The lows & highs of sorting out my first Motability car!

BrettW

Back in October I had my PIP review and was happy to discover that my PIP mobility had been upgraded from standard to enhanced so I decided that I was going to apply for a mobility car instead of taking the money.

The first thing I had to do was send my license back to DVLA to update my address and remove my category D from the license as I have no intention of ever driving buses again due to my condition and my D class was expired anyway.

Here is where the low of applying for my new mobility car ensued. DVLA in their ultimate wisdom decided to incorrectly submit my licence to their medical department because it was categorised as a class 2 licence (even though on my form I had specifically asked for the removal of class D). For nearly 2 months my license sat in their medical department doing nothing and it took them 5 weeks just to send me a medical form out to fill in to tell them that I was perfectly fit to drive!)

DVLA also do not update change of addresses until after a decision from medical has been decided so for 7 weeks my Motability application was stalled as Motability couldn't action my license because it was showing the wrong address and expiry date even though DVLA themselves admitted I qualified to drive under section 88 but there was 'nothing they could do' to just change my address over so that Motability could proceed!

Long story stort last friday the DVLA finally decided that I was OK to drive and their system was now showing I have a 10 year license and the correct address so i booked an appointment with my local Vauxhall Motability specialist from which I have just returned.

I initially wanted a manual Vauxhall Mokka Ultimate and Nigel (the extremely pleasant and helpful mobility specialist) informed me that build times on the Mokka are currently 4-6 months. Nigel then asked me if I would only consider a manual to which I said I would consider an automatic if one became available. To my utter delight Nigel then proceeded to tell me that he currently has an automatic in the build queue that would significantly cut down the delivery time and not only that it was in the colour that want!

Result of the story is that my new Motability car is now on order and barring any unforseen setbacks I should be receiving my new Vauxhall Mokka 1.2 Turbo Ultimate in Arctic White at the beginning of Feb

poppy123456

That's great news. I really like the new shape of the Mokka since they changed it. I've not personally test drove any of them though. 

If you have a physical condition, you may find the auto better than the manual. I changed to an auto about 7 or 8 years ago and would never go back.

Fingers crossed there's no delays with delivery. I hope you enjoy it when you do collect it! Love that new car smell

66Mustang

Glad to hear it worked out in the end.

As Poppy says, unless you are really into your driving and do it for fun, which I appreciate not many people do, an automatic tends to be better in literally every way - more economical, smoother, faster, easier, etc. etc. etc.

Enjoy the new car  

Rosie_Scope

That's great news, thanks for sharing. Hope it all goes smoothly and you can get out and about driving in February!

2oldcodgers

66Mustang said:

Glad to hear it worked out in the end.

As Poppy says, unless you are really into your driving and do it for fun, which I appreciate not many people do, an automatic tends to be better in literally every way - more economical, smoother, faster, easier, etc. etc. etc.

Enjoy the new car  

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

Rosie_Scope

It's all up to you, how you drive and what you want to get out of your driving experience, so I'm sure everyone has a different opinion  

Personally, I just drive to get me from A to B in a slightly less painful way than public transport, and if I had the opportunity to drive automatic I think I would. But to each their own! 

poppy123456

2oldcodgers said:

66Mustang said:

Glad to hear it worked out in the end.

As Poppy says, unless you are really into your driving and do it for fun, which I appreciate not many people do, an automatic tends to be better in literally every way - more economical, smoother, faster, easier, etc. etc. etc.

Enjoy the new car  

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

Some of us have disabilities that prevent us from driving a manual and I’m one of them. Many autos these days are just as good as a manual. I would also choose MPG over speed any day of the week. 

WelshBlue

2oldcodgers said:

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

A Mokka 1.2 Ultimate is hitting 136 bhp ... hardly chugging.  More than enough for long journeys, get yourself out of trouble and a bit of fun.

Modern cars are so different with less cylinders, less litres but improved performance.  Before switching for a Hyundai 130N which is a beast my daughter had a 1.4 VW Golf R Line.   That little thing far out performed many 2 litres I had in the past

Enjoy your new car @BrettW ,,, new Mokka's are so much smexier than the older versions

Jimm_Scope

Find it very odd the DVLA couldn't just update your address, but glad it all got sorted in the end.

Have you thought about where you'd like to go when you first get the car @BrettW ?

BrettW

2oldcodgers said:

66Mustang said:

Glad to hear it worked out in the end.

As Poppy says, unless you are really into your driving and do it for fun, which I appreciate not many people do, an automatic tends to be better in literally every way - more economical, smoother, faster, easier, etc. etc. etc.

Enjoy the new car  

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

You're a little bit behind the times here @2oldcodgers. As stated above the Mokka pushes 136 bhp and is extremely nippy, even more so if you stick it in sports mode. Gone are the days when smaller engines and automatics limped along.

I'm having the car to get me from A to B and the occasional trip down the motorway from Rotherham to the Midlands to visit my son and this car is more than adequate for that.

I see no reason to need a 'high performance BMW series 3'. With todays roads and limitiations whats the point apart from a 'posing' standpoint to impress the neighbours lol.

Having done a lot of research on the Mokka and watching a lot of car reviews the consensus seems to be that the automatic version of the car is actually a more pleasurable drive than the manual version. The car has a very capacle turbo engine, front and rear cameras, all round sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, parking assist, Intelli-led automatic headlight system, heated seats and steering wheel, driver seat massage function, full infotainment system including satnav... the list goes on... What can a BMW series 3 give me above that apart from a larger fuel bill and posing?

BrettW

Jimm_Scope said:

Find it very odd the DVLA couldn't just update your address, but glad it all got sorted in the end.

Have you thought about where you'd like to go when you first get the car @BrettW ?

The problem was @Jimm_Scope that I have the class D category on my license (I'm an ex-bus driver) so my license is classed as category 2 (professional driver) rather than category 1 which is what a normal car driver has. DVLA treat category 2 licenses differently and they require a different form when altering details (D2 instead of D1). Because my D class had expired it automatically triggered the license to be sent to DVLA's medical department even though I had requested the removal of the D class on the D2 form.

DVLA don't make any other alterations to a license until it has gone through their medical department and also on their online portal where you can check a license it shows the old address until it has gone through medical as they can't / won't update the address until then.

The DVLA medical department is notorious for taking a long time to sort out anything and the two months I waited is actually a quick turnaround for them as some people can wait 12+ months for them to sort out licenses. The DVLA and in particular their medical department were heavily criticised for this by a parliamentary committee earlier in the year and the only reason my license was sorted out quickly was because I literally harrassed them on an almost daily basis to get my license sorted so I could finish off my Motability applicattion

BrettW

WelshBlue said:

2oldcodgers said:

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

A Mokka 1.2 Ultimate is hitting 136 bhp ... hardly chugging.  More than enough for long journeys, get yourself out of trouble and a bit of fun.

Modern cars are so different with less cylinders, less litres but improved performance.  Before switching for a Hyundai 130N which is a beast my daughter had a 1.4 VW Golf R Line.   That little thing far out performed many 2 litres I had in the past

Enjoy your new car @BrettW ,,, new Mokka's are so much smexier than the older versions

The new style Mokka is indeed very eye-catching with its ultr-modern design. I've even ordered it in Arctic White because it gives it a 'Stormtrooper' look

BrettW

WelshBlue said:

2oldcodgers said:

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

A Mokka 1.2 Ultimate is hitting 136 bhp ... hardly chugging.  More than enough for long journeys, get yourself out of trouble and a bit of fun.

Modern cars are so different with less cylinders, less litres but improved performance.  Before switching for a Hyundai 130N which is a beast my daughter had a 1.4 VW Golf R Line.   That little thing far out performed many 2 litres I had in the past

Enjoy your new car @BrettW ,,, new Mokka's are so much smexier than the older versions

The new style Mokka is indeed very eye-catching with its ultr-modern design. I've even ordered it in Arctic White because it gives it a 'Stormtrooper' look

WelshBlue

BrettW said:

The new style Mokka is indeed very eye-catching with its ultr-modern design. I've even ordered it in Arctic White because it gives it a 'Stormtrooper' look

I must admit to not being a lover of SUV's-  mini or Chelsea Tractors looks wise but the MOKKA and Toyota C-HR ... well I wouldn't put a paper bag on my head to drive one 

My wife loves them ... more so big pickups, whereas I'm a low to the ground lover
The Mokka does look stunning in white and the DRL give it a nice menacing look.

Safe and happy motoring ... let us know if you chug or nip around ... 

2oldcodgers

BrettW said:

2oldcodgers said:

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

You're a little bit behind the times here @2oldcodgers. As stated above the Mokka pushes 136 bhp and is extremely nippy, even more so if you stick it in sports mode. Gone are the days when smaller engines and automatics limped along.

I'm having the car to get me from A to B and the occasional trip down the motorway from Rotherham to the Midlands to visit my son and this car is more than adequate for that.

I see no reason to need a 'high performance BMW series 3'. With todays roads and limitiations whats the point apart from a 'posing' standpoint to impress the neighbours lol.

Having done a lot of research on the Mokka and watching a lot of car reviews the consensus seems to be that the automatic version of the car is actually a more pleasurable drive than the manual version. The car has a very capacle turbo engine, front and rear cameras, all round sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, parking assist, Intelli-led automatic headlight system, heated seats and steering wheel, driver seat massage function, full infotainment system including satnav... the list goes on... What can a BMW series 3 give me above that apart from a larger fuel bill and posing?

No doubt it does when pulling away from standing still! All of my previous cars have been BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover & Mercedes. It has nothing to do with posing but more to do with how the car moves and drives on the road.
With engines in the 2000 - 3000cc range with a turbo there is no effort at all in driving on the road. At 70 the engines tick over just over 1000rpm. It's the pulling power as I call it when driving knowing that the car will leap forward to overtake what is in front of you safely. Personally I hate having to sit behind a car  at 35mph when the limit is 60mph. The power surge will get me in front and moving off at the speed limit in an instant. Then there is the quiet inside the car at 70mph on a motorway listening to some peaceful background music and being able to talk to the passengers without having to raise my voice.  
What can a BMW give me? Quality & Performance.

Why worry about the extra fuel costs when you arrive as fresh as you started after a 300 mile non stop journey - what are we talking about? Maybe an extra £5/£10 for a long journey.

Here is an independent review of the Hyundai.

Honest John states that the i30 is a solid and sensible (if unexciting) family hatchback. It’s refined, well-made and generously equipped, but it lacks the style and polish of newer rivals. The car is comfortable and refined, has a spacious boot, impressive petrol engines, and a good level of standard safety equipment.

noman

What has a Hyundai review got to do with a Mokka which is Vauxhall?

WelshBlue

@2oldcodgers not sure why you're bringing Hyundai into the equation ... Brett is getting a Vauxhall 

If it's my reference to the i30N ... it's chalk and cheese to the bog standard i30.

280 bhp with the option to re-map to340+  ...0 -60 in 6 seconds.  Believe me it eats a lot of cars.  BMW's, Mercs etc included. When my daughter took me for a spin the G-Force is insane. 140mph and wanting to pull more before she slackened off.  

I can only deduce you're not a big car person, or else you would know the capabilities of modern engines.

The right configuration on a modern 1.2 would performance shame a 1.8  from not so long ago

noman

Once again 2oldcodgers is full of the proverbial!

BrettW

@2oldcodgers and you've no experience of the Mokka at all so know absolutely nothing about how quiet it is internally (something that is actually mentioned a lot by the reviewers who have actually driven the car and therefore have an informed opinion on the subject) 

I could easily have picked a BMW, etc but considering the Mokka offers me all the features I'm looking for in a car and after having driven one know how comfortable and quiet they are I see absolutely no reason to pick a BMW solely on the misguided assumption that it is somehow 'better'. None of the BMW's can offer me anything above what I need and get with the top of the range Mokka and only offer higher running costs. I don't feel the need to be paying more to run a car just to give myself the false illusion that I somehow drive a 'better' car  

poppy123456

2oldcodgers said:

BrettW said:

2oldcodgers said:

Don't agree.
In today's world it's about as boring as it gets if driving an automatic 1200cc car.
Even if you are not a fun driver the difference between say a high performance 3 series BMW in manual form when compared to a 'little chugger' is like comparing chalk with cheese.
I used to drive up to Newcastle regularly on the revamped A1, a distance of over 300 miles non stop. The drive was quiet with very little noise from the engine or the road. It felt safe even at high speeds and arriving there totally relaxed . Ask me to do the same journey in a 1200cc automatic car and I would sooner go by train. 

You're a little bit behind the times here @2oldcodgers. As stated above the Mokka pushes 136 bhp and is extremely nippy, even more so if you stick it in sports mode. Gone are the days when smaller engines and automatics limped along.

I'm having the car to get me from A to B and the occasional trip down the motorway from Rotherham to the Midlands to visit my son and this car is more than adequate for that.

I see no reason to need a 'high performance BMW series 3'. With todays roads and limitiations whats the point apart from a 'posing' standpoint to impress the neighbours lol.

Having done a lot of research on the Mokka and watching a lot of car reviews the consensus seems to be that the automatic version of the car is actually a more pleasurable drive than the manual version. The car has a very capacle turbo engine, front and rear cameras, all round sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, parking assist, Intelli-led automatic headlight system, heated seats and steering wheel, driver seat massage function, full infotainment system including satnav... the list goes on... What can a BMW series 3 give me above that apart from a larger fuel bill and posing?

Here is an independent review of the Hyundai.

Honest John states that the i30 is a solid and sensible (if unexciting) family hatchback. It’s refined, well-made and generously equipped, but it lacks the style and polish of newer rivals. The car is comfortable and refined, has a spacious boot, impressive petrol engines, and a good level of standard safety equipment.

I think you may have got a little confused when you posted this comment. The thread is about a Mokka, not a Hyundai.

I test drove a BMW X1 and X2 in 2019 before i ordered my Peugeot 3008 and i hated everything about it. It was the most uncomfortable car i'd ever driven and by the end of the test drive my legs were hurting so bad, i could hardly walk. The test drive was only 20 minutes so i can't even begin to image what i would be like after a 300 mile non stop journey. Thanks, but no thanks....

BrettW

@poppy123456 before my health issues my job was basically picking up and delivering cars all over the UK. 

Of all the high end cars I drove I found BMW to be one of the most uncomfortable brands of all to drive.

Yes they didn't look too bad from the outside and the interiors were always well designed for their price they tended to lack a lot of the features and comforts of cars of other manufacturers