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Zoe that’s bad news. Glos Guy the wife’s wheelchairs handles food down and the feet come off. It fits into our xc60 with no problems with at least six inches to spare length wise. I contacted the motability salesman tonight and he said most of the wheelchairs fit but it was my responsibility to check it. I then reminded him that he told us not to touch any buttons or go into any other part of the due to COVID. It just shows how they can turn anything to their advantage. I will really need to go over and physically check it just to be sure.
The XC40 is obviously a lot smaller than the XC60 as you know. If the handles on the chair fold, I suspect that you will be OK, as that makes a big difference. My wife wasn’t with me when I looked at the XC40 and when I looked in the boot my initial impression was that it looked very small and the opening looked quite narrow and I must confess that my initial impression was that it would be too small for us, but I’m not ruling it out until we try it for size properly. The folding handles on your wife’s chair will probably mean that you can overcome the width issue, but moveable rear seats are a life saver. If you have them then it’s almost certain that you will find a way to get the chair in. Power tailgates are fantastic when you are in and out of the boot regularly, but they are a bit sensitive and if the chair is on the outer edge of the boot it can sometimes cause the sensor to react, whereas when you close a boot manually you can slam it and in doing so nudge the chair forward a tiny fraction.
I wouldn’t worry. I suspect you will be OK. However, if I were you I would do the following. On the day that you go to collect the car, before you enter your PIN number go and try the wheelchair in the boot. If it doesn’t fit, even with adjustments, tell the dealer that you are unable to accept the car and need to speak to Motability. Keep hold of your XC60 and call them. If you explain that due to the pandemic you were unable to test the car thoroughly, but were assured that the wheelchair would fit, I would put money on the fact that they will let you reject the car and order a new one. Whilst I am often critical of Motability for their illogical AP’s, unnecessary and illogical price caps etc their customer service is superb. I called them years ago and said that my wife was getting concerned that her legs were weakening and she thought she was getting to the point where she might need hand controls. I asked if they could be fitted to our existing car, as it still had more than a year to run, but without hesitation they let us order a new car with no penalty.
As I say, I think that you will be OK, but I hope that the above gives you some reassurance.
OMG. I read erotica in place of exotica. I was really worried until I watched the video.
So let me get this right wmcforum. You thought it said ‘erotica’ and therefore went straight to the video? All is revealed (or maybe not, in this case) ?
We couldn’t try getting Mrs Brydo`s wheelchair in the boot of our forth coming xc40 due to COVID restrictions but i was assured by the motability salesman that it would. However salesmen speak with fork tongue and i would like info from anyone on the forum who has an xc40 and a manual wheelchair to establish if it does indeed fit.
Hi Brydo. I’m afraid that I can’t answer your question as we have yet to check out the XC40 in detail, but just a thought – is the rear seat adjustable? As you know, we have a Tiguan and even though the boot is bigger than many SUV’s, it’s still a bit of a squeeze, given that I just take the footrests off and then fold the wheelchair and lift into the boot. The auto tailgate would occasionally bounce back open, so I got around this by rolling the back seats forward an inch or so (they are almost never used, but I don’t want to have them folded down permanently). Never a problem now. Wheelchairs are all different sizes though and fold differently. The wheelchair my wife uses outdoors (that lives in the car) doesn’t have collapsible handles, so needs more space. The one she uses in the house has collapsible handles so would need less room, but isn’t as comfortable so stays in the house.
Can anyone comment on how easy it is to get in/out of the Q3 in comparison to the Tiguan? I’ve tried a Tiguan which is pretty much the same car but I found it just a little bit too high to get in so crossed it off my list. I was wondering if the Audi was slightly lower with it being a bit more of a sporty model?
The Q3 is notably lower than the Tiguan. Two and a half inches lower in fact.
After over 5 years with my beloved Volvo xc60 lux auto, it’s time to move on! I completed the test drive of the Audi Q3 sline 1.5 petrol this morning and was impressed with the car so much that i ordered straight after. I have completed 3 test drives: the x1 d xline and the tiguan yesterday, and i have decided to go with the Audi. It may not be as big inside as the Tiguan, but it feels and looks in a different class.The Black Edition is only £150 more than the Sline, so gone with that. We are talking about a £38,000 car here for £2300 Deposit, its a steal ! Downside is thst it does not come with Heated Seats. Lead times for Audi- 13 to 16 weeks. Any questions please ask.
Thanks for the update. Very interesting. Good to hear that you found the 1.5 to be OK, especially after moving from an XC60 which I assume had a 2.0 litre? These modern engines seem woefully small on paper but can surprise. Both my daughters have 1.0 litre turbo engines (one Ford and one Hyundai) and both are really quick cars. No lack of oomph at all (and I’m used to powerful cars). I agree that the quality in the Q3 is a step up from the Tiguan, if the smaller space isn’t an issue for you. I know it might sound pathetic, but we couldn’t entertain a car without heated seats these days as we use them so much. Are they really £1k (presumably as part of a pack)? They are standard on most cars these days and usually no more than £250 when an extra. How was the ride over uneven surfaces. I would never choose sport suspension but there’s no option to delete it with the S-Line or Black Edition, as far as I can tell.
I agree with the lack of kit on the Tiguan, such a shame, speaking of the BMW X1, it’s getting a proper facelift soon, just don’t know when so keep an eye on that as well, I really want the GLB to make it to the scheme id be the first to order it
Thanks for the heads up. I will keep an eye out for it. The motoring press say that the X1 is showing its age now, and BMW are usually pretty good at keeping things up to date, so that doesn’t surprise me. We really could do with some bigger SUV’s on the scheme though. There’s a wide choice of the baby ones, which are fine if all you want is the higher driving position, but for those disabled folk who have to cart around wheelchairs, scooters etc the boots are usually too small. Wouldn’t it be great to have a choice between, say, the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Volvo XC60 etc? None are exactly ‘exotica’ or extravagant, and AP’s would need to reflect the additional leasing costs, but the daft price caps would need scrapping or revising. We can live in hope, but I won’t be holding my breath!
Sounds like you’ve got a similar headache to me glos guy, I’m still trying to narrow it down between the allspace SEL, new 5008, xc40, q3 or new Tiguan r line, gonna wait till January’s new quarter and decide then
Yep. My wife is a full time wheelchair user so, whilst we both love nice cars, ease of access for her plus a good sized boot for the wheelchair are critical. The Tiguan boot is as small as we can go, without having to dismantle the wheelchair (which is a faff) so that could well rule out the Q3 and XC40. I also dislike the look of the Volvo. My wife detests French cars (and I’m not to keen either) so that rules out the 5008, even though it would probably tick all the boxes (although it was only available with weedy engines when I last looked). We discounted the Allspace last time as the 3rd row of seats (that we would never use) make a messy and uneven boot floor that negates the extra space. The new Ford Kuga could be an option, but I’ve yet to look at one. I love BMW’s. My wife doesn’t, but she no longer drives, so I win on that one! I was keen on getting the X1 last time but when we went to look at it we were both underwhelmed. I was driving a privately owned 5 series at the time and in terms of quality it was chalk and cheese. Not even remotely similar, with awful seats and it seemed cramped and dated compared to the Tiguan. I sold the 5 series at the beginning of this year so won’t have that compassion next time, but the 3 Series will be 80% of the 5 series whereas the X1 felt like 50% (if that makes sense)! As for the regular Tiguan (we currently have the 190PS SEL) I am bored with them and really fancy a change, but if we were forced to get another I fancied the R-Line. Sadly, IMO, VW has ruined the R-Line with the facelift. Loads of kit missing and seats that look like a 1980’s Golf GTi. The Elegance now seems like the far better choice, but that’s the equivalent of what we have now. I don’t entirely rule out leaving Motability and getting a car that we can’t get on the scheme. We will see what Q1 brings.
I just spoke to my local audi dealer and he confirmed that the black edition will be coming on the scheme with an AP of £2149. Also none of the Q3’s come with heated seats or front parking sensors as standard, its part of a comfort and sound pack at an additional cost of about £1100, which is quite steep as heated seats are standard on the XC40 and tiguan.
Yes, it does have a few howling equipment omissions. They used to criticise BMW for lack of standard equipment but comparable BMW’s seem to be better equipped as standard than Audi’s these days. Just had a look at the spec of the Black edition. Doesn’t seem to add anything over the S-Line in terms of kit, just a few external stying tweaks. Does look a bit better on the outside though. Piano black interior trim replaces metal look trim inside the cabin. Would need to check that it doesn’t make the interior look too drab. The Q3 is smaller than the Tiguan and with less kit, but it does add a premium feel that the Tiguan lacks. Struggling to love the XC40 due to exterior styling (which I know is subjective, but doesn’t work for me) and the touchscreen everything approach, as well as the fact that it’s also smaller than the Tiguan. Decisions, decisions! Keeping everything crossed that my wife can get in and out of the 3 Series Touring!
From Whatcar “The Audi Q3 is practical, has plenty of tech and is decent to drive. However, the Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40 are both classier inside, more comfortable and, ultimately, are better all-rounders.”
Thanks for posting the video Brydo. It does rather confirm that the Tiguan is noticeably bigger in the dimensions that would matter most to us. Shame it only shows boot capacity rather them dimensions, as that’s the really critical one for us due to my wife’s wheelchair. The Range Rover Evoque would be a nice addition. It nearly made it on to Motability a few years back (albeit in poverty spec only) but the decision was reversed at the very last minute (you probably remember that as I think we discussed it). I drove one years ago and wasn’t impressed with it at all, but they’ve changed it since and it does look a beauty.
So is it Audi q3 ,Volvo xc40 , the new 3008 or stick with another BMW X1 ? What’s your opinion?…
All of those, bar the 3008, are on our shortlist too. I have a horrible feeling that they will all be too small for us and we will end up with yet another ruddy Tiguan ? Looking forward to the new year when we can go and look at them in the flesh. My first choice, by a mile, is the BMW 3 Series Touring, but access may be problematic for my wife and it may have to be discounted on that basis.
Going for a test drive tomorrow for Audi Q3 1.5 petrol Sline. Hope to order after, as my local dealership says that demand is very high, he would say that would’t he! I test drive the VW Tiguan eligance and liked the engine and ride but was not impressed inside, i am sure Audi will beat it and looks like it will be same price, so hopefully a no brainer.
I shall be extremely interested to hear your feedback. We have both those cars on our shortlist. We loved the interior of the Q3 when we looked at it last time but had to discount it as it felt so much smaller inside than the Tiguan. The new Q3 is an inch shorter than the Tiguan, two and a half inches lower and the boot is 530 litres versus 615 in the Tiguan, but the new Tiguan has a dropped boot floor that would make loading my wife’s wheelchair in and out quite difficult and rectifying that (with a spare wheel, which raises the floor) might make them more comparable.
Hi Luke. As Motability don’t ‘recycle’ cars to other customers when returned, they are usually disposed of and therefore can be purchased. However, you should be aware that, for reasons best known to them, the asking prices are very steep (and non-negotiable) and you will almost always be better off buying a second hand car from a dealer. You will probably find a better car (or at least better equipped version of what you have) for less, have the ability to ‘haggle’ and you will also have the benefit of a dealer warranty etc.
Just a little tip that I use when looking to renew my wife’s Motability car. When dealers ask the inevitable ‘is it a private purchase or a fleet / Motability car’, I always say “well my wife is eligible for a Motability car but we may buy one privately”. I used the same line when I was looking for company cars, as I learned from experience that if I said it was a fleet car they weren’t interested. Once we had decided on what we wanted, after test drives etc, we would then say “OK. I think we will order one of these through Motability. I’m going to check a few dealers to see whose going to offer the best discount on AP and options – what’s the best you can do?” They’ve done all the work by then so are usually open to a degree of negotiation!
I saw this on the TV some years ago, that modern cars breaking distances are around half of what they were when the stopping distances were set. Sadly, human reaction times haven’t improved and there are far more dangers on the roads nowadays, not least many times as many cars!
glos-guy iv had my xc60(65 plate) just over 5 years past October and iv done 76000 mind you since March not so much
Nice cars. Shame they are no longer on the scheme. I’m struggling to like the look of the XC40 and think it will be too small for us, but the XC60 would possibly be a contender if available. Most of the SUV’s on the scheme have boots that are a bit tight for my wife’s wheelchair and leave no other space.
@Glos Guy When I had company cars they were mainly Fords. The advice given by the Ford mechanics was thrash the hell out of it from day 1!
Well that reminds me of the first brand new car I bought when I was just 21 years old. It was a 1.4 Astra. I ‘drove it liked I’d nicked it’ from day 1 and when it went in for a service the mechanic said “surely that’s a 1.6? It doesn’t drive like any other 1.4” ?
Thinking about it, back in the days when I had company cars, I didn’t run them in at all. I drove them normally from day one and never had any problems with them, although most were 3 and 5 series BMW diesels which are bomb proof. In fact, those that I drove a little ‘keener’ from day 1 seemed to always perform better through their lives – a sort of reverse logic to running in ?
As a very general rule of thumb, diesels tend to be 10-15 mpg better than their petrol equivalents in real world driving. Diesels also have far better torque (mid range pull) than petrols. Diesel engines need regular use and occasional high speed runs or can become problematic, whereas petrols are better suited for those who do mostly around town / local driving. They are also quieter than their diesel equivalents, although some Diesel engines (like those made by BMW) you’d be hard pressed when inside the car to tell it’s a diesel as they are supremely quiet. Diesel is a bit more expensive at the fuel pumps and Motability seem to be putting quite big AP premiums on diesels now, so unless you do more than, say, 10,000 miles a year, a petrol car may well be cheaper to run. I tend to look at ‘whole life costs’ (AP plus actual fuel cost over 3 years based on realistic mpg). In the past, diesel has always won, but we are now retired and doing less mileage, so I think we might well revert to petrol next time.
I tend to follow the guidance in the manual, but I’ve been told by people who know a lot more about these things than me that modern engines are designed in a way that they don’t need running in anymore. I think the guidelines nowadays are more to do with brakes etc and are more a precaution than a necessity.
Solent why not create a thread like Glos Guy did and ask for any input on the cars on your list?
Good idea, although I didn’t glean a great deal of useful info when I did so, which surprised me given the number of very knowledgeable and passionate posters on here!
Tiguan and Xc40 aren’t in the same league. XC40 is in a different class.
I am no great fan of the Tiguan. It’s functional and well equipped, but dull. Don’t agree the XC40 is in a different class though. Both upper mid sector but neither prestigious.
The plate to isn’t really recognisable to the name of the owner, until you swap it around a bit In your imagination and add the screws slightly over helps the cause.
That’s illegal, as is spacing the letters and numbers incorrectly to spell a name, or whatever. When people do that it should also fail the MOT. That being said, you see it all the time, so the Police clearly don’t make a habit of pulling people over (could also be to do with the fact that you never see the Police these days)! I suspect that it’s one of those things that people get away with until they are pulled over for something else and then the police officer adds that to the list of offences!
On the subject of personalised number plates anyone considering purchasing them should be aware of the ongoing cost of keeping them. The purchase cost can be relatively cheap £200+, depending what you go for but if they are not registered to a car you pay retention every year, £50 the last time I did it. Then just like I am doing, to move it onto another car costs £80 and I have just paid £40 to get the original plates refitted to our car before they are fitted to our new car.
Hi Brydo. You don’t pay a retention fee every year. It used to be every 2 years but they changed it some years ago and it’s now every 10 years, but still the same cost (from memory). I have two on retention so speak from experience.
I have the XC40 on our shortlist, even though I don’t like the look of it, although I think we will have to dismiss it as being too small. The XC60 is more comparable to our current Tiguan but sadly not on the scheme. However, I saw an XC40 on a motoring programme on Sky last night and they said it ‘wallows’ around corners and they didn’t like the fact that everything is controlled through a single touch screen, which I would dislike also. As I have learned to my cost, trying to ‘touch’ the correct bit of a touchscreen whilst driving can be like a bush tucker trial. Give me buttons or iDrive any day ? Not surprised to hear that mpg is poor – never a Volvo strongpoint – but they do know how to make supremely comfortable seats, which many manufacturers seem to struggle to achieve.
I strongly suspect that some form of deal will be done at one minute to midnight, as is always the case with the EU. People seem to talk of a no deal as being a problem just for the U.K. It will be a problem for the EU as well, so a work around will be found – deal or no deal. Even if there’s no deal, I just don’t see a flat 10% increase in what customers will pay. Some, if not most, will have to be absorbed by margins for brands to remain competitive. Anyway, look on the bright side, perhaps a no deal scenario may be the push needed (by both Motability and the manufacturers) to get more U.K. built cars on the scheme – namely Land Rover and Jaguar. For that to work we would need a hike in the somewhat arbitrary price caps or, preferably, scrap them – though I doubt they will do that for fear of the Daily Mail. In any event they are overdue an increase.
