New Motability Rules - very limited choice now.
Discussion
Just found out today about the new rules governing choice of Motability vehicles, the most limiting of which is that they have pretty much excluded any car with a deposit of over £2000 for those on Higher Rate Mobility Allowance.
This means that you are left with a good selection of small and medium sized cars from the major manufacturers but there is very little choice of bigger cars, MPVs or 4x4: The biggest 4x4 is the Chevrolet Captiva and there is a very limited choice of Ford Galaxys.
We have had a Volvo XC90 on the scheme which is due to be replaced later this year. Under the new rules, there is no appropriate replacement available for it as we require a 7 seater with a big enough boot for a wheelchair and we would prefer a 4x4 as we live in a semi-rural area, the local hospital is approx 20 miles away on minor roads and access to it could be required at any time.
It seems unreasonable to me that they are preventing a reasonably free choice of vehicle where in the past, it just meant you might have to put down a larger deposit to get the vehicle you needed or wanted at no real cost to Motability beyond the cost of administration of a larger choice for the consumer.
This means that you are left with a good selection of small and medium sized cars from the major manufacturers but there is very little choice of bigger cars, MPVs or 4x4: The biggest 4x4 is the Chevrolet Captiva and there is a very limited choice of Ford Galaxys.
We have had a Volvo XC90 on the scheme which is due to be replaced later this year. Under the new rules, there is no appropriate replacement available for it as we require a 7 seater with a big enough boot for a wheelchair and we would prefer a 4x4 as we live in a semi-rural area, the local hospital is approx 20 miles away on minor roads and access to it could be required at any time.
It seems unreasonable to me that they are preventing a reasonably free choice of vehicle where in the past, it just meant you might have to put down a larger deposit to get the vehicle you needed or wanted at no real cost to Motability beyond the cost of administration of a larger choice for the consumer.
Yes, we are considering that option as well as buying the Volvo we have or settling for the Galaxy and buying some snow-chains or socks.
It's just a shame that the scheme has been decimated: It has been fantastic for us and others for many years and I appreciate that it has been abused by some but surely it would be better to tighten up on them than prevent genuine customers from having the car they want or need?
It's just a shame that the scheme has been decimated: It has been fantastic for us and others for many years and I appreciate that it has been abused by some but surely it would be better to tighten up on them than prevent genuine customers from having the car they want or need?
BuzzLightyear said:
Just found out today about the new rules governing choice of Motability vehicles, the most limiting of which is that they have pretty much excluded any car with a deposit of over £2000 for those on Higher Rate Mobility Allowance.
This means that you are left with a good selection of small and medium sized cars from the major manufacturers but there is very little choice of bigger cars, MPVs or 4x4: The biggest 4x4 is the Chevrolet Captiva and there is a very limited choice of Ford Galaxys.
We have had a Volvo XC90 on the scheme which is due to be replaced later this year. Under the new rules, there is no appropriate replacement available for it as we require a 7 seater with a big enough boot for a wheelchair and we would prefer a 4x4 as we live in a semi-rural area, the local hospital is approx 20 miles away on minor roads and access to it could be required at any time.
It seems unreasonable to me that they are preventing a reasonably free choice of vehicle where in the past, it just meant you might have to put down a larger deposit to get the vehicle you needed or wanted at no real cost to Motability beyond the cost of administration of a larger choice for the consumer.
Why is a 7 seater necessary for 1 disabled person (many 5 seaters can take a wheelchair with mods)? Nor is a 4x4 necessary for a semi rural area - in the case of an emergency you would be phoning an ambiwlans not trying to single-handedly convey a disabled, seriously ill person into a vehicle and to hospital.This means that you are left with a good selection of small and medium sized cars from the major manufacturers but there is very little choice of bigger cars, MPVs or 4x4: The biggest 4x4 is the Chevrolet Captiva and there is a very limited choice of Ford Galaxys.
We have had a Volvo XC90 on the scheme which is due to be replaced later this year. Under the new rules, there is no appropriate replacement available for it as we require a 7 seater with a big enough boot for a wheelchair and we would prefer a 4x4 as we live in a semi-rural area, the local hospital is approx 20 miles away on minor roads and access to it could be required at any time.
It seems unreasonable to me that they are preventing a reasonably free choice of vehicle where in the past, it just meant you might have to put down a larger deposit to get the vehicle you needed or wanted at no real cost to Motability beyond the cost of administration of a larger choice for the consumer.
BuzzLightyear said:
Yes, we are considering that option as well as buying the Volvo we have or settling for the Galaxy and buying some snow-chains or socks.
It's just a shame that the scheme has been decimated: It has been fantastic for us and others for many years and I appreciate that it has been abused by some but surely it would be better to tighten up on them than prevent genuine customers from having the car they want or need?
I would suggest up to 50% of the cars on the scheme are not being used for their intended purpose.It's just a shame that the scheme has been decimated: It has been fantastic for us and others for many years and I appreciate that it has been abused by some but surely it would be better to tighten up on them than prevent genuine customers from having the car they want or need?
I've seen all sorts of scams and grannies fronting their DLA so grandson/daughter gets a brand new car.
The whole thing is bent and sadly, once again, the minority spoil it for everyone.
66comanche said:
Why is a 7 seater necessary for 1 disabled person (many 5 seaters can take a wheelchair with mods)? Nor is a 4x4 necessary for a semi rural area - in the case of an emergency you would be phoning an ambiwlans not trying to single-handedly convey a disabled, seriously ill person into a vehicle and to hospital.
A 7 seater is required because we have other children to transport as well - not all journeys are necessarily emergencies. 2 adults, 4 children and the disabled person = 7.The 4x4 has been invaluable on occasions (few, admittedly) where other cars couldn't get out of our road but the Volvo just drove straight out and covered distance with no trouble.
Not all trips to hospital are emergencies so ambulances may not be used however, whilst undergoing cancer treatment, it is necessary to keep the appointments so the onus is on us to get her there.
HTH
BuzzLightyear said:
A 7 seater is required because we have other children to transport as well - not all journeys are necessarily emergencies. 2 adults, 4 children and the disabled person = 7.
The 4x4 has been invaluable on occasions (few, admittedly) where other cars couldn't get out of our road but the Volvo just drove straight out and covered distance with no trouble.
Not all trips to hospital are emergencies so ambulances may not be used however, whilst undergoing cancer treatment, it is necessary to keep the appointments so the onus is on us to get her there.
HTH
Sounds like quite the family day out taking the "disabled person" and six others for cancer treatment.The 4x4 has been invaluable on occasions (few, admittedly) where other cars couldn't get out of our road but the Volvo just drove straight out and covered distance with no trouble.
Not all trips to hospital are emergencies so ambulances may not be used however, whilst undergoing cancer treatment, it is necessary to keep the appointments so the onus is on us to get her there.
HTH
Surely the car is for the benefit of the in-capacitated, not for the benefit of the rest of the family?
Sad but true. People have taken the piss and now its hitting everyone.
Our advance payments have gone through the roof for even small stuff like Clios.
I dare say that its because people driving 1 series diesel convertibles (which were around 1k advance last year) and similar on what is a scheme designed to keep disabled people mobile has ruffled somebodys feathers the wrong way.
If price is prohibitive, have you approached Motability about a grant?
A customer of mine has 3 disabled children and is very ill himself has been awarded a grant for a suitable vehicle which has covered 80% of the advance payment.
Good luck, sounds like you are s genuine Motability customer.
Our advance payments have gone through the roof for even small stuff like Clios.
I dare say that its because people driving 1 series diesel convertibles (which were around 1k advance last year) and similar on what is a scheme designed to keep disabled people mobile has ruffled somebodys feathers the wrong way.
If price is prohibitive, have you approached Motability about a grant?
A customer of mine has 3 disabled children and is very ill himself has been awarded a grant for a suitable vehicle which has covered 80% of the advance payment.
Good luck, sounds like you are s genuine Motability customer.
Cant they bring back the old scheme where you got the little light blue 3 wheeler then nobody would want a motability car.
But I'm not suprised this has happened as you can still get a nice car with less than £2000 to put down.
Vauxhall will give you a Igsignia SRi estate with all the toys for £500 down.
And if your that desperate you can have one of those 7 seater chevy things for alot less than £2000 down, the scheme was not put in place for a bit of badge snobbery.
My Brother has a mobility car because he is disabled which only his carers drive, but for every geniune case there are 3 bad back merchants getting a free car.
But I'm not suprised this has happened as you can still get a nice car with less than £2000 to put down.
Vauxhall will give you a Igsignia SRi estate with all the toys for £500 down.
And if your that desperate you can have one of those 7 seater chevy things for alot less than £2000 down, the scheme was not put in place for a bit of badge snobbery.
My Brother has a mobility car because he is disabled which only his carers drive, but for every geniune case there are 3 bad back merchants getting a free car.
Sorry but I find it disturbing that you even got an XC90 on Motability in the first place, as mentioned, why does the government need to buy you an executive 7 seater 4x4 worth what £33k or more For just one disabled person? If you really need a brand new 4x4 you would be happy with what your given be it a Kia, Hyundai, Chevvy etc! All of which are capable of carrying a wheel chair, transporting people and dealing with semi rural areas.
Besides, with the 3rd row in an XC90 is it not impossible to carry a wheel chair?
Besides, with the 3rd row in an XC90 is it not impossible to carry a wheel chair?
FreeLitres said:
What is the deal with Motability? Do Government give you a free car? Or a discount for buying one?
http://m.direct.gov.uk/syndicationController?actio...IrrElephant said:
FreeLitres said:
What is the deal with Motability? Do Government give you a free car? Or a discount for buying one?
http://m.direct.gov.uk/syndicationController?actio...I did know Motability will pay for driving lessons.
Deva Link said:
FreeLitres said:
What is the deal with Motability? Do Government give you a free car? Or a discount for buying one?
Free car, including insurance and maint. Road tax is free. All you have to do is put fuel in it.Oh dear!I hoped this thread wouldn't head the way of the Blue Badge / disabled parking space nonsense...
For the record, the vehicle is provided to assist the mobility of a disabled person (but not exclusively for that purpose): Sometimes we go out as a family INCLUDING the disabled person and not just for visiting the hospital, consultants, getting X-rays, MRI scans, cat scans etc etc etc.
It seems to be a common misconception that if someone is using a blue badge etc and the driver is not elderly, disabled or both, it is being used fraudulently. WRONG! My OH usually drives the Motorbility car but she is neither aged or disabled, her daughter, however, is severely disabled but the narrow-minded seem unable to accept this...:roll eyes:
Please limit future answers to this thread to responses to the original post, not the validity or otherwise of the use of the vehicle.
Thank you.
<and breathe>
For the record, the vehicle is provided to assist the mobility of a disabled person (but not exclusively for that purpose): Sometimes we go out as a family INCLUDING the disabled person and not just for visiting the hospital, consultants, getting X-rays, MRI scans, cat scans etc etc etc.
It seems to be a common misconception that if someone is using a blue badge etc and the driver is not elderly, disabled or both, it is being used fraudulently. WRONG! My OH usually drives the Motorbility car but she is neither aged or disabled, her daughter, however, is severely disabled but the narrow-minded seem unable to accept this...:roll eyes:
Please limit future answers to this thread to responses to the original post, not the validity or otherwise of the use of the vehicle.
Thank you.
<and breathe>
I remember the days in a Vauxhall dealer when you could have a purple 1.2 Corsa 3 door or a blue Astra 1.4 3 door, both in Merit spec with itchy tweed upholstery. Things have definately improved, in fact the other week a chap delivered my chinese in a brand new Insignia SRi CDTi with 20" wheels. But hey, so long as he's using it to take his Granny a pint of milk once a week and thus improving her standard of living, job's a good un.
As has been said, it's shame that bonefide motability users may suffer.
As has been said, it's shame that bonefide motability users may suffer.
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