TOP 10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A MOTABILITY VEHICLE

By Jason Richards

1. Value for money – Owning and running a car is an expensive business, but the Motability Scheme allows you to use your Higher Rate Motability Allowance to cover the cost of a vehicle for the three year lease period. The Scheme includes insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, tyres and a large range of adaptations, making it an extremely affordable and hassle free way to run a vehicle. The only running cost that you will have to pay is fuel. With this mind, Ford have added the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost – which has won the International Engine of the Year award – to their Motability range.
2. Do your homework – Make a list of your needs with regards to shape, size, capacity, adaptations and then research which Ford vehicles suit you best. Make a short list and visit your local Ford Dealer who will help you select the best one for you.
3. Size matters – Always go for a vehicle slightly bigger than you think you need. This will make it easier to transfer in and out of the vehicle, carry luggage such as wheelchairs, mobility aids and sports equipment and fit in passengers and shopping. Again, visiting your local Ford Dealer will help you assess vehicle sizes, luggage capacities and door widths. You will be able to try each of the Ford models for size with the help of a Motability specialist.
4. Check availability – If you are an existing Motability customer this is not as important as you will be notified well in advance of your renewal date. However, if you are a new customer some vehicles may need to be manufactured and have a waiting time of up to 3 months. If you’re in a hurry Ford have some vehicles in stock that are readily available. Your local Ford Dealer will be able to advise you of delivery times across the whole range.
5. Take a test drive – The only way to see if a vehicle truly meets your needs is to try it. Practice transferring in and out and test the boot for loading mobility aids and wheelchairs. Ford Motability have a range of vehicles with a variety of adaptations that can be booked through your local Ford Dealer.
6. Decide on your budget – The down payments on vehicles change every quarter through the year. When you sign up for a Motability car your payment is fixed at that time and will not change if you collect your vehicle in another quarter Visit the Mobility Road Show or British International Motor Show ‐ Seeing all the Ford vehicles in one place at the same time will save you time and energy, allowing you to easily compare the features you need. Ford always have Motability advisers on their stands at both of these shows to share their experiences and help you make an informed decision.
7. Think about extras – Optional extras such as satellite navigation, comfort and family packs, in car entertainment system upgrades are all available to Motability customers. You can decide what you need and order them with your vehicle. They are there to make your life and driving experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
8. Adaptations – There are a large number of adaptations that are available on Motability cars through the Motability Managed Adaptations Programme. These include items such as hand controls and steering aids, swivel seats, person hoists and wheelchair stowage systems. Many of the adaptations needed by drivers can be fitted at no extra cost and many more are significantly discounted from the manufacturers recommended prices. This adds value to the Motability Scheme as these, often expensive items, can considerably increase the cost of buying a vehicle. Visit the Motability web site to see which adaptations are included ‐ www.motability.co.uk.
9. Predict the future – Remember a Motability lease is for three years and it can be difficult to predict your needs over that time. However, making an informed decision with the help of Ford Motability and the network of local Ford Dealers and resident Motability experts will ensure you decide on a vehicle that meets your current needs and should continue to do so over the lease period.