When it comes to vehicle adaptations, your car dealer will advise on suitable vehicles and help arrange test drives, process your order and coordinate logistics from the factory to your home. Here are some tips for getting the best out of your experience with your dealership.
Do your homework
Before heading to your dealer, it's worth spending time on motability.co.uk to explore what adaptations are available. You'll find guides explaining what each adaptation does, how it functions and which vehicles it suits best. Consider booking a Driving Mobility assessment to help you understand what's suitable for your physical requirements before you start speaking to a dealer.
Talk to an expert
Use the 'Find an Installer' tool on motability.co.uk to see who your local adaptations installer is. They can offer demonstrations or chat through your needs to suggest what might work best for you. Adaptations Manager Dale Groves says: "Our installers are specialists in adaptations - they're the best people to help you understand what will really make your vehicle work for you."
Be in the know
Your dealer is there to help with the Motability application and to guide you through the car-choosing process. But the more you know about your needs, the easier it is for them to make sure you get the right car. Bring along notes, pictures or printouts of the adaptations you're interested in and any recommendations from your installer or assessor. That way, you can take the lead on your physical requirements, and your dealer can focus on matching you with the right car and managing your application.
Try before you decide
You can also test drive cars fitted with adaptations at Motability Scheme Live events, held around the UK every year. It's a great way to get hands-on experience before you choose. And the Motability Scheme YouTube channel is full of videos showing how different adaptations work and what might suit you.
Key takeaway
The more information you take to your dealer, the better the experience you'll have. Between Driving Mobility, your installer and the Motability Scheme website, there's a whole network ready to help you make confident decisions about your next vehicle.
