It can be hard to choose the wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that is right for you. You can choose from four main options when you want to get a mobility vehicle: a new hire car, buying or renting a WAV that is new or used, or hiring an ‘almost new’ car.
There are many ways that ‘nearly-new’ mobility vehicles may be ideal. While new and used cars can be purchased by those who want to buy a WAV at a lower cost, the Motability program allows you to rent a nearly new or new vehicle. Apart from the condition of the car (almost new WAVs are under two and a quarter years old), there are major differences in terms of delivery, lease, payment, and mileage. The new Motability cars have a lease of 5 years and a mileage allowance of 100,000. They are delivered in an average time of 3-4 months but require a higher advance payment.
In contrast, the lease for nearly new WAVs is only three years long, includes a 60,000-mile allowance, and is delivered in a matter of weeks. Almost all new vehicles have a disadvantage when compared with new cars. They are limited in terms of specifications, such as color and optional extras.
A nearly new Mobility car can be the ideal choice for certain people, and this is because of at least four factors. First, there is the issue of timeliness. A nearly new WAV is often delivered one week after ordering, as new WAVs can require months to be built to specifications. Almost new WAV is the best choice if you can’t wait for those extra months to get a new one. Second, there is a difference between leasing new and almost new vehicles.
In some cases, a longer-term lease may not be the best option (e.g., You are moving to another country, so the flexibility of a mobility lease car is ideal in some situations. Thirdly, there is the cost-benefit. WAVs are incredibly affordable compared to brand-new cars, thanks to the lower upfront payment. The Motability scheme allows some WAVs to be purchased with an upfront payment of only PS50, compared to PS1,000 when purchasing a new vehicle. We should also point out that a nearly new car is only suitable if it meets your or a loved one’s needs. You may have to “make do” with a near-new vehicle, as new cars can be customized and added to your specifications. You can still find the perfect almost new vehicle for your needs.
There are pros and cons to each option, whether it’s buying new wheelchair-accessible vehicles or renting a new or near-new mobility car through the Mobility scheme. There’s no doubt that the near-new option is a great choice for many UK families.
