Motability Scheme, very impressive car choices.
Discussion
OK I don't normally put many personal things on here.
My wife had a motability car and had severe arthritis mainly in the back where she would have injections every few months, asthma, heart problems (5 stents) and also fluid retention in the legs, lupus and also diabetic. And in the last 7 weeks of her life terminal gall bladder cancer.
We spent almost every other week going up to the hospital for various tests or treatments. She tried to live a normal life by doing everyday tasks like shopping. I say shopping as she used to hold onto the trolley while I ran about and collected things.
It helped us as we needed something very reliable. She hated being disabled and moaned about other so-called disabled people and always struggled beyond what she could do and normally in a hell of a lot of pain but hid it. The car did give her some degree of freedom. Infact she loved the car so much she purchased from them (which you can do) over a three year period. This is the car I am driving around in at the moment as I took it over after her death. I know it is not practical and a bit thirsty for all the mileage I do but do NOT have the heart to part with it.
The motability scheme IS a great scheme but I do agree that it can be abused. I know of one person disconnecting the speedo and running a taxi service while another "gave" the car to his daughter. Another lent it to all and sundry and it had £2000 worth of damage.
So please, just because you see someone turn up in a disabled space do not always assume they are swinging the lead. There really are some genuine and deserving cases out there just ruined by some medias hate.
My wife had a motability car and had severe arthritis mainly in the back where she would have injections every few months, asthma, heart problems (5 stents) and also fluid retention in the legs, lupus and also diabetic. And in the last 7 weeks of her life terminal gall bladder cancer.
We spent almost every other week going up to the hospital for various tests or treatments. She tried to live a normal life by doing everyday tasks like shopping. I say shopping as she used to hold onto the trolley while I ran about and collected things.
It helped us as we needed something very reliable. She hated being disabled and moaned about other so-called disabled people and always struggled beyond what she could do and normally in a hell of a lot of pain but hid it. The car did give her some degree of freedom. Infact she loved the car so much she purchased from them (which you can do) over a three year period. This is the car I am driving around in at the moment as I took it over after her death. I know it is not practical and a bit thirsty for all the mileage I do but do NOT have the heart to part with it.
The motability scheme IS a great scheme but I do agree that it can be abused. I know of one person disconnecting the speedo and running a taxi service while another "gave" the car to his daughter. Another lent it to all and sundry and it had £2000 worth of damage.
So please, just because you see someone turn up in a disabled space do not always assume they are swinging the lead. There really are some genuine and deserving cases out there just ruined by some medias hate.
rehab71 said:
A car dealer here.
Whether they have a Motab car or not is irrelevant. If they receive the correct benefit they can get a car on the scheme. If they should get that benefit is another matter. Motability are not there to judge whether or not an applicant can have a car, if they get the benefit they can (subject to ages, points of licence etc).
There is without doubt abuse in terms of people basically having a free car, however; over the last few years Motab have really cracked down on who can drive the car, for example if the person receiving the benefit can't drive, their driver must live with them/very close by and the applicant must sign declarations stating that the car is for their benefit etc.
Motability run the largest fleet in the country and as such they get huge discounts, so that is why they can offer BMWs etc. with attractive initial rentals. The lease is for 3 years, 20,000 miles per annum, 2 drivers and full maintainence, I'd be staggered if anyone could get a retail offer anywhere near what they can get a Motab car for.
NHS workers also have a similar scheme. 4 series BMWs end up being about £600 a month, Land Rovers £800/ month fully insured, with everything taken care of, from tyres to servicing. A bit expensive I think but probably works out when you factor in the cost of leasing a brand new car from the dealer. Whether they have a Motab car or not is irrelevant. If they receive the correct benefit they can get a car on the scheme. If they should get that benefit is another matter. Motability are not there to judge whether or not an applicant can have a car, if they get the benefit they can (subject to ages, points of licence etc).
There is without doubt abuse in terms of people basically having a free car, however; over the last few years Motab have really cracked down on who can drive the car, for example if the person receiving the benefit can't drive, their driver must live with them/very close by and the applicant must sign declarations stating that the car is for their benefit etc.
Motability run the largest fleet in the country and as such they get huge discounts, so that is why they can offer BMWs etc. with attractive initial rentals. The lease is for 3 years, 20,000 miles per annum, 2 drivers and full maintainence, I'd be staggered if anyone could get a retail offer anywhere near what they can get a Motab car for.
williamp said:
I doubt people on here are questioning their right to a mobility car if the need exists. Perhaps they are questioning why the taxpayer pays for premium brands, when cheap cars (hell, after Friday who knows) cheap British made cars would "do" and be "adequate"???
The Taxpayers are not paying for premium brands. The claimant gets the same amount and its up to them if they want to add more of their own money to perhaps get a premium brand. As someone already mentioned, so cars are less than the amount the claimant gets, and some are more. If its more you add the money in yourself.
As a person medically discharged from the military and living with severe spinal and nerve injuries, there will come a time when I simply can't work at all. Only thing that gets me through the day is strong medication such as the Fentanyl patch I wear 24/7 (morphine) and other medications. On good days were I can walk around shops for maybe 45 minutes, people would assume there is nothing wrong with me but they don't see the years of treatment, the days I can't move, the near crying from the pain or the spasms from nerve damage etc. Some seem to expect people to have limbs missing to even qualify as disabled. I have personally seen people with their stuck up benefit scrounger views against some whom they never knew were veterans. Ironically from people who have never served their country in their life and would not even have it in them.
I am eligible for blue parking badge and I have been told by some doctors that I could maybe apply for DLA. But I won't for now. I prefer to work while I can. I mention all this because schemes like Motability are great for genuine cases. Truth is that living on DLA is not exactly much money and instead of a disabled person having to maybe depend on an older car that may develop costly issues and breakdowns, they can gain peace of mind from a new car and have the options for it to be configured to meet their disabilities. Daily mail love to say how it's a free car but the person has their entire high rate payment taken to pay for the car. Money that many Britons who have worked and paid their taxes for deserve.
I am eligible for blue parking badge and I have been told by some doctors that I could maybe apply for DLA. But I won't for now. I prefer to work while I can. I mention all this because schemes like Motability are great for genuine cases. Truth is that living on DLA is not exactly much money and instead of a disabled person having to maybe depend on an older car that may develop costly issues and breakdowns, they can gain peace of mind from a new car and have the options for it to be configured to meet their disabilities. Daily mail love to say how it's a free car but the person has their entire high rate payment taken to pay for the car. Money that many Britons who have worked and paid their taxes for deserve.
As with most benefits, the majority do NOT abuse the scheme, and it's quite difficult to do so.
Those who are envious of 'free cars'...go out and get yourself a qualifying disability, learn to live with that, and then you'll get your 'free car'.
I absolutely do not object to subsidising this scheme out of my taxes. If a small number of people do manage to abuse it, then it's a price we have to pay for giving the majority of users some dignity and quality of life.
I will say one thing...I would far rather be able bodied and have the ability to pay for my own car, than suffer a disability and have someone else pay for it.
Those who are envious of 'free cars'...go out and get yourself a qualifying disability, learn to live with that, and then you'll get your 'free car'.
I absolutely do not object to subsidising this scheme out of my taxes. If a small number of people do manage to abuse it, then it's a price we have to pay for giving the majority of users some dignity and quality of life.
I will say one thing...I would far rather be able bodied and have the ability to pay for my own car, than suffer a disability and have someone else pay for it.
Its a shame to read some of the replies here. I'm surprised no one has mentioned parking bays yet.
I think its a great scheme that clearly many people need to just function. Alas with many such government schemes, eg child tax credit and benefits of all descriptions, ruined and abused by a minority that spoil it for the majority that need it.
Good luck with your car hunt OP and I sincerely hope it makes your life easier for your little boy.
I think its a great scheme that clearly many people need to just function. Alas with many such government schemes, eg child tax credit and benefits of all descriptions, ruined and abused by a minority that spoil it for the majority that need it.
Good luck with your car hunt OP and I sincerely hope it makes your life easier for your little boy.
Sheepshanks said:
zarjaz1991 said:
I absolutely do not object to subsidising this scheme out of my taxes.
Genuine question - are tax-payers subsidising it?I thought, if anything, people buying new cars are subsidising it.
Worth nothing that the better cars on the scheme require large up front deposits - £2 - £3k is typical. People moaning about others abusing the scheme are like people criticising shops because some people steal from them while they have to pay, if it bothers you grass them up as the scheme take abuse seriously.
burritoNinja said:
I am eligible for blue parking badge and I have been told by some doctors that I could maybe apply for DLA. But I won't for now. I prefer to work while I can. I mention all this because schemes like Motability are great for genuine cases. Truth is that living on DLA is not exactly much money
williamp said:
I doubt people on here are questioning their right to a mobility car if the need exists. Perhaps they are questioning why the taxpayer pays for premium brands, when cheap cars (hell, after Friday who knows) cheap British made cars would "do" and be "adequate"???
I'd say theres a lot of ill informed negativity on PH with regards to this.They are also questioning premium brands being available - do they realise motability benefit is only to a certain agreed amount. For most premium lease deals the recipient than has to top up the payment to get the car they want? An Astra for example is covered, a Merc would be part covered for the lease amount.
BigsimonY said:
Wow... Post was about people who have used the scheme and any down sides, or car reviews....... Now it's turning into a platform benefits bashing. You do realise there is a little autistic boy involved here, who needs a walking frame to walk to help him walk?
Op, you started a perfectly reasonable thread.However, it has been done many, many times before and always ends up the same way with benefit bashing, 'free car' nonsense and 'give them a horse and cart and be grateful' type posts.
I give it 3 pages before it ends up this way.
ETA - I see you deleted your opening post. Probably wise. Won't stop the bashers though.
Edited by valiant on Wednesday 22 June 11:11
Tuvra said:
Serious question, but if you have a motability car, could you/should you be in full time employment?
You can, or not, depending on your ability to work. The car is paid for from your DLA/PIP mobility component, so you give up benefits to get the car.Anyway, to answer the OP:
My wife is disabled - we've had small cars for zero advance (Renault Clio), small advance (current Merc B180D and a couple of C5 Picassos) and large advance (Galaxy - 1st shape).
Every time she's due for a replacement I run a calculation based on used cars, PCP, personal lease - and it never works out as lower cost than Motability. You are expected to return the car with only acceptable wear and tear, and clean too, so we take good care of them - I would anyway of course. IIRC there's a limit of 1 set of tyres over the 3 years and limited mileage, insurance for her has a £75 excess.
My son, who is also disabled and 17, could get a car. Actually, he could have had one at 16 but didn't want or need one. Now he's looking at University he'll need transport, so we're looking at VW Up!/Mii/Citigo, Nissan Juke as it's higher up and may be easier to get out of, maybe a Cactus although I think that's too big for a new driver. All these at zero advance and total allowance.
PM me if you want more info.
Tuvra said:
Serious question, but if you have a motability car, could you/should you be in full time employment?
Serious question; what difference does it make?People get seriously confused with Motability; the Motability scheme itself is absolutely nothing to do with the government, it is a not for profit charity that was set up to provide fully funded cars (apart from fuel) for people who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disabilty Living Allowance, or the alternative that is part of PIP, to help with their mobility.
It is not means tested.
If the Motability scheme didn't exist, the same people would be receiving the same benefit, which would be costing the government and us; in our taxes, the same amount, however the recipient has the choice to use that benefit to pay towards a fully funded car rather than taking the benefit and using it a different way.
More importantly Motorbility lets modifications be made to their cars, unlike most lease companies. I can't see the average lease co letting anyone add wheelchair access or hand controls to one of their cars. I believe that not only will Motorbility alow that, but also have the exprince in getting it right.
OP, hopefully you find the right car. Shame these threads always have someone chime in with some dumb comment and we have to go through the same old explanations and defence of PIP/DLA/Motorbility.
OP, hopefully you find the right car. Shame these threads always have someone chime in with some dumb comment and we have to go through the same old explanations and defence of PIP/DLA/Motorbility.
Edited by SteveSteveson on Wednesday 22 June 11:24
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff