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As it currently stands we’re protected against price hikes in deposits but if the AP drops before your car comes you still pay the deposit you ordered at ( unless your dealership is willing to cancel and reorder at the lower price )
But come July, nope you’re not going to be protected if the price goes up so if you order a car at say £2999 but you don’t get that car before the next quarter and the price goes to £6999 you’re going to HAVE to pay the higher AP.
How are Motability expecting it’s members to budget for this potential change?
Not to mention the VAT and Insurance premiums we’re going to be paying also!
The scheme as you know it, is heading towards it’s death and ending completely imho.
I'm blunt and straight to the point and I make no apologies for it!
Bipolar, OCD and a multitude of other MH issues and physical disabilities
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From where did you get this gem?
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
When is the Scheme changing?
Nothing is changing right now. If you order a new vehicle before 1 July 2026 you’ll get the current lease terms and conditions and our ‘price freeze’ which means the price at the time you apply is locked, even if it changes before you receive your vehicle.
So I rang and asked customer services and that’s what they told me, that if the price increases then you’re expecting to pay the new price
I'm blunt and straight to the point and I make no apologies for it!
Bipolar, OCD and a multitude of other MH issues and physical disabilitiesI suspect that the advisor misunderstood the question. I can’t see them changing the policy in that respect. It would be impossible for people and would result in endless cancellations, which would severely hack off dealerships.
This is what I thought, because an advisor at our dealership said that if a customer cancels and order or has to return a car then that dealership gets a black mark against them from Motability.
I hope the agent was wrong but they even went off and checked with someone else.
I'm blunt and straight to the point and I make no apologies for it!
Bipolar, OCD and a multitude of other MH issues and physical disabilitiesI just can’t see that happening. This would effectively stop the vast majority of orders requiring a build. If it’s not in stock, I’m not taking the risk of a price change.
I suspect that the wording was meant to reassure people ordering prior to the tax imposition who would get the current terms and conditions and the price at the time, namely without the VAT. What I very much doubt it meant was that offers after that date would lose that protection, that’s just insane.
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
This is supposed to be happening afterwards not before the change in July
I'm blunt and straight to the point and I make no apologies for it!
Bipolar, OCD and a multitude of other MH issues and physical disabilitiesI recently been in contact with a senior advisor after emailing the man director, if I order in June I will pay that AP nothing has changed in that respect.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
This is what I thought, because an advisor at our dealership said that if a customer cancels and order or has to return a car then that dealership gets a black mark against them from Motability. I hope the agent was wrong but they even went off and checked with someone else.
I think it’s far more likely that advisors have been told not to commit to what will happen after 1st July, but that’s very different to saying that the current policy will stop. I think that’s what’s leading to the confusion.
It’s true that dealers technically get a black mark if they alter the AP, but most do it without question as they don’t want the customer to cancel. It’s important to note that altering the AP does not mean cancelling the actual order and re-ordering. The order is between the dealer and the manufacturer and is unaffected. The change in AP is purely an admin thing on the Motability portal. Very different.
If the current policy of guaranteeing that if the AP increases you won’t pay the higher price goes, the scheme would be in turmoil as there would be thousands of cancellations every quarter change, which would be an administrative nightmare for both Motability and dealers, which is why I think this is not going to happen. As I say, I think this is a misunderstanding, not fact.
I can’t see how a dealer can get a black mark if a scheme customer cancels the order prior to taking delivery or if the car is returned early for one of numerous reasons beyond the dealers control.
Motability have always locked in the AP at time of order, I can’t see this ever changing.
I can’t see how a dealer can get a black mark if a scheme customer cancels the order prior to taking delivery or if the car is returned early for one of numerous reasons beyond the dealers control. Motability have always locked in the AP at time of order, I can’t see this ever changing.
They don’t get a black mark if a customer cancels, but they can when they alter the AP, not that most seem to worry about it. Motability have a ‘fines’ system which reduces dealerships commission, and altering APs is one of the ‘offences’, although given that most do it they don’t seem to be too worried about it (or they perhaps do it in a way that doesn’t raise a flag)
I cannot see that being the case, as any car you order is at the price at the time of ordering. Unless the manufacturer changes the spec. Then it usually will have a different code on the system.
I would also guess that those answering the phones don’t know and are not involved in working on the changes. So are as, we are, totally in the dark. Until a decision on the changes is made.
on another note. I saw this posted on FB
Under the Equality Act 2010. Isn’t treating one disabled person less favourably than another based on their general condition considered unlawful direct discrimination?
However, it is lawful to treat a specific person more favourably than others to meet their specific needs.
So one could say charging a tax on the AP based on a person’s condition and not charging others due to their condition is direct discrimination.When the time comes to implement the added cost to some scheme users over others. Who will a user of the scheme hold accountable for being discriminated against under the act?
Will it be the government or Mobility who are implementing these changes on behalf of or under pressure from the government? Instead of sticking up for disability rights. Motability is supporting these measures. That could well be unlawful.
EX30 SMER Ultra
I can’t see how a dealer can get a black mark if a scheme customer cancels the order prior to taking delivery or if the car is returned early for one of numerous reasons beyond the dealers control. Motability have always locked in the AP at time of order, I can’t see this ever changing.
They don’t get a black mark if a customer cancels, but they can when they alter the AP, not that most seem to worry about it. Motability have a ‘fines’ system which reduces dealerships commission, and altering APs is one of the ‘offences’, although given that most do it they don’t seem to be too worried about it (or they perhaps do it in a way that doesn’t raise a flag)
Indeed mate!
On a t’other Motability page:
In the Autumn Budget, the Government announced tax changes which will increase the cost of running the Motability Scheme.
From 1 July 2026, VAT and Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will apply to certain leases.This means it will cost more to deliver the Scheme unless we make some changes.
What’s changing?
We’re currently looking at what we include in the Scheme and how we manage costs. This will help us keep the Scheme affordable and sustainable.Our priority is protecting our core package, including insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover, while keeping prices fair.
Together with the Motability we’re looking closely at how any change could affect customers.
And right now, we’re speaking to customers to understand what’s important and essential.
When is the Scheme changing?
Nothing is changing right now. If a customer orders a new vehicle before 1 July 2026, they’ll get the current lease terms and conditions and our ‘price freeze’. This means the price at the time they apply is locked, even if it changes before they receive their vehicle.We may make a few updates before July to help us reduce costs or work more efficiently.
These updates will not change:
The customer’s existing lease terms; or
Our all-inclusive packageHow are we updating customers?
We’ve launched a new Scheme change page on the Scheme website. This will help to guide customers through the upcoming changes and answer common questions.What’s your role in the changes?
You’re the face of the Motability Scheme. The way you talk about change shapes how customers feel about it.Naturally, customers will have questions. And they may reach out to you to find out more.
We’re committed to giving you the tools you need to manage these conversations.
In the coming weeks we’ll:
Continue to share key updates; and
Provide dedicated training to help you effectively manage customer interactions
In the meantime, please:
Signpost customers to the Scheme change page
Avoid speculating on what might change
Let them know we’ll be in touch with more details soon
Keep on top of renewals. Reach out to customers when they’re due to renew
Keep reading our emails and check the DRC regularlyLet us know what you’re hearing
We’re listening. We’re engaging with customers about these changes and value any feedback they provide.Please use the web form below to pass on any questions or feedback. This will help to shape the guidance we give you. We want to support you to:
Handle conversations with confidence
Avoid mixed messages
Keep applications moving
Please do not include any customer details or personal data in this form.
Your nameDealership name
Dealer code
Your email address
Customer sentiment
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Summary of feedbackWhen did you hear about this feedback?
@ELTel I can’t see how adding VAT to APs can even remotely be classed as discrimination. Motability customers will still be exempt from VAT on the core lease, a benefit which able bodied people don’t enjoy. Disabled people will still be gaining a positive advantage by using Motability, even with the VAT on the AP applied.
If a disabled person buys a new car privately, they can only get the VAT off if the person is a full time wheelchair user and requires a car with “permanent and substantial adaptations” (wired in hand controls etc). If that rule was applied to Motability customers then the vast majority of Motability customers wouldn’t qualify, and VAT would have to be added to the entire lease cost, not just the AP. Thankfully that isn’t happening so, as I say, most disabled people using the scheme will still be at an advantage, which is the opposite of discrimination!
I can’t see this coming in, though we never know, but if you walk into a dealership as a private customer today and ordered a car the order price is set and guaranteed by the manufacture, well it was years ago when I last brought a new one privately.
Only the other day I read about someone with a private buy ordered a car at £39,800 and the price was fixed but in the time between the order and the delivery the cars price had increased to to over £40k making the buyer liable for the extra tax that that bring with it with no escape from paying the tax.
After reading this thread and I make the assumption that the price on an order made before 1st july is what I will pay as regards AP, does anyone have any idea about VAT. As delivery will not be before 20th Aug (when motability lease expires) will VAT be payable then?
After reading this thread and I make the assumption that the price on an order made before 1st july is what I will pay as regards AP, does anyone have any idea about VAT. As delivery will not be before 20th Aug (when motability lease expires) will VAT be payable then?
The order date is what counts not delivery:-)
After reading this thread and I make the assumption that the price on an order made before 1st july is what I will pay as regards AP, does anyone have any idea about VAT. As delivery will not be before 20th Aug (when motability lease expires) will VAT be payable then?
As @kezo states, the order date is key. As long as you order before July 1st, the price guarantee takes effect with no additional costs, so a £700 AP will remain at £700.
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
How often (and when) do the scheme prices change?
I can see a few sleepless nights occurring around the time I am up for renewal (October)
How often (and when) do the scheme prices change? I can see a few sleepless nights occurring around the time I am up for renewal (October)
Quartely price changes are 1st January, 1st April, 1st July, & 1st October.
Albeit car availability varies as cars can come on/go off the scheme at any time.
Cheers big Dave
last question, is it possible for me to order a car from, say a dealer in England, and get it delivered to n Ireland. Only reason I ask is that some dealerships don’t have a presence here yet. Although, probably answered my own question by thinking about service etc
How often (and when) do the scheme prices change? I can see a few sleepless nights occurring around the time I am up for renewal (October)
As BigDave says, the price changes are quarterly. You are currently able to order a new car 3 months before your lease expires. In your case, this means that you can order in either quarter 3 (commencing July) or quarter 4 (commencing October). The smart thing to do is to look at quarter 3 prices and if there is a car that you’d like, and you are happy with the AP, order it then. When the October price list comes out, if the AP of your chosen car drops, ask the dealer to alter the AP on the Motability portal (it doesn’t affect the order, which is separate). It’s best to get the dealer to agree up front that they will do this if required, so as to avoid any issues. It doesn’t affect what the dealer receives for the car (as they get a flat commission per car) but some are reluctant to do it. If they won’t do it, and the price drop is significant, you are able to cancel and re-order. On principle, I would then order at another dealership. The threat of doing this may be enough to get the dealer to soften their stance.
All of the above advice is based upon how the scheme currently operates. As we know, there are changes coming in July which may change things.
Our lease end 10th August, I contacted Mobility December last year, I enquired what if my next order has a waiting list or delayed, they informed me I still had to hand the vehicle back on the 10th August. I believe at that time I was misinformed.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
Cheers big Dave last question, is it possible for me to order a car from, say a dealer in England, and get it delivered to n Ireland. Only reason I ask is that some dealerships don’t have a presence here yet. Although, probably answered my own question by thinking about service etc
I have not heard of that ever happening and the costs to transport would not be covered and with no receiving dealership to take delivery of the car in NI, its never going to happen. The other prolem is NI will operates under a different set of rules for vehicle approval from the rest of the mainland UK. ROI would be your best option if you have photocard drivers licence.
Cheers big Dave last question, is it possible for me to order a car from, say a dealer in England, and get it delivered to n Ireland. Only reason I ask is that some dealerships don’t have a presence here yet. Although, probably answered my own question by thinking about service etc
I think you’ve answered this yourself but to be sure.
If you order a car through Motability you have to collect in person, which is a ferry trip to collect, then for every service and if something needs fixing you’re on the ferry again to get to a dealership. Is that really the best option?
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
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