discriminate at the point of access but, of course, those with low means can apply for grants when most of us have to pay in full and therefore are effectively subsidising those who receive grants, so in reality there is an element of means testing within the scheme
Of course, the Daily Mail wouldn’t explain any of the above because, to do so, it would be a complete ‘non-story’!
I’m sure that they would because, as with the last time that they lambasted the scheme, they wouldn’t explain what the purpose of the scheme is or how it works. They would imply (as they did last time) that the cars are ‘free’ with no mention of the £12,000 sacrificed benefits and high advance payments. They also wouldn’t explain that two-thirds of those entitled to join Motability decide that they can do better with their money outside the scheme. Whether we agree with it or not, we live in a country where we have a benefits system that is geared towards those with the lowest (or no) incomes. Disability, however, does not discriminate and those with severe disabilities rightly have certain relief on things like VAT on adaptations and, of course, the VAT free Motability scheme. Many disability related things are already means tested. Because my wife and I both worked hard and saved hard, we have to pay for adaptations in our house that others will have provided free of charge. We are now having to have carers visit when I am not at home and, again, because we have been sensible financially, we have to pay for this in full when others will get it free. I get a Carers allowance – and it’s taxed. Thankfully, the Motability scheme doesn’t discriminate at the point of access but, of course, those with low means can apply for grants when most of us have to pay in full and therefore are effectively subsidising those who receive grants, so in reality there is an element of means testing within the scheme Of course, the Daily Mail wouldn’t explain any of the above because, to do so, it would be a complete ‘non-story’!
This is quite a difficult subject to square off. On one hand there are disabled people fully capable of buying vehicles outright because they have had the good sense or pure good fortune to be in a very comfortable position. On the other hand, these people shouldn’t be forced to be in a position where they have to suffer the consequences of severe depreciation that we all accept new cars come with. If they need or are forced to buy a new, adapted vehicle every 3/4/5 years, then that pot that makes them comfortable will become a rapidly concerning lack of protection for the future.
But the Scheme has always been to get people into a reliable vehicle to enable the worry free freedom and independence they couldn’t have previously enjoyed. So, people capable of buying a new car shouldn’t apply?
I end up in a position of putting myself in the place of a heavily disabled 18 year old. Capable of working, just, in need of an adapted vehicle but capable of driving around. This person can get a specialist driving lesson and pass a limited test, leaving them licensed for a specifically adapted vehicle but able to get around, however that vehicle will cost thousands, tens of thousands. It’s last for no more than 10 years reliably half to 3/4 of that realistically. Then they’ll be able to sell it off for a huge loss and buy another. Except they wont, leasing is the way forward and, because they can work, finding a few thousand for the advanced payment is not unreasonable, without Motability’s help they’d be housebound. I can think of 2 people I know in this sort of position, one can walk, just, but can not control pedals and needs adaptations for his car. From the outside he has a ‘normal’ car and he works in a decent job, by the time he’s in his mid thirties I see no reason for him not to be earning a very decent wage dong a technical job. The other has no use of his legs, so pedals is a no go and he’ll need space for a chair, whether that’s one stored for him or a WAV is his choice. He likes those boxes that sit above the car that can collect his chair and store it safe from the weather and return it at the other end. These he can own and move from vehicle to vehicle. He has a very good job straight from Uni, he’s an economist and works in the City providing forecasts. I’d love to earn a month’s worth of what he gets and he could easily afford to buy something spectacular and adapt in BUT, between the costs of adaptation and depreciation why should he lose significantly more on each vehicle than anyone else?
Due to knowing these two guys rather well, plus the experiences shared here and elsewhere, why should people be forced to lose their own money just because of their level of wealth. Means testing will almost certainly have a cut off point waay below what is realistic, reducing some people to becoming stuck.
If someone can afford a £6-8k Advance Payment every 3 years, good for them. I’m genuinely happy for them (if not a little jealous). If you can’t the scheme needs to have a non premium version suitable for all members. I justified the AP I spent on having the car for 5 years, looks like I got that wrong but such is life.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
PIP should be means tested I know a few people who have had millions in compensation and still claim PIP and can still get a Motability car. They simply don’t need the money nor Motability car. It should be for those who need it. There should be more choice of cars. Far too many SUV’s which a lot of wheelchair users can’t get in and out of easily. The push for electric cars too being a full time wheelchair user myself there is no way I can plug a charger in cables far too heavy and most have curbs around them so can’t wheel up close to grab it. Obviously no accessibility in mind as usual. It’s a new infrastructure for crying out loud it should be. You may have a current car on lease that is perfect for your needs and nothing at all that is on the new price lists and now you can’t buy the car at the end of lease if you had any means to do so that is wrong. Motability is all about making money more now than doing what it was supposed to be doing it’s gone down hill big time.
PIP should be means tested I know a few people who have had millions in compensation and still claim PIP and can still get a Motability car. They simply don’t need the money nor Motability car. It should be for those who need it. There should be more choice of cars. Far too many SUV’s which a lot of wheelchair users can’t get in and out of easily. The push for electric cars too being a full time wheelchair user myself there is no way I can plug a charger in cables far too heavy and most have curbs around them so can’t wheel up close to grab it. Obviously no accessibility in mind as usual. It’s a new infrastructure for crying out loud it should be. You may have a current car on lease that is perfect for your needs and nothing at all that is on the new price lists and now you can’t buy the car at the end of lease if you had any means to do so that is wrong. Motability is all about making money more now than doing what it was supposed to be doing it’s gone down hill big time.
You’d be amazed at how accessible they are supposed to be but all the standards are currently advisory. It’ll take someone suing them for inability to charge and disability discrimination before anything changes. I’ve seen installs be improved to be accessible and I’d still be shocked to see a wheelchair user getting going on their own (I will always offer to help, I’m not mean enough to watch).
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
PIP should be means tested I know a few people who have had millions in compensation and still claim PIP and can still get a Motability car. They simply don’t need the money nor Motability car. It should be for those who need it. There should be more choice of cars. Far too many SUV’s which a lot of wheelchair users can’t get in and out of easily. The push for electric cars too being a full time wheelchair user myself there is no way I can plug a charger in cables far too heavy and most have curbs around them so can’t wheel up close to grab it. Obviously no accessibility in mind as usual. It’s a new infrastructure for crying out loud it should be. You may have a current car on lease that is perfect for your needs and nothing at all that is on the new price lists and now you can’t buy the car at the end of lease if you had any means to do so that is wrong. Motability is all about making money more now than doing what it was supposed to be doing it’s gone down hill big time.
Good on them, if they have claimed compensation for being made disabled however, PIP etc is a payment to help with extra costs of being disabled. Its also worth noting not everone eligible to join the scheme and I guess the majority who can afford to buy a better car, than the scheme allows do so privately. By means testing it, your opening a large can of worms!
Most vehicles on the scheme are small-large crossover’s, which are built on a unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars but, have a slightly raised ride height. An SUV on the otherhand are built on a body on frame chassis construction. Think Landrover, Rangerover etc.
I agree not everyone wants an EV, whether due to not being able to charge at home, their disabilty prevents them or they simply don’t want one. Unfortunately sooner or later there will be no choice in the matter however, Motability have taken the idea by storm and are increasing ICE AP’s to beyond affordable or to a point they don’t make sense in the real world. My guess is Motability and to some extent other leasing companies, have become a backdoor for manufacturers to off load their EV’s to meet and avoid ZEV fines. Perhaps they are getting a backhander for doing so!
Perhaps it’s worth you looking into extending your current lease 🙂
PIP should be means tested
Totally agreed, but only time will tell.
I’m really hoping the advanced payments don’t see a rise like last time. Surely there has to be a tipping point where people just don’t bother.
I did read somewhere that EV sales have increased slightly in August in the UK. I don’t know if that is down to Motability pushing EV sales but it could be.
I did read somewhere that EV sales have increased slightly in August in the UK. I don’t know if that is down to Motability pushing EV sales but it could be.
I did read somewhere that EV sales have increased slightly in August in the UK. I don’t know if that is down to Motability pushing EV sales but it could be.
The Telegraph has been reporting a drop in sales.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk
Electric car sales forecast slashed as drivers turn to secondhand market
5 Aug 2024 — Private buyers have accounted for 19.4pc of EV sales in the first seven months of 2024, down from 23.7pc over the same period last year19 September 2024 2:25pm
Germany has suffered a “spectacular” drop in electric car sales as the European Union faces growing calls to delay its net zero vehicle targets…
If AP rises massively in Q4 for ICE cars, it will put some people off buying from Motability, as EV’s are not suitable for everyone for lots of different reasons.
I have a shortlist of 5 cars and hoping that any increases will be kept to a minimum. Fingers crossed for all of us waiting to order in Q4…
i have resigned myself to extending my lease if allowed i am not going to even look anymore until the 3 years is up. usually i am adding and subtracting contenders almost monthly in part as i like seeing whats new and tempting. but at the moment anything that does come on is either electric or has a huge ap or both.
i will wait and see whats around in 18 months time i suspect not a lot that i can afford or use.
i have resigned myself to extending my lease if allowed i am not going to even look anymore until the 3 years is up. usually i am adding and subtracting contenders almost monthly in part as i like seeing whats new and tempting. but at the moment anything that does come on is either electric or has a huge ap or both. i will wait and see whats around in 18 months time i suspect not a lot that i can afford or use.
Mitch,
As and when the time comes, don’t forget that there are many ex-forces organisations who should be able to help get you into a suitable vehicle.
You may not like to ask, but that is the organisations’ reason for existing – to help veterans such as yourself.
From my welfare work with the RBL, about 4 to 6 months in advance is usually a good time for the initial approach, as generally one organisation will approach a couple of others as a collaborative effort. However it can take a little while to pull it all together.
Dave
thanks dave, i am 65 tommorrow so in 12 months time i will get the oap, assuming labour havent cancelled it.
i am probably going to continue working part time for my mental health more than anything as i would probably end up staying in the house and that would be a slippery slope.
so that will give me 6 months to see where the war pension and old age pension puts me and hopefully will enable me to accumulate an ap. the main concern is what power train will be available at reasonable cost that i can get in and out of as i dont think electric will work without home charging.
after that it will all depend on health. rather than wealth.
thanks dave, i am 65 tommorrow so in 12 months time i will get the oap, assuming labour havent cancelled it. i am probably going to continue working part time for my mental health more than anything as i would probably end up staying in the house and that would be a slippery slope. so that will give me 6 months to see where the war pension and old age pension puts me and hopefully will enable me to accumulate an ap. the main concern is what power train will be available at reasonable cost that i can get in and out of as i dont think electric will work without home charging. after that it will all depend on health. rather than wealth.[/
As I said, I am quite sure the ex forces organisations will be able to help find a solution to help keep you mobile when the time comes.
Happy Birthday for tomorrow!
Dave
@BigDave, my war pension payment shows already in my bank acct for tommorrow and its gone up by £17.95 i am assuming because i am 65? i havent had any notification from them. is this the age allowance ive heard about? not complaining lol.
@BigDave, my war pension payment shows already in my bank acct for tommorrow and its gone up by £17.95 i am assuming because i am 65? i havent had any notification from them. is this the age allowance ive heard about? not complaining lol.
Hi Mitch,
Yes, the over 65 War Pension Age Allowance.
As War Pensions are paid 3 weeks in arrears and one week ahead, the increase will be one weeks Age Allowance paid tomorrow (which has already hit your bank).
From your next payday, you will receive 4 weeks age allowance ongoing.
Dave
Revisiting this thread.
Back in q3 this was my shortlist
“On my current list are the following: Skoda Karoq, Honda HRV, Mazda CX-30, Volvo XC40, Toyota CHR, Lexus LBX.”
I didn’t want to spend any more than £3,000 including extras
Karoq is now £3,399 (q3 was £2,999, q2 was £1,999) so out.
HRV removed from scheme – was £1,999 so out.
CX-30 removed from scheme – was £2,399 so out.
XC40 now a bargain £1,499 down from £2,499 in q3 and £3,499 in q2.
CH-R slight increase to £2,795 for base ICON model. PHEV available for same price but we don’t want a plug in
LBX now £3,999 from £2,999 so out.
So the shortlist is now the XC40 and also Quashai which has had a recent facelift (Price £2,599 down from £2,999).
Kia Nero is also good value but I don’t think as good as the Volvo or Nissan.
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