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Everyone has a tipping point. This year Shrinkflation and higher prices means the supermarkets literally have millions of unsold Easter eggs. We have stopped going to our usual coffee shop as I refuse to pay almost a tenner for two drinks. The same I believe will happen to motability, higher prices, less choice, a poorer package, and for some black boxes and the control this brings. So, whilst many will still use motability, unless there is a revision of the new mileage and excess fees, I would expect to see a significant fall in scheme users. Not the 64% mentioned in an online video, but certainly a % in double digits. Some will lease privately, some buy second hand and perhaps a few new, and there will be some who will keep the cash and use Taxis/Mobility scooters. The acid test for many will be “Does the scheme offer me good value for money and what I need?”
In the past the deals on motability were usually better value than in the commercial sector reflecting their advantages, VAT free and non profit making. Sadly no more. In my case they saved over £8000 in VAT, but there is virtually no difference now leasing from motability or commercially.
The fact there are now 50% more users is not down to motability, but successive governments and the DWP who set the criteria for PIP and then try and spin the dialogue to put the blame at motability’s door. Motability being a monopoly wants to do all it can to protect itself and as a result it’s the customer who suffers, very often those who rely on the scheme most of all, those who use the car to commute or live in rural areas. I can imagine the meetings between ministers and Motability being like a scene from Yes Prime Minister! Motability operates much like a commercial leasing company but with the huge advantage of VAT free purchases and without needing to make a profit but even given these huge financial advantages it’s deals are often no better, or poorer than those in the “private sector ” which leaves me wondering who is actually keeping a proper eye on the numbers, why are the offerings such poor value for money and why are staffing costs way over the national average. Finally we are now seeing a much more rigid interpretation of the rules. The days of worry free motoring are coming to an end.
Has anyone else noticed there’s a Rosemary shortage? Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Lidl and Aldi had none!
Bread sauce too, got ours from Amazon!
I have to agree, I cannot see prices improving especially with the tax changes. I will consider my options in 2028 when my lease expires. Although not affected by the new mileage limits, I am mindful that commercial PCP’s are often as cheap or cheaper than motabilties and they do not have the benefit of VAT free purchases.
Agreed, or if they are going to stick with 10k, reduce the excess to no more than 10p a mile. This new limit is going to cause issues for a lot of people and limit what they can do. No longer worry free motoring. I do remember when the £2k AP limit was introduced and many people including myself contacted Motability and said it was unfair automatic drivers were penalised. They amended and had a £3k limit for automatics. Given the 10k/25p elements are the most contentious, maybe we might see a slight tweak. And I don’t think it’s being contentious asking Motability to look closer to home, their staff pay and benefits package is way higher than the industry average. Opportunity to reduce costs which can be passed on to their customers. When you operate as a monopoly like the BBC, you tend to lose sight of these things.
I would be interested to see how many customers leave the scheme when these new rules kick in, and probably higher advance payments. From the limited research I have done, many PCP’s now offer better value than motability, provided applicants have a good credit score.
I went on one of the major leasing companies and chose an electric car, I added maintenence and cover for minor body, wheel any tyre repairs plus 5 replacement tyres, plus breakdown to try and mirror motability. Up front costs £4700 plus £240 a month. Total £13400 plus 3 years insurance. Includes 8000 miles pa (more than enough for me), 10k is an extra £15 a month. Monthly rental via motability works out at appx £13k over 3 years to which must be added any AP. Excess mileage is 12p, compared to 25p on motability. I will consider my options closely at renewal.
None of the changes affect me personally as our annual mileage is around 6k and I wouldn’t take the car overseas and barring sabotage, 6 tyres should be plenty. I was thinking how unfair the mileage allowance and 25p excess will be on those who have a motability car and work full time with a daily commute of 30-40 miles, fairly typical. Over the course of a year that’s around 8000 miles, leaving virtually nothing for pleasure, family visits, holidays etc. If Motability had retained the 5p excess charge, even upped it to 8p or 10p, the industry standard, it would probably have been more palatable. What they have done is penalised thise working and those in rural areas, where a car essential with facilities, shops, doctors, hospital etc often a distance away.
Have an Enyaq 85x, current range at 100% is around 230 miles, with heating on, heated seats and steering wheel, which isn’t too bad given the temperatures. In summer it was 300-330. Preconditioning is great and takes 4 or 5 mins to clear windscreen and heat up the cabin. I also notice it has a positive effect on consumption too. Official range is 334, I expect it to average out around the high 200´s.
The latest press release from Motability makes it clear that lease extensions will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
I recall posting this a month or so back. Its a fudge, brings in cash and pushes up prices a bit. A political compromise.
The removal of these so called luxury brands plus the coupe/convertibles does not come as a surprise and should keep the focus off the scheme for a while. I would imagine these changes will have put to bed the VAT argument too, at least in the short term. As it stands there is still a wide range of cars available, sufficient to satisfy everyone, almost everyone. The 50% British built is just an ambition.
Naive to say the least; their bloodlust will continue, mark my words. The next pricelist will be extremely different!
We shall have to wait and see. From a political perspective, I would not expect to see any more major changes this side of a general election.
The removal of these so called luxury brands plus the coupe/convertibles does not come as a surprise and should keep the focus off the scheme for a while. I would imagine these changes will have put to bed the VAT argument too, at least in the short term. As it stands there is still a wide range of cars available, sufficient to satisfy everyone, almost everyone. The 50% British built is just an ambition.
Hi All Just been looking at Motability car choices that are EV and 350 miles plus. It made me realise how fortunate I was to be able to choose in the second quarter – luck of the draw I know – but if it were this quarter I would be considering the Enyaq or hanging on to the Kona for a little longer. Sadly choices appear to have gone down whilst prices have gone up. Still loving the Elroq – it reminds me of the 3 Volvo I had years ago – so many smart touches that just work. I hope the rest of you who were fortunate enough to acquire an Elroq are enjoying the car equally as much too. Apologies if this sounds smug – hhmm – maybe a little 😂👍
Always nice when things work out in your favour. The Enyaq AP in Q2 was £2899 for the Sportline AWD with maxx pack, now £4999 for 2WD without maxx. Like you I would be exploring other options. Glad the Elroq is working out.
Some extreme AP rises that do not make sense. Probably some of these prices are placeholders for the interim. As always at new quarter time it takes a couple of weeks before the prices are finalised and cars added to the scheme. Give it a couple of weeks, be positive people!!
There may be a few additions, but the prices will not change until 2026, they are finalized for this Q.
