Why You Shouldn’t Compromise on a Used Mobility Conversion Van

A mobility conversion van gives you the freedom to move around and live a more independent lifestyle. The ability to go whenever and wherever you want that most non-disabled people take for granted. And although it may be tempting to save money on a used van, it may not give you the same mobility experience as a new wheelchair van. This is because conversion vans are customized to meet the mobility needs of each wheelchair user. So, buying a used mobility van means
you’re buying something that was outfitted for someone else.

Mobility Features

When you buy a used conversion van you’re stuck with the mobility features it has (or doesn’t have). There may be less room in the van for other passengers like your family and friends. The wheelchair lift may not function well or fit your wheelchair properly making it difficult to enter and exit the vehicle. Since the vehicle was customized for someone else’s mobility needs, you may not feel as comfortable either as a driver or a passenger.

Maintenance

Since maintenance and repair costs are higher on used vehicles, you could end up spending more time in the repair shop and less time on the road than you would like. Also, there may be excessive mileage and you will inherit any issues the van may already have. This alone is worth the extra cost of buying a new conversion van.

Safety

Even if the used vehicle is mechanically sound it could have prior damage or wear and tear that may reduce the level of safety. Also, the vehicle may not have been originally converted for wheelchair use by a mobility dealer. For the safety of you and your passengers, it is best to purchase a wheelchair conversion from a special needs mobility dealer that has crash-tested its vans and meets or exceeds all federal highway safety standards and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.
Often the cost difference between a used and new conversion van is not as great as you may believe. Also, there are a variety of ways to save money on a new van and still get all the mobility features you desire. For example, buying a conversion van with a manual wheelchair lift is less expensive than a motorized lift and it is just as easy to use. Plus, mobility conversion dealers have a variety of financing and payment options available that can help make your mobility conversion van a reality.