'mobility car '; what are the costs?

Magenta

Hi all,
Sorry if I have posted this in the wrong place.:o
I have been awarded the enhanced rate in the PIp assessment (had DLA medium level before) as they now decided that after 7 years in a wheelchair a miracle is not going to happen!
Anyway I think, but am not sure, that I will now be able to buy an adapted car at a reduced rate.
Any information will be gratefully received. :beer:

CTcelt1988

You exchange your £57.45 a week enhanced pip for a car on Motability. The only costs are an advance payment depending what car you choose, plus diesel or petrol costs.

Serviceing, insurance, maintenance and tyres are included at no extra cost to the customer.

Look at their website: Motability.co.uk

DomRavioli

Magenta wrote: »

Hi all,
Sorry if I have posted this in the wrong place.:o
I have been awarded the enhanced rate in the PIp assessment (had DLA medium level before) as they now decided that after 7 years in a wheelchair a miracle is not going to happen!
Anyway I think, but am not sure, that I will now be able to buy an adapted car at a reduced rate.
Any information will be gratefully received. :beer:

You don't buy a car, you lease it for three years on the Motability scheme.

Some adaptations are free, and the base models of most cars don't require an extra payment.

As suggested, the motability website will show you everything you need to know; once you have an idea what you may want, visit a dealer, and they will explain costs et al.

oldhand

You wont be "buying" the car but leasing it,however I believe you can buy it at the end of the lease.Regarding any adaptions required I believe those must be paid by yourself. I have one which my wife drives and certainly think its a very good deal as I realise you dont own the car as such but neither do you worry about tax,insurance or servicing etc which is a big thing on all cars.
Make sure to visit a number of dealers and try out various vehicles,do not be rushed and make sure any vehicle you fancy does what you need,if you have trouble bending down perhaps an suv would be better with its higher ground clearance.
Likewise an automatic may suit better than manual or an estate rather than an ordinary car.Most main dealers have a motability person who can help and advise on which car would suit best and also the cost of any adaptions and upfront payments if required..

[Deleted User]

The scheme is a superb way to receive a brand new vehicle with very little requirements upon you; however, there are a few things to consider:
1. You must return the car in a decent condition. Bashes because of your wheelchair are acceptable and they don't car about scuffs to the bumpers and they never seem to check the interior.
2. The car is for your benefit. This means that, according to Motability's requirements, it can only be used for a reason that serves you. Now, you can stretch such reasons a long way (e.g. "my partner needs to drive the car to town each day to go to work as she is the only one of the two of us who has a job and hence she is the breadwinner for the household and supporting me through her actions"). But just be aware that it can limit any non-disabled person's use.
3. You and one other person can be on the insurance. They are insured whatever the situation (even if they are using the car outside of Point 2 above - but Motability are chasing people who misuse the scheme). You can switch drivers as often as you like. Long-term drivers must live within, I think, 5 miles unless there is an exceptional reason for otherwise.
4. Only the two people on the insurance are insured the drive the car. No matter what anyone says another person's third party insurance on their car insurance does NOT allow them to legally drive your car.
5. Motability are a lovely and considerate organisation. People have referred to the free adaptations that they do to many peoples' vehicles. See here for more info: http://www.motability.co.uk/cars-scooters-and-powerchairs/adaptations-overview/adaptations-available-on-the-scheme/

I love the scheme. However, you must also consider that three years' worth of DLA is over £8900. That's a lot of money, none of which you will get back when you have your car back in....

teddysmum

skcollobcat10 wrote: »

I chose not to go with Motability because my advanced payment would have been £22,000 and 5 years DLA.

This does seem unfair when there is a need, while others pay the large amount just because they want a bling car . Someone my husband knows did this to get a sporty convertible.)

mrcol1000

Agree with the above. If you have your own income and am disabled then no-one is willing to help you. My private income barely covers the bills yet I am expected to pay towards or in full for any adaptions. I am always turned down for any means tested benefits. I am in debt because I am disabled but not claiming benefits. If it wasn't for mobility there is no way I could afford a car and so would rarely leave the house.

Magenta

Thanks so much to everyone for their replies, they have all been very helpful.
As I use my Pip money to live on I wouldn't be able to use it towards a car. It was something that had come into my mind but is really only a pipe dream!!
I don't have an electric wheelchair as I just don't have the money and as I have huge difficulty getting round in the one I have got I haven't been out of my property for more than 8 years (except to hospital in an ambulance car).
We'll never mind.:(