Used Handicap Vans |
Buying a brand new handicap van is great because it provides you with many benefits like financing rates, first and only owner bragging rights, and dependability among others. All these added benefits however come with a price tag, and sometimes it is just too high for you to afford. The solution is to look at more affordable and dependable used handicap vans to service your needs.
What to Look for in Used Handicap Vans
You must remember that buying used wheelchair accessible vans does not necessarily mean that you are giving up quality. Many used vans for sale provide almost the same amenities as their brand new counterparts and for less than half the price. What is important when considering used handicap accessible vans is to know what to look for to get the best value for your money.Long Channel Rear Entry
Used handicap vans that feature a long channel rear entry design normally allow access directly from the back of the front passenger (or driver) seat up to the end of the vehicle. This type of design is ideal for transporting multiple wheelchairs in a single handicap accessible vehicle. It is likewise ideal for ambulatory transportation, while maintaining sturdiness in the rear suspension to support the additional weight coming from the wheelchair bound passengers. American Mobility Solution gives you one of the best choices in this design which can be found in Chrysler Town & Country, Volkswagen Routan, or Dodge Grand Caravan vans.Auto Kneel System
Considering the limited mobility of persons with disability, it is beneficial to look for a used handicap van that has an auto kneel system like the Toyota Sienna Ramp van designed by BraunAbility. Vans with used conversions that include this feature make it easier for the disabled person to get in and out of the wheelchair van. This is because the kneeling system features an auto lowering rear suspension function that kicks into place while the van door is open. In terms of benefit to person in a wheelchair, this function reduces the slope of the ramp making it more accessible especially for manual wheelchair units.Turning Automotive Seating
The revolutionary turning automotive seating is a relatively new technology that increases the mobility in handicap accessible vans. This technology promoted by The Mobility Resource allows for easier access to the wheelchair bound handicap. The swivel car seat delivers easier access to the vehicle while providing the same amount of ease when disembarking.Normally operated using a handheld control, the seat can be lowered or raised outside the van making it easier to transfer to and from the wheelchair. This feature delivers benefits to any used handicap vehicle with average ground clearance, as well as those with higher clearances. For higher vehicles, the seat is intended to rotate out of the van and down to a level that is near the ground. This eliminates the need for the person with disability to twist and turn in order to get out or into the wheelchair van. This is a useful feature to look for in wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Hand Controlled Adaptive Equipment
Hand controlled adaptive equipment is something to look for in a used wheelchair accessible van especially if the handicap plans to do some driving. Installation of these types of products into used van conversions will allow the handicap driver to operate the van using a hand controlled accelerator and brake panels. This provides the alternative to something that they cannot do with their feet. These are purely mechanical devices that are made up of wire or rod links with one end attached to the conventional brake and gas pedals of the vehicle. In normal operation when you push the hand control forward, the vehicle will brake while corresponding actions will activate the van’s accelerator.Other Important Considerations
Other amenities to look for in used handicap vans to deliver the best mobility and travel comfort possible at a price you can afford include power steering, air conditioning, power locks, outside access controls, and specialized seatbelts that are intended to secure the wheelchairs in place while travelling. These amenities are commonly found in most wheelchair vans but it is still wise to check if they are installed before deciding to buy a used handicap accessible vehicle.You also need to check on the warranty provided with your used wheelchair van. Some distributors do not include warranty for used vans only for brand new ones. It is important to find a distributor of handicap accessible vans that provide warranty and have their own service centers to make it easier on you to bring it in for repairs. You must also get explicit details on what the warranty covers (including installation of add-ons) and if they can help you secure additional insurance coverage for the adaptive mobility systems you have in your used handicap van.
Take into consideration your lifestyle. Your lifestyle or the way how you are going to use the handicap van will play a role on your decision making process. If you do not really need that much storage space or usually travel in small groups, then a minivan would be just right for you. Stay away from full size vans as they may give you additional expenses to worry about in the future.
There are also distributors of used handicap vans that provide the buyer with alternatives that are comparable to purchasing brand new units. California Used Handicap Vans reportedly delivers that ‘like-new’ feeling when you get into their used van units. They also provide affordable financing schemes for the used wheelchair vehicle buyer.
Financing terms can be very flexible depending on what you can afford and can last as long as 10 years with minimum interest. They also give you the option of trading or selling your current wheelchair accessible van to get a newer model with more amenities. Overall, do not forget your main purpose in buying a used handicap accessible vehicle because this will help you decide which one is best to fit your needs and your budget.
