Buying a Used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle: What to Check Before You Buy
Buying a used wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is a little different from buying an ordinary used car. You need to consider not only the condition of the vehicle itself, but also whether the wheelchair access, interior space and adaptations are right for the person who will use it.
A WAV can look ideal in photographs and still not be suitable once you try to get a particular wheelchair inside it.
Having helped hundreds of customers find suitable wheelchair accessible vehicles, we believe the best approach is to take your time, check the important measurements and make sure the whole vehicle works for your needs before you buy.
Start With the Person Who Will Use the WAV
The most important question isn’t which make or model you want. It is what does the wheelchair user actually need from the vehicle?
Think about:
- Who will be travelling in the vehicle?
- Will the wheelchair user remain seated in their wheelchair while travelling?
- How many other passengers need to travel?
- Is the wheelchair manual or powered?
- Will you be carrying a wheelchair or a mobility scooter?
- Does the wheelchair user need to sit in a particular position?
- Will a carer or family member need to assist with the ramp and wheelchair restraints?
These questions can narrow down the type of WAV that is likely to work for you.
Check Your Wheelchair Measurements
One of the most important things to do before buying a WAV is to measure the wheelchair.
Don’t rely solely on the fact that an advert says a vehicle is suitable for a wheelchair. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters vary considerably in size.
Ideally, measure the wheelchair with the person sitting in it, as this gives you a more realistic idea of the space required.
Important measurements include:
- Overall length
- Overall width
- Overall height
- Weight, particularly for powered wheelchairs
- Height of the wheelchair user when seated
- Position and size of the footrests
You can then compare these measurements with the WAV’s actual wheelchair access measurements.
A few centimetres can make a surprisingly big difference.
Always check your wheelchair or mobility scooter measurements before purchase.
Look at the Wheelchair Conversion, Not Just the Car
A used wheelchair accessible vehicle is made up of two important parts: the original vehicle and the wheelchair conversion.
The condition and design of the conversion are just as important as the condition of the car.
When viewing a WAV, look carefully at:
The Ramp
Check that the ramp is secure, operates correctly and is comfortable to use.
Consider:
- Ramp width
- Ramp length
- Ramp angle
- How easy it is to unfold and put away
- Whether the ramp can be operated by the person who will normally assist with the wheelchair
A ramp that is technically suitable isn’t necessarily the easiest one for every family to use.
The Lowered Floor
A lowered floor allows the wheelchair user to enter the vehicle while remaining seated in their wheelchair and provides additional headroom.
Check that the floor is in good condition and that there is no obvious damage or corrosion.
Wheelchair Restraints
The wheelchair needs to be properly secured while travelling.
Check that the restraint system is complete and that the straps, reels and buckles are in good working order.
If you are unfamiliar with the system, ask the seller to demonstrate how it works. You should be confident that you understand how the wheelchair is secured before you buy the vehicle.
Electric Winch for Loading the Wheelchair
If the WAV is fitted with an electric winch, check that it operates correctly and that the remote control works.
A winch can make a significant difference when loading a heavier wheelchair, particularly if the person assisting with the vehicle has limited strength.
Check the Internal Space
It’s easy to concentrate on whether the wheelchair will physically fit through the rear opening and forget about what happens once you’re inside the vehicle.
Think about the whole journey.
Can the wheelchair user sit comfortably?
Is there enough headroom?
Is there sufficient legroom?
Can other passengers get into their seats easily?
Can a carer reach the wheelchair user if necessary?
Where will shopping, luggage or other belongings go?
If you regularly carry other equipment, check that there is still enough usable space when everyone is travelling.
Take the WAV for a Proper Test
If possible, don’t just sit in the driver’s seat and drive the vehicle around the car park.
A short test drive should give you the opportunity to make sure you are comfortable with the vehicle and that it drives as you would expect.
It’s also important to consider how the WAV feels for the wheelchair user. If they will travel in the rear, they should ideally try the vehicle themselves before you buy.
Consider:
- Are they comfortable in their travelling position?
- Do they have a good view from the vehicle?
- Do they feel comfortable during the drive?
- Can other passengers sit comfortably where they need to?
A few minutes spent doing this can prevent an expensive mistake.
Don’t Forget It’s Still a Used Car
The wheelchair conversion is important, but you are still buying a used car as well.
Check the same things you would when buying any used car:
- Service history
- MOT history
- Tyre condition
- Brake condition
- Bodywork
- Interior condition
- Warning lights
- Engine and gearbox operation
- Timing belt requirements where applicable
- Mileage and previous use
It is also worth asking when the vehicle was last serviced and whether any maintenance is due.
Consider How You Will Use the Vehicle Every Day
A WAV needs to work for your normal life, not just for the journey home from the dealer.
Think about the places you regularly travel to.
For example:
- Shopping
- School or work
- Hospital and medical appointments
- Family days out
- Holidays
- Longer journeys
- Car parks with restricted height
- Loading and unloading at home
If you regularly carry a wheelchair and other luggage, make sure you consider how much usable storage space remains.
If you use a mobility scooter rather than a wheelchair, make sure you check that the WAV has enough space and the appropriate access for your scooter before buying.
Don’t Buy on Price Alone
Price is obviously important when buying a used WAV, but the cheapest vehicle isn’t necessarily the best value.
A WAV that doesn’t properly suit the wheelchair user can become an expensive mistake, even if you initially saved money on the purchase price.
It is usually better to find a vehicle that meets your needs and is in good condition than to compromise on accessibility simply to get a lower price.
Also consider the likely running costs, insurance, servicing and any future maintenance when comparing different vehicles.
Buying From a Specialist WAV Dealer
Buying from someone who understands wheelchair accessible vehicles can be particularly helpful if this is your first WAV.
A specialist dealer should be able to explain how the conversion works, demonstrate the ramp and restraint system, provide the important measurements and help you decide whether the vehicle is suitable for your particular requirements.
At Michael Harraway Cars, we take a straightforward approach.
We can talk through what you need from a WAV, show you how the wheelchair access and restraint systems work and give you the opportunity to check the vehicle properly before making a decision.
Every used WAV we sell is prepared before it leaves us, including a pre-delivery inspection and checks of the wheelchair accessibility equipment. We also make sure the vehicle is serviced where required and comes with our own comprehensive parts and labour warranty.
Most importantly, we would rather help you find a WAV that is genuinely suitable than sell you a vehicle that isn’t right for your needs.
Take Your Time Before Buying
There is no need to rush into buying the first WAV that looks suitable.
Bring the wheelchair user with you if possible, bring the wheelchair or mobility scooter, take measurements beforehand and ask questions.
A good WAV should make everyday journeys easier, not create new problems.
If you are looking at a particular vehicle, take your measurements with you and ask the seller for the wheelchair access measurements. Comparing the two before travelling to view the vehicle can save a wasted journey and help you concentrate on vehicles that are genuinely suitable.
Looking for a Used WAV?
Michael Harraway Cars is an independent specialist used wheelchair accessible vehicle dealer based just off the M5 at Junction 21 near Weston-super-Mare.
We stock a range of used WAVs and are happy to talk through your requirements without pressure.
If you are not sure which type of WAV would suit you, start by looking at your wheelchair measurements and thinking about how many people you need to carry. From there, it becomes much easier to narrow down the options.
View our current used wheelchair accessible vehicles or contact us if you would like help finding a WAV that suits your needs.