Investing in a mobility van makes it easier to drive or to transport a loved one with physical disabilities, but it comes with a large price tag. To ensure that you make the best possible choice for your family’s needs and budget, it’s essential to devote significant time to research.
Buying a used mobility van is easier on the budget, but it requires even more research than a new one does. These tips below should help you get through the process with ease.
Tip #1: Know the Vehicle History and the Seller’s Background
Before you buy any used vehicle, it is important to understand why it’s up for sale. The seller may have gone for an upgrade or perhaps couldn’t afford to maintain the handicapped van any longer. Those are both acceptable reasons. However, you want to avoid buying from someone who is trying to unload the van because it was recently involved in an accident or the ramp or other pieces of accessible equipment aren’t functional.
Once you feel satisfied with the vehicle’s history, it’s time to learn more about who is selling it. This is true whether you’re purchasing a used wheelchair van from an auto dealership, private party, or a social service organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the mobility impaired. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that seem a bit personal if it means having the assurance that you’re making a major purchase from a reputable party. Be sure to read consumer review sites if buying from a company or a non-profit organization.
Tip #2: Understand Your Mobility Needs or Those of Your Loved One
The time to determine which features are essential in a mobility van is not when you’re already on the showroom floor. If you skip this part of the research, you may end up with more features than you need or not having the ones you do. Some things you may want to consider include how the mobility impaired person enters the van, the types of controls it comes with, how durable the lift system appears, and how securely the person in the wheelchair will be once in the vehicle. Of course, your considerations are different depending on whether that person is the driver or a passenger.
Tip #3: Ask About Warranties and Services After the Sale
Your relationship with the seller doesn’t necessarily end when you sign on the dotted line. He or she should provide you with paperwork that clearly lists all features, the selling price, state sales tax, and any other applicable costs. You also need to know that your investment will work as expected for the long haul. Be certain to ask what type of warranty comes with the vehicle, in addition to whether you have free access to emergency help if you need it.
Bonus Tip: Stick with Your Budget and Take Your Time
While your need for a handicap van may be urgent, you will likely regret buying too quickly. Make sure the used vehicle you purchase fits into your budget and meets all of your needs before making such a big decision. If anyone pressures you to make a decision quickly, it’s best to thank them for their time and move on.
We hope these tips and others get you on the right path to buying the most ideal mobility van for you or your loved one.
