Buying any vehicle can be tough. Choosing the right mobility friendly vehicle is even harder. This article will offer some helpful tips for drivers who want to invest in a high-quality, mobility friendly van anywhere in the country.
Buy from a Trusted Dealer
It’s never a good idea to buy a new or used accessible vehicle from a third-party seller or one who sells many types of vehicles. Instead, find a trustworthy dealer who specializes in mobility friendly vans and SUVs. Visit www.unitedaccess.com to find out about one dealership that fits the bill.
Lift or Lowered?
There are two options for drivers who need easy access for wheelchairs when they’re looking for a van for private or commercial use. They can purchase a vehicle with a lowered floor and a folding ramp or buy larger vans that feature wheelchair lifts. Both are good options, although vans with lifts offer easier access.
Wheelchair Compatibility
Whether they opt for lowered vans or vans with lifts, drivers should make sure they’re only looking at vehicles that will be compatible with their wheelchairs. If vehicle shoppers have the wheelchairs handy, they can measure the chairs’ dimensions and then check the specifications of the ramp or lift. Don’t hesitate to ask the dealer about conversion options.
Understand the Difference Between Wants and Needs
Drivers always have a list of features they want in vehicles, whether they’re mobility friendly or not, and that list is usually longer than the list of features they’ll really need. Consider functional features like whether the van’s seats can be folded down and whether the vehicle has power sliding doors, and think about which of the options will be most useful.
Once they’ve made lists of all the must-have features they’re looking for, drivers can start considering extra features that would make their vans even better. If they intend on spending a lot of time on the road with their families, they might want to look for TVs and DVD players. If they want extra touches of luxury, they can look for sunroofs and leather seats, but these features belong in the “nice-to-have” category, not the “absolutely necessary” one.
Ask Plenty of Questions
A mobility friendly vehicle is a serious investment. This is especially true if drivers opt for a van with a wheelchair lift. Drivers should never feel uncomfortable asking questions, and if they find that their dealers are unable or unwilling to answer them with confidence, they should consider shopping elsewhere.
Establish a Budget
Look into options prior to establishing a budget. Mobility accessible vans are more expensive than their unaltered alternatives, but there may be grants or financing available for qualified drivers.
Take Some Time
Don’t just buy the first van that becomes available in the area. Instead, devote some extra time to investigating options and deciding what model will best suit the passenger’s needs. Keep in mind that online retailers often offer a better selection of mobility friendly vehicles than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, and take advantage of that.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right mobility friendly vehicle can take a while, so don’t rush into anything. Instead, spend plenty of time exploring options at a reputable online or in-person dealership, ask plenty of questions about individual vans and features, and make sure that the model drivers choose will accommodate passengers and their wheelchairs safely and comfortably.
