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#Post#: 123781--------------------------------------------------
Re: New car recommendations please?
DIR By: PeterH
Date: July 5, 2026, 2:57 am
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Neil, are you aware of all of the changes being made to the
Motability scheme? These include VAT on the AP, Mileage reduced
to 10k per annum (albeit they are supposed to be going to
provide exemptions, possibly details available on 8/7), 25p per
mile excess mileage charge, reducing the tyre replacements
allowed, removing european cover and the currently suspended
drive smart app that seems to have caused some people to have
been kicked off the scheme incorrectly.
I personally decided to leave Motability and use my benefits
towards the purchase of my own car, off the scheme. I went for
a mild hybrid Suzuki Swift which was available (in April) with
up to 5 years interest free credit with zero deposit. I got
£600 off the list price via CarWow and saved the first year £365
VED by using my entitlement. I'm averaging 65 mpg and am very
happy with the car, apart from all of the nanny tech. Suzuki
also offer an up to 10 year warranty which is activated via a
dealer service which adds a one year extension for every year
from the end of year 3 up to year 10. I've worked it out and
over the 4 years, allowing for PIP increases annually, I reckon
the total additional cost per month I have to find is £100
including an annual service, insurance and tyres.
I came to the conclusion that I didn't want to deal with the
Motability changes and would just get my own, which I will keep
after the 4 years is up meaning that my PIP from then on goes
into my pocket. I appreciate that's I'm lucky in that my credit
is good meaning that this was an option available to me.
Another daft thing to point out is that getting the car brand
new meant that I could have 0% finance. Buying a pre-registered
or 1 year old car meant 8.9% so save on the car price but lose a
large chunk of that saving on interest so it didn't make sense.
Hope this is useful.
#Post#: 123803--------------------------------------------------
Re: New car recommendations please?
DIR By: Neil B
Date: July 5, 2026, 8:31 am
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--- Quote from: PeterH link ---
>
> I appreciate that's I'm lucky in that my credit is good
meaning that this was an option available to me.
>
--- End Quote ---
Thanks Peter.
I'm aware that there are a lot of good offers out there.
My credit isn't bad, just non-existent, which I understand =
bad.
I'm going to find it easier dealing with Motability as I've not
been great at personal admin over the years.
I've been able to help people here for many years but looking
after my own affairs is not quite my forte.
I've also been aware, for quite a while, of the Motability rule
changes but I've now overcome that, as I'll explain in my next
post.
#Post#: 123804--------------------------------------------------
Re: New car recommendations please?
DIR By: Neil B
Date: July 5, 2026, 8:32 am
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Deleted duplicate post
#Post#: 123828--------------------------------------------------
Re: New car recommendations please?
DIR By: Neil B
Date: July 5, 2026, 2:10 pm
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One of the things I've had to contend with is my inherent
obsessive nature.
I actually had a serious breakdown back in 1996 and was
eventually diagnosed with a ruminative form of OCD; basically I
overthink things.
I've got better from the early part of this century;
understanding what was wrong and managing it very effectively.
But it will stay with me for the rest of my life. It has
actually helped me help others on the parking (etc.) forum over
the years.
Now I find myself faced with a choice of well over 500 vehicles
on the scheme and further choices within each model.
It was obvious that started to affect me quite quickly and I
could have had some level of relapse; so I had to be decisive
quite quickly.
I read numerous reviews; trying to stick to one source for a
realistic comparison; 'What Car'.
I also viewed may Youtube reviews which were a bit more
positive.
I can't list all the models but I considered Hyundai, Renault,
Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Volvo, Ford, Skoda and probably
others I've now forgotten.
Then focused on those that appealed; Nissan Qashqai e-power, VW
T-Roc and a handful of others I now don't recall.
In the end I settled on one I had initially dismissed as being a
bit daft; the Cupra Formentor.
It just felt like the reviews kept following me round
On the 29th June I went to a dealer, viewed, test drove and
ordered one, a V2 version.
So i got the 20k miles pa and paid no VAT.
Then it just got better; as I have a £40k motor for an advance
payment of just £2k.
The new prices came out on Motability on 1st July and the same
car would now need an advance payment of £4k + VAT.
So thanks for all the suggestions but I guess I'm sorted now.
It uses the same 1.5 engine as lots of VWs, Skodas and SEATs.
7 speed DSG with some paddles on the steering wheel to make the
DSG change its mind.
V2 has a powered tailgate, which I think I will need.
and basically all the features the T-Roc offers.
#Post#: 123853--------------------------------------------------
Re: New car recommendations please?
DIR By: PeterH
Date: July 6, 2026, 12:47 am
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I'm really pleased to read you're sorted, Neil 😀. It's a
minefield and very stressful trying to choose the right car.
The Cupra Formentor looks to be some machine 😍. Enjoy!
#Post#: 124027--------------------------------------------------
Re: New car recommendations please?
DIR By: sparx
Date: July 7, 2026, 4:59 pm
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--- Quote from: Neil B link ---
>
>
> It uses the same 1.5 engine as lots of VWs, Skodas and SEATs.
> 7 speed DSG with some paddles on the steering wheel to make
the DSG change its mind.
> V2 has a powered tailgate, which I think I will need.
> and basically all the features the T-Roc offers.
>
--- End Quote ---
When you next look, hopefully they've sorted the scheme out as
it's become basically worthless for some people. FWIW my
relative has just had a new car (on the old terms) which is
marginally cheaper on their PCH finance deal with no deposit
than on motability. You just then have to account for insurance
and servicing etc. Which makes it a bit more valuable.
The paddles on the steering wheel allow you to force the DSG to
change DOWN but afaik they do not force it to change UP. If you
want the car to stay in lower gears you will likely need to
change the driving mode to "Sport".
Example: Relatives car in Eco/Normal will go into 4th/5th at
30mph esp if going downhill (and therefore minimal engine
braking). In Sport it'll remain in 3rd gear and engine brake
appropriately.
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