Fuel And Motability Cars: What's The Deal?

do motability cars come with fuel

Motability cars do not come with fuel as standard, but it is possible to negotiate with the dealer to include a full tank of fuel as part of the deal. Some people have reported receiving their Motability car with varying amounts of fuel, ranging from just above the red line to a full tank. It is worth noting that fuel costs are the responsibility of the driver, and the type of fuel will depend on the type of car and your typical journeys.

Characteristics Values
Fuel included with Motability cars No, you will have to pay for your fuel. However, some dealers may offer a full tank of fuel as part of a deal.
Fuel type options Petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric cars are available.
Mileage allowance Up to 60,000 miles over three years.
Excess mileage charge 5p per extra mile if you go over the mileage allowance.

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Motability car fuel allowances

The Motability Scheme offers a wide range of vehicles, from petrol and diesel to electric and hybrid cars. The type of fuel and mileage vary depending on the make and model of the car chosen.

For example, the Vauxhall Corsa, one of the UK's best-selling cars, offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine that balances economy and acceleration. An electric version, the Corsa-e, is also available with no upfront cost. The Seat Arona, a small SUV, provides a good fuel economy rating of up to 48mpg. The Citroen C3, a rival to the Ford Fiesta, offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a fuel economy of around 45mpg.

It is important to note that while some cars may be covered entirely by the allowance, such as the Ford Fiesta and the Hyundai i10, you will still need to pay for your fuel. The mileage allowance for Motability cars is up to 60,000 miles over three years, with an additional charge of 5p per mile if you exceed this limit.

When it comes to taking delivery of your Motability car, it seems that the amount of fuel provided may vary. Some dealers provide a full tank of fuel, while others may only provide a partial fill or a small amount to get you started. It is always a good idea to clarify with your dealer beforehand to avoid any surprises.

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Electric cars

There are a variety of electric and hybrid car options for Motability customers, with some manufacturers offering nil-advance payments. The Motability Scheme also offers support for those choosing their first electric car, including a free home charge point and installation if you have off-street parking and permission to install one. If it is your first lease, the Motability Scheme will also provide a free subscription to the BP Pulse network of over 9,000 public charge points.

There are some drawbacks to electric cars, with the term 'range anxiety' being used to describe the concern about how many miles an electric car can travel on a single charge. The range of an electric car can be affected by temperature, driving style, and use of air conditioning. However, many electric cars can travel over 100 miles on a single charge, and the majority of daily journeys in the UK are less than 30 miles.

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Petrol cars

The Motability Scheme offers a range of petrol cars to its customers. Petrol vehicles are best suited for those who rarely drive on motorways and tend to stick to lower speeds or urban driving. Petrol usually costs a little less than diesel per litre at the pump, but diesel vehicles tend to give more miles per gallon (MPG).

Some of the petrol cars available through the Motability Scheme include the Ford Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa, and the Citroen C3. The Ford Fiesta is one of the cars covered entirely by the allowance, meaning the only cost needed to pay will be for fuel. The Vauxhall Corsa offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which balances economy and acceleration. The Citroen C3 offers fuel economy of around 45mpg from its 1.2-litre petrol engine, and both manual and automatic gearboxes are available with no money down.

It is important to note that you will have to pay for your fuel and you will have a mileage allowance of up to 60,000 miles over three years. If you go over this limit, you will be charged 5p for every extra mile at the end of the term.

Additionally, with the rise in petrol prices, some drivers are considering switching to electric cars. The Motability Scheme offers a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.

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Diesel cars

If you frequently drive in built-up areas with low speed limits, a diesel car may not be the best option for you. Diesel cars tend to be more suitable for driving at higher speeds, typically 40 mph or above, and when the fuel tank is more than a quarter full. If you primarily do short or stop-start trips, your diesel vehicle may not reach the required temperature for regeneration, and the DPF warning light may illuminate. This indicates that you need to change your driving style to allow for regeneration.

It's worth noting that diesel vehicles are subject to additional charges in certain areas. For example, there is currently a mandatory charge of £12.50 for most diesel vehicles entering central London, and similar clean air zones are expected to be implemented in other cities. However, almost all Motability Scheme vehicles are compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards, making them exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges.

When considering a diesel vehicle, it's important to think about your driving habits and choose the most suitable engine type. Additionally, you can refer to the official fuel economy figures for each model you're considering to make an informed decision.

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Hybrid cars

While there is no explicit information on whether Motability cars come with fuel, some sources suggest that the cars may come with varying amounts of fuel, ranging from a full tank to an almost empty tank.

There are several hybrid cars available on the Motability Scheme. Here are some of the top picks for 2024:

  • Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi 48V MHD SE Connect 5dr 2WD DCT: This car is a spacious, mild hybrid with features like lane departure warning, parking camera, and parking sensors.
  • Nissan X-Trail E Power 204 Connecta Xtronic: This car is a sports utility vehicle with electrically driven front wheels and a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 8 seconds and is quieter than many of its rivals.
  • Corolla Touring Sports: This is a proper estate car with a hybrid power pack. It offers decent back-seat passenger space and a generous boot. It has good fuel economy, estimated at 60 mpg, and is smooth and pleasant to drive.
  • Sportage: This car is available as a plug-in hybrid, but the mild hybrid variant is less expensive and handles better due to its lighter weight. It offers generous interior space for five adults and their belongings, along with a comprehensive equipment list.
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid Wheelchair Van: This innovative hybrid vehicle is designed for wheelchair users and their caregivers, combining functionality, convenience, and style. It offers impressive accessibility features, a spacious interior, and an estimated fuel efficiency of 36 MPG for both city and highway driving.

It is important to note that while these hybrid vehicles offer an environmentally conscious choice, they may have different driving dynamics or require different maintenance considerations compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the dealer. Some people have reported receiving their Motability car with a full tank of fuel, while others have received their car with only a small amount of fuel or even running on fumes. It is worth negotiating with the dealer, as they may be willing to provide a full tank of fuel or a fuel allowance as part of the deal.

Yes, you are responsible for paying for fuel with a Motability car. The only cost you will need to pay for some cars is fuel, while others may require an advanced payment on top of fuel costs.

Motability offers a range of fuel types, including petrol, diesel, and electric. The type of fuel you use will depend on the car you choose and your driving habits. For example, if you mostly drive in urban areas, an electric car or a petrol car may be a better option than a diesel car.

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