Motability grant

[Brainmuddled]

I have just been awarded a grant towards my next mobility car which is fantastic news , they have given me a grant amount towards the advanced payment and 2 cars to choose from. I’m extremely grateful for the help but wondered if I had to stick to these 2 choices or I could look around at other models too.
I had found a car that would be perfect and meet all my needs but I’d need to add a little extra to, my mum offered to help but I’m not sure if this is allowed .

Bump

Were these cars unsuitable for your needs? We were able to select from a few cars for the grant they awarded us

We did that. The one we wanted that suited dd better cost about a grand more then the grant. So we had to top it up.
As its adapted vehicle its worth it as you can normally extend the time and we will have it for 7 years.

Great thank you, how did you go about it? I’m just worried the grant could be withdrawn as my mum is offering help but she’s only offering the extra to help me to try to get one perfect for me to continue driving.

Give Motability a ring and ask them

Nobody cares where the extra payment comes from. I paid £2400 for mine and put £1000 on a family members credit card and paid the rest from my account. They didn't ask, just wanted it to be paid. It's not like a mortgage where you have to explain where it's come from.

As for the model, they will have looked at your needs, the value of the grant etc and decided on those two cars as most suitable long term. I'm assuming you have had a proper driving assessment? They often feed directly into the decision. They want you to extend your lease to ( I think) 7 years to make the most of the grant etc.

I’ve not had a driving assessment, I’m on my second motability car and it’s been fantastic but unfortunately I don’t think I can drive much longer without changing to an Automatic car. I got a letter from the grants team which states the amount awarded but it only lists the 2 choices on it.

If you don't mind me asking, what are the adaptations you need? I paid for a private driving assessment, think it was £100 ? They told me my best seating height, what simple things I needed like a swivel pad and a steering ball. I also needed an automatic. Then with that information I narrowed down the cars that were suitable and choose from those.

Looking at their website, I think if you can top it up yourself it will affect your grant.
www.motability.org.uk/contact/faqs/will-i-be-means-tested-for-a-charitable-grant

I didn't need any grant to get an automatic, I just chose one. They are more expensive but it's been totally life changing for me to have an auto. I've got a Tiguan rline now and adore it. Perfect height, Ali the bells and whistles etc.

I had ideally needed a larger car as I have 3 teens plus my dog and wheelchair when we travel at weekends. My head is completely muddled with it all today so think I’ll take a fresh look tomorrow at it all