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An Alternative to Motability

Buying Your Own Car

If you have a good credit record, many dealers and Banks will consider you for either Hire Purchase, Credit Sale or a Personal Loan, sometimes at a very reasonable interest rate.

Using finance in this way can provide for greater flexibility when seeking a good quality car that suits your needs. The costs of course are there.

Now, take myself as an example. I have CP, which affects my left side, leaving me with some ability (I think I do well under the circumstances), I can drive a Manual car, but an Automatic is so much easier. I also suffer from real pain in all joints, back, neck etc. So, Power steering is a MUST. Like so many others I have pain in my wrists, fingers, arms and shoulders, so simple things such as opening a window, can be impossible at times. Moving the seat is a nightmare as well. The Steering wheel never seems to be in the right place. 90% of small to medium cars are so small, I bang my head on the roof lining, I get severe pain in my legs because there is not enough room to stretch when needed, I could go on, but I expect every reader known just what I mean, Disabled or Abled. I also need wide opening doors, I am rather clumsy getting in and out. I also need good passenger space as many of my passengers tend to be elderly or themselves disabled.

So my Needs would be as follows.

Power Steering or very light steering, Automatic transmission, Roomy interior, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Moveable Steering Column (or correct static position), Easily Moved Seats, Good Lumber Support, Easily Movable Wing Mirrors for Parking. Good visibility all around the vehicle. Plenty of headroom.

Purchasing a Used Car

Buying a Used car can provide greater flexibility for a Disabled Person.

First you need to decide exactly what you need

Do you need Power Steering ?

Do you need an Automatic, even if you can drive a manual (think of a long slow traffic jam, or as you get older and perhaps more infirm).

Consider kerb Height, door opening space.

Do you need 4 doors or even 5 (Hatchback).

If you think a 4 door will be OK, is the boot at a height that is right for you, will it be easy to lift items and/or a Wheelchair perhaps in and out. Is there enough space in the boot for shopping and Wheelchair.

All of the above can be dealt with over the phone, when enquiring, as I know how hard it is to get around, especially if you are without transport.

My advice is always buy from a reputable dealer, most will bring a car to you, let you have a test drive on your home terrain etc., let your family see and try the car. During this cycle you can check other things out before you decide to buy.

Check things such as Ride, Handling, Parking, Braking, Reversing, does the car fit in your garage or parking space. Try the boot space, can you get in and out with minimal effort, can you see behind the car for reversing, can your passengers get in and out with ease, does your family like the car overall.

Of course the above are extras to the normal checks you should make, but do these first, if you think you can manage the car, then perhaps your local garage or RAC/ AA should be asked to check it out before you buy. Remember 48 hours notice is required and its not cheap.

Once you have decided to buy, the Dealer may be able to put your name forward for a Purchase Plan, long term disabled are accepted these days, as long as you have a good credit record. The Dealer Plan will involve a deposit, anything from 10% up. Interest rates vary greatly, so do ask what these are.

Finance can be considered from a Bank, as there is great competition now, this can be a very good option, bringing the benefit of No Deposit and the chance of including Insurance AA/RAC cover.

Get a good warranty, 3 months minimum, parts and labour, longer if you can.

Always negotiate on price, even if you use the dealer finance plan. Most will negotiate.

Always remember that cars lose value very quickly, so most of the money you spend will probably be lost and you need to pay for Repairs and regular maintenance as well as insurance. Most Disabled DLA customers should be able to claim for Motor Tax Exemption, which helps. So calculate your repayments to include these additional costs.

The advantages of buying a good quality used car, if your budget is tight, can mean the addition of those extras that you probably need and without greater costs.

If your mileage is not that high, then the larger executive type models can be a real bargain when only a few years old. For half the cost of a new basic small car, you could get a top of the range low mileage executive car with all the extras you need.

Ford Scorpio

Take my last car for example. It was a 7 year old Ford Scorpio 2.9i. The larger engine was reliable, as long as maintenance schedules were kept. It had, Power Steering with totally adjustable column, 4 Speed Automatic (with overdrive), all electrically operated seats with lumber support, electric wing mirrors (heated), electric boot lift, Very Wide opening Doors with extra automatic warning lights and pavement light, highly illuminated foot well. All these items have, in the past, assisted me personally in one way or another.

Getting the same facilities and size of car could be quite expensive though Motability. So If you are not worried about driving a New Registration car and really do need the added features of an executive model, then purchasing a good quality used car may be the answer for you. Do remember though that you would need to include servicing and insurance to the costs incurred for the car.

If you have any questions regarding this feature, please feel free to E-Mail me at ddlg.uk@ukonline.co.uk.