Can I Buy My Motability Car at the End of the Lease?
Considering buying your Motability car at lease end? This guide covers the process, valuation, and your responsibilities for a smooth transition to ownership.
The Motability Scheme, a charitable initiative in the United Kingdom, helps disabled individuals lease new cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), scooters, or powered wheelchairs. The scheme allows eligible participants to exchange their government-funded mobility allowance for a lease agreement. As of December 2023, Motability no longer directly sells these vehicles to customers at the end of the lease term. However, it may still be possible to acquire the car through the dealership where the vehicle was originally ordered.
Eligibility and Purchase Process
Current leaseholders can explore acquiring their vehicle through their original dealership. This process typically begins as the lease agreement nears its conclusion. Individuals interested in retaining their vehicle should contact the dealership’s Motability specialist during the final months of their lease period. This proactive step allows the dealership to ascertain if the vehicle can be acquired from Motability for resale.
The dealership may purchase the used Motability vehicle to add to their stock. If the dealership acquires the car, they might then be able to sell it to the interested customer. Not all vehicles are available for this type of purchase, particularly those with extensive adaptations or if the dealership chooses not to buy it back. The dealership will be able to inform the customer if Motability has published a purchase price for their specific car, indicating its availability for this indirect acquisition.
Valuation and Payment
If the dealership confirms the vehicle’s availability for purchase, the price will be a fixed amount determined by Motability, not subject to negotiation like a typical private sale. This “invitation to buy” price, provided to the dealership, considers factors such as the vehicle’s age, mileage, overall condition, and any original adaptations fitted.
The formal offer from the dealership, reflecting Motability’s determined price, will outline the acquisition terms. Payment for the vehicle would then be handled directly between the customer and the dealership. This typically involves a lump sum payment, though customers may arrange third-party financing independently if needed. The dealership will specify the timeframe for accepting this offer, and upon acceptance, they will process the payment and facilitate the transfer of vehicle ownership.
Post-Purchase Responsibilities
Once a Motability vehicle is purchased and no longer part of the scheme, the new owner assumes full responsibility for its ongoing management. The transfer of ownership documentation, specifically the V5C logbook (vehicle registration document), must be updated with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to reflect the new keeper. While Motability holds the V5C during the lease, the new owner will receive it or facilitate its transfer.
The comprehensive insurance cover provided by Motability ceases upon purchase, requiring the new owner to arrange their own private vehicle insurance. Similarly, the responsibility for Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) shifts from Motability to the individual owner. Regular servicing, maintenance, and any necessary repairs, including for existing adaptations, become the owner’s financial and logistical obligation. Any remaining manufacturer’s warranty may transfer to the new owner, but this should be confirmed with the manufacturer or dealership.