Tell me about the motability scheme

Chives · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:28

My mum has recently been granted access to this scheme so she has sent me off to do some research, she currently drives a 55 Plate Astra (Horrible, horrible thing) and sees this as a great opportunity to move into the world of German Cars (Audi/BMW/Merc) I have had a look at the motability website, and there does seem to be some decent deals on there. What I want to know is whether this a good way of obtaining what would be a huge upgrade for her.

Where do we stand in terms of options, do we have to pay for each and every one?
She is looking at the 1 series, I understand the new model is due for release in September, so would the Previous model be heavily discounted and would that be a good time to purchase one?

[TW]Fox · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:30

All the BMW's on motability have enormous deposits which you dont get back at the end of the agreement.

Chives · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:42

[TW]Fox;19822414 said:
All the BMW's on motability have enormous deposits which you dont get back at the end of the agreement.

Indeed 2k for a 318i ES :eek:

However is 1,299 bad value for a 118D SE Coupe?
She has also spotted the MINI Countryman which she likes.. seems to be a decent deposit of just under a grand

Joe T · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:42

Options I believe you pay list price as part of the advance payment.

Generally it's a very good way to get a reasonably nice for not too much hassle.

Keep an eye on the website, some of the 'deals' can come and go very quickly.

[TW]Fox · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:43

Remember she stops receiving her higher rate Disability Living Allowance if she opts for the car. So in effect, the car has a net monthly cost.

Chives · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:45

[TW]Fox;19822511 said:
Remember she stops receiving her higher rate Disability Living Allowance if she opts for the car. So in effect, the car has a net monthly cost.

Indeed - She still thinks its a great affordable way of owning something nice, shall have to get the calculator out and do the sums.

[TW]Fox · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:49

Is it not supposed to be a way of her receiving A to B transport to help with her disability rather than a 'great way of owning something nice'? :confused:

Joe T · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:52

[TW]Fox;19822562 said:
Is it not supposed to be a way of her receiving A to B transport to help with her disability rather than a 'great way of owning something nice'?

In practice it can work out either way (or both ways of course).

Dr. Pain · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:52

I dont understand how someone whos disabled is given the choice of a BMW for christs sake.

What on earth is wrong with a basic Focus for getting around from A to B?

Next thing we will hear is she fancies an X5 or something ludicrous.

Seems like a gross waste of taxpayers cash if "disabled" people can go swanning around in BMW's.

[TW]Fox · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:55

Dr. Pain said:
Seems like a gross waste of taxpayers cash if "disabled" people can go swanning around in BMW's.

Well it doesn't quite work like that - as far as I am aware the only cost to the taxpayer is the monthly higher rate DLA, which they'd get if they had no car anyway?

Joe T · 13 Aug 2011 at 16:59

Dr. Pain said:
I dont understand how someone whos disabled is given the choice of a BMW for christs sake.

What on earth is wrong with a basic Focus for getting around from A to B?

Next thing we will hear is she fancies an X5 or something ludicrous.

Seems like a gross waste of taxpayers cash if "disabled" people can go swanning around in BMW's.

The scheme works like this:

- people able to claim the relevant allowance are able to substitute receiving the allowance with effectively leasing a car through the scheme. The allowance covers the lease payments.

- there are a large number of A-B type cars (as you say) with nil advance payment, which let's face it is fine for the majority of people of motability.

- however if you wish for something a bit nicer you can pay an advance payment (i.e. an amount on top of the lease rentals which are covered by your allowance). As far as I know, there is no subsidy from the government for these cars. The motability scheme can work out very good value because manufacturers often tend to apply some reasonably big discounts to their motability pricing. This is because of the (a) the volumes it can bring in, and (b) the ease of accessing the market.

Chives · 13 Aug 2011 at 17:05

[TW]Fox;19822614 said:
Well it doesn't quite work like that - as far as I am aware the only cost to the taxpayer is the monthly higher rate DLA, which they'd get if they had no car anyway?

Correct

[TW]Fox;19822562 said:
Is it not supposed to be a way of her receiving A to B transport to help with her disability rather than a 'great way of owning something nice'?

Yes, but the pricing allows it to be a "great way of owning something nice"

jon.bda · 13 Aug 2011 at 18:21

Need to go old school and get something by AC i reckon...