Used Wheelchair Vans: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Purchasing used wheelchair vans is no different than purchasing any used car. While new vehicles are often advertised better vehicles, this is not always the case. Used wheelchair vans play a great role in cutting costs and increasing the mobility of the people using the wheelchair. However, knowing what to look for in used wheelchair vans is vital to the purchasing of a great van and avoiding the lemons on the market.
First, buyers must decide what are options are vital, and which are unnecessary. If the handicapped individual has a valid license and plans on driving, he or she must find a used van modified for that purpose. These options often increase the costs of the used wheelchair vans significantly, but if the option is important, then it is worth these added costs. When the buyer decides on this feature, he or she must ensure that all of the steering, breaking and acceleration features operate properly and with easy before he or she purchases a van. These aspects of the van should be inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic, and the buyer should never simply take the word of the previous owner or sales associate. If the handicapped individual does not have a driver’s license, however, than this feature is unnecessary and not worth the cost.
Despite the need of the driving feature, the ability to get into used wheelchair vans is very important. If the van is too high, it might pose the problem of being to hard to steer the wheelchair into. This also becomes an issue if the van is too short with the rear seats too far forward. If the door does not open wide enough, there may not be enough room to steer into or if the van is not tall enough, the wheelchair occupant risks striking his or her head on the doorframe or ceiling. All of these issues need to be evaluated. Occasionally, normal vans are converted into wheelchair vans without all of the proper conversions. This is something potential buyers must watch for when shopping for used wheelchair vans.
Another impressive feature buyers can look for is the ability for the handicapped person to ride up front. This can be done with easy-to-remove seats for the passenger side. This is an ideal option for couples where one is disabled and the other is not, or if both individuals are disabled. Those who are not handicapped often take for granted the joy and freedom riding in the front passenger seat. Many new wheelchair vans have this feature, but it is not unreasonable to look for it in used wheelchair vans, since owners trade their own vans in often for any number of reasons. A used van is not always an old van. Safety is another vital aspect to remember when shopping for used wheelchair vans. Buyers should be sure to check all tie-down points for damage. Through the wear and tear of everyday life, the straps and anchor points can become damaged and worn. If this is the case, buyers should check how much it would take to repair the damage before purchasing the van. If the damage is extensive, it may belie a more serious problem; as with all used vehicle purchases, buyers must be sure to have the engine and transmission checked out by a professional before purchasing. The wheelchair accessibility may be great, but if the used wheelchair vans never run, they are not worth the money.
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