The global car market has changed a lot in the last few years and faced a number of challenges. We get lots of questions about this and what it means when ordering a new car on the Motability Scheme.
To help you, we’ve pulled together the answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
Please speak to your dealer directly if your question is about a vehicle you’ve already ordered or are thinking of ordering.
Contents
What’s happening in the new car market?
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What’s changing? |
Manufacturers are focusing more attention on electric vehicles (EVs) to meet new regulations. This means there are fewer petrol and diesel cars in the market, making them more expensive to buy.
Rising costs for materials and components have also made it more expensive to build all types of new cars. However, the good news is that delivery times are improving compared to recent years, as supply chains recover from the shortages seen during the pandemic.
But delivery times are generally much quicker than in the last couple of years. Some models might take slightly longer than others, but this depends on the make and model you’re interested in.
Find out more about how the new car market is changing
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How these market changes affect cars and pricing on the Scheme? |
Because there are fewer petrol and diesel cars available in the market, they’re more expensive to get on the Scheme. So, you might notice Advance Payments have increased on some of these cars.
We’re also seeing other costs increase across across the lease package. Things like tyres, insurance and repairs have all risen, which also has an impact on Advance Payments.
We’re doing everything we can to make sure we offer great value despite these challenges. We’re still cheaper on average than leasing elsewhere and have a wide range of cars to choose from,while offering the reassurance of our all-inclusive lease package.
The range of available vehicles is also evolving. As more manufacturers prioritise electric and hybrid cars, customers are starting to see more of these options added to the Scheme.
Visit here for the latest prices. Or find out more about how we set our prices.
If you’re looking to order a new car on the Motability Scheme, our ‘Find a vehicle’ tool has the most up-to-date information for the cars currently available on the Scheme. We’ve recently improved this tool, so it’s even easier for you to narrow down your options, compare cars and see what’s new.
Learn more about the Motability Scheme
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Ordering a car
Did you know?
If you’re a car or WAV customer looking to join the Scheme or order your next car, you can start your application online in your Motability Scheme online account.
This helps your dealer spend more time guiding you through your options, which is especially useful in today’s market, where supply and delivery times can vary.
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When to start looking and why timing matters in today’s market? |
If you’re looking to order your first car on the Scheme, we’d recommend you start your search as soon as you can. Delivery times can vary between makes and models, so it’s worth speaking to a few different dealers. You might find that a similar car from a different manufacturer is available sooner.
If you’re already on the Scheme, you can order your next car three months before the end of your current lease. If you’ve extended your lease, you do not need to wait until it ends to place a new order.
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I’m unable to test drive my next car, what should I do? |
Where possible, we always recommend that you take a test drive before placing an order. You could speak to a few different dealers as you may find they each have different makes and models available to test drive.
If a test drive is not possible, check that the car you’re considering offers the comfort, access and space you’ll need for the next three years.
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The car I want is not currently on the Scheme, what can I do? |
Because manufacturers are updating their ranges more frequently and adjusting production towards electric and hybrid vehicles, some models may not always appear on the Scheme.
Our ‘Find a vehicle’ tool can help you discover similar cars with comparable features. You can filter by number of seats, fuel type, price range and other key features to find the best fit for your needs.
Extending your lease
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Can I keep my current car for longer? |
You’ll need to return your vehicle at the end of your lease. We recommend you start exploring your options early and apply for your next lease three months before your current one ends, so you have the best chance that your new car is ready to go when you are.
If your next vehicle is not ready in time, your lease automatically extends until your new vehicle is ready. Keep in touch with your dealer about your delivery date.
We’ll do our best to help in rare situations where extending is the only option available. For example, if you have complex adaptations that cannot be moved to your next vehicle.
If your adaptations installer confirms the adaptations cannot be transferred, give us a call and we’ll talk through your options.
If you’ve driven fewer than 20,000 miles give us a call if you need to extend to your lease. However, from 16 December 2025, we will no longer offer lease extensions based solely on low mileage. Read more here.
The Motability Scheme is designed so most people lease their car for three years, or five years if it’s a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV). Returning vehicles on time means we can keep the Scheme running smoothly. We review this regularly so we’re able to continue offering the best possible value and choice for everyone.
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What if I extend my lease, but then see a car I like? |
Even if your lease has been extended, you can order your next car at any time.
As car availability continues to improve across the market, we recommend keeping an eye on new models and ordering as soon as you find one that fits your needs.
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What happens to my car insurance if my lease is extended? |
If your lease is extended, we’ll also extend your insurance cover so you should not notice any changes. That’s one reason why the Motability Scheme remains great value and cheaper on average than leasing elsewhere. You’ll get a new Certificate of Motor Insurance from Direct Line Motability (DLM) to confirm your cover has been extended.
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Am I still covered for maintenance and repairs when I’m in a lease extension? |
You’ll still be covered for any routine maintenance or repairs including tyre repair and replacement. We’ll also extend your RAC breakdown cover, so you can stay on the road with confidence while waiting for your next car.
Breakdown assistance and cover
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Will I need another MOT if my lease is extended? |
If your lease runs beyond its original end date, you’ll still need to complete your MOT within the final three months of your extended period. We recommend booking it at least a month early to allow time for any repairs.
You’ll need a valid MOT to qualify for your Good Condition Payment, and if your extension lasts longer than a year, additional MOTs may be required.
This means if your lease is extended for two years, you might need to get another two MOT tests before you hand your vehicle back.
The cost of every MOT, including during a lease extension, is fully covered within your package.
While you’re waiting
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How can I check the progress of my order? |
The best way to track your order is through your Motability Scheme online account. Under ‘New Car Application’, you can see each step of your order and where your vehicle is in the process.
If you have a question not shown in your account, your dealer can provide the latest updates, as they receive information directly from the manufacturer.
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What if the Advance Payment of the vehicle I’ve ordered changes after I’ve placed my order? |
The Advance Payment you agree to at the time of your application is always protected, even if the model’s price changes later.
Price lists are updated quarterly, in January, April, July and October, to reflect broader market conditions such as manufacturer pricing, availability and specification updates.
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Why delivery dates can change and what’s being done to help? |
In today’s car market, manufacturers sometimes need to adjust build schedules because of supply shortages or increased demand for certain components. That means your delivery date could move more than once, even after you’ve placed your order.
If this happens, we’ll make sure your current lease is extended so that you stay mobile until your new car arrives.
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Can I cancel my order if I do not want to wait? |
You can cancel or change your order by speaking directly with your dealer. Before doing so, it’s worth checking the likely delivery times for any alternative models, as these can also vary depending on manufacturer and demand across the wider market.
Charitable grants
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Can the Motability Foundation increase my grant award so I can get a vehicle that’s ready straight away? |
Motability Foundation’s grants awards are awarded in line with set policies and after considering everything the applicant mentions during the application process.
This ensures the vehicles are suitable for their mobility needs, and the Foundation can help as many people as possible with the funds available.
With this in mind, they can only consider increasing a grant award to speed up delivery of a vehicle in exceptional circumstances, such as when the beneficiary has a life-limiting condition.
Grant decisions are made independently by the Motability Foundation and are not influenced by Motability Operations.
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Can I order a different vehicle than the ones listed on my award letter? |
No, your grant letter will include a list of suitable vehicles or vehicle categories that Motability Foundation is prepared to fund.
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Can I get a car more quickly if I cancel my grant application? |
No. Whether a car is ordered through the Motability Scheme with or without a charitable grant, or privately at a dealer, delivery times depend on the same market-wide manufacturing and supply timelines.
If you have applied to the Motability Foundation for grant assistance, your application should take up to four weeks to consider.
You can find more FAQs about charitable grants here.
Find a dealer
There are over 4,000 Motability Scheme dealers in the UK, and each has at least one Motability Scheme specialist who will provide advice on which car best suits your needs and the latest information about vehicle availability, delivery times and market changes.
If you’re looking to join the Scheme, or order your next car, find the details for your local dealers using our Find a Dealer tool.
Related articles
How the new car market is changing in 2025
Tips to help you get used to your new Motability Scheme vehicle
Everything you can do in your Motability Scheme online account
