Chevrolet’s entry in the wheelchair van category boasts the most important features that wheelchair or scooter users require: An abundant amount of interior space, lots of extra storage and easy in-and-out access. Owners can also easily add such aftermarket accessories as running boards, driver aids and wheelchair lifts from appropriate suppliers.

The Express is also a stylish vehicle. Unlike boxy minivans, the Express cuts a dramatic figure as it zips down the highway. It may be a minivan, but it has the sleek look of a sports car.

This combination of good looks and functionality has made the Chevrolet Express Mobility Van a top seller in the wheelchair van market.

Access is a Breeze

Like the best mobility vans on the market, the Chevrolet Express makes it easy for wheelchair or scooter users to get in and out. That’s because the vehicle’s right passenger door opens approximately 44 inches wide. That’s more than enough room for most large scooters and wheelchairs.

Owners also have flexibility when it comes to the right-side passenger door. Chevrolet offers it in a 60/40 panel door configuration or as a sliding door variety.

The easy-access features don’t stop here, though. The Chevrolet Express, along with its sister vehicle the GMC Savana, are the only full-size wheelchair vans to offer driver-side 60/40 swing-out doors. This provides extra access for both cargo and passengers, though the driver-side doors only open wide enough to accommodate standard-size wheelchairs.

The vehicle’s rear-panel doors also swing open wide, 165 degrees in all. This makes it easy to store wheelchairs, scooters or their accessories.

Standard Comforts

The Express mobility van also comes with standard amenities that make the ride as comfortable as possible for passengers in wheelchairs or scooters.

This includes rear air conditioning and a supplemental heater. These features make sure that riders in the rear, which often include wheelchair users, are sitting in a comfortable environment, no matter how hot or cold it happens to be outside. The Express also controls interior temperatures in an environmentally friendly way with its solar-ray deep-tinted glass in the van’s rear side windows and back door windows. This tint prevents the glare of the sun from making the Express’ interior temperatures rise too high.

Safety

All vehicles need to be safe. But safety is even more of an issue for vans transporting wheelchair or scooter users. Fortunately, the Chevrolet Express wheelchair van not only meets federal safety standards, but beats them.

It’s not surprising, then, that the federal government has given the Express mobility van its highest frontal crash-test rating, five stars, for both the driver and front-seat passenger.

The Express relies on technology to achieve this high safety rating. The mobility van uses an array of sensors that are coupled with a master electronic control module that constantly monitors the driver’s steering. The module measures everything from steering angle to wheel speed to brake pressure. The system’s patented StabiliTrak system kicks in when it senses that one or more of the Express’ wheels are slipping. The system also switches on when it senses that the Express is slipping to its side or fishtailing.

In addition to this technology, the Express wheelchair van also comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and dynamic rear proportioning. These features work together to help drivers retain steering control in even the worst weather conditions. They do this by preventing the van’s wheels from locking up when its driver brakes hard on the most slippery of surfaces.

You have several wheelchair vans from which to choose. If you’re looking for a combination of safety, style and function, though, you should investigate a Chevrolet Express wheelchair van. It may prove to be the ideal rampvan for you and your family.

A Top Performer

The Dodge Grand Caravan has always ranked as one of the most feature-packed vehicles in the minivan industry. The good news is that you’ll enjoy most of these features, too, if you buy the wheelchair van version of the vehicle. This includes the Caravan’s anti-lock brakes, 3.3 LV-6 engine and dual sliding doors. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you can enjoy power sliding doors, power locks, rear heating and air conditioning, keyless entry and traction control. You’ll also be able to drive your converted Dodge Grand Caravan with peace of mind. That’s because the vehicle not only meets but exceeds all federally mandated crash-test safety standards. Safety is important in all vehicles, of course. But when you’re driving a wheelchair accessible van, it’s even more critical. You want to make sure your passengers are riding not only in comfort, but in absolute safety, too.

Abundant Comfort

Of course, this isn’t to say that the Grand Caravan conversion lacks in comfort. The Grand Caravan has always ranked as one of the largest minivans on the market. That remains the case with the converted version. Wheelchair or scooter users will enjoy the ample headroom and the vast amounts of interior floor space. Even with an extra-large wheelchair or scooter, there will still be plenty of room to maneuver around the Caravan’s comfortable interiors.

Making the Conversion

BraunAbility, one of the bigger manufacturers in the country’s mobility van business, has its own Dodge Grand Caravan conversion process. Odds are, if you purchase a Grand Caravan wheelchair conversion at a mobility dealer, you’ll be purchasing one designed and modified by the workers at BraunAbility. BraunAbility starts the Entervan conversion by adding a 10-inch lowered floor to the Grand Caravan’s inside. The company’s workers then assemble and install a sturdy power ramp system. With just one touch of a button, then, owners can command the ramp to extend and lower to the ground, making it easy for wheelchair and scooter riders to get into and out of the converted Grand Caravan. Wheelchair users can simply roll into the van and park in one of several positions. This includes the driver’s position, and is an amazingly simple process.

The Dodge Grand Caravan’s interior floors are covered in new carpet and rubber center flooring to prevent slips and potential injury. Wheelchair tie-downs and anchor points are included with every conversion, while the Grand Caravan’s typical rear suspension is replaced with multi-leaf springs that provide extra support.

The power wheelchair ramp features a non-slip surface. This makes it easier for caregivers to roll passengers into the van, and for wheelchair users to move themselves into and out of it with little effort. It also helps prevent any possible injuries. You’ll find a huge variety of choices when you start shopping for a wheelchair conversion van today. But few offer the many options and safety features that you’ll find in a Dodge Grand Caravan wheelchair van conversion. Yes, the Grand Caravan conversion is more expensive. But there is a reason why it’s earned a reputation as one of the top conversion vans on the market.

The engineers at BraunAbility worked with the basic Scion xB body type to create a wheelchair van that looks no different from any other passenger vehicle on the road. This is a big plus: Many wheelchair vans, while functional and reliable, fail in the looks department: They’re boxy and bland.

Even more impressive than the Scion rampvan’s aesthetics is its fuel efficiency and performance. On the road, the Scion drives like any other car, despite the extra weight it’s carrying. It’s also as quiet as most vehicles. The Scion xB Rampvan boasts good gas mileage, too, getting more than 30 miles per gallon in highway driving.

You get an extra bonus with the Scion wheelchair van: Because it’s not a full-size minivan, the xB can park in parking spots reserved for traditional cars. This is a nice feature if you’re cruising through a crowded parking lot looking for any available space.

Combine these features with a reasonable price tag – the Scion xB costs about $16,000 pre-conversion to a wheelchair accessible van – and it’s little wonder that this particular vehicle has become a popular one in the mobility van market.

Accessibility Features

The Scion xB’s conversion is a fairly typical one. The accessibility pros at BraunAbility have removed the car’s back seats, and lowered the floor immediately behind the front seats. They also cut away the car’s lower rear bumper, making it part of the hatch lid.

Of course, there’s a bi-fold ramp that when extended leads from the Scion xB’s rear to the pavement.

Wheelchair or scooter users will find that getting into and out of the Scion xB to be an extremely easy task. That’s because everything relating to access issues is automated.

You’ll simply have to press a single button to start the process: First, the car’s air springs will activate, allowing the vehicle to “kneel” closer to the ground. This allows for a lower ramp angel, making it easier for wheelchair and scooter users to make their way up the ramp and into the Scion.

Next, the Scion xB’s rear hatch will automatically lift. The wheelchair ramp will then extend from the back and rest onto the pavement. When all passengers are safely inside, another button press starts the process up again, only in reverse this time. The whole process requires little effort and no muscle on the part of owners.

Nothing’s Perfect

As comfortable and attractive as the Scion xB Rampvan may be, it’s not a perfect vehicle. The main problem is that the car is a bit too small.

Taller wheelchair users may find the headroom of the Scion lacking. The relatively small rear half of the car also makes it difficult for wheelchair or scooter users to move around comfortably.

The Scion xB also fails to allow wheelchair users to sit in their chairs in its front row. This means that these riders must be able to transport themselves, or have someone assist them, from their wheelchairs to the front passenger or driver’s seat.

The car does come with an optional power transfer seat. This seat, with the press of a button, slides out and turns so that wheelchair users can get in and out.

Many Options

Like all Scion’s the xB Rampvan comes with a host of accessories that owners can choose or disregard depending on their preferences.

Owners can select their own trim colors. They can opt for custom steering wheels. And they can upgrade to fancier interiors and seat covers.

The Scion xB also comes with plenty of standard accessories. A powerful air-conditioning system; power windows, mirrors and locks; and power steering come standard. So does a quality CD player.

There’s plenty to like about the Scion xB Rampvan. If the smaller size of this vehicle isn’t a negative for you, it might prove to the be the ideal wheelchair van for you and your family.

That’s because VMI, a nationwide provider of mobility vans, has converted this popular minivan into a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Now wheelchair users can enjoy the special features and top performance that Honda Odyssey owners have long experienced.

VMI has been creating Odyssey wheelchair conversions since 2006. The vans have only grown in popularity since then, a testament to the quality of the conversion.

Comfort and Accessibility

The engineers at VMI designed the Honda Odyssey wheelchair van, with its Northstar conversion package, so that it would retain all of the features that make the Odyssey one of the top-selling minivans in the United States. This means that the conversion version of the Odyssey displays as much power and performance while on the road. It also looks as sleek and stylish as does the traditional Honda Odyssey.

But where the conversion differs from the standard Honda Odyssey is in its accessibility features. The VMI Northstar conversion means that the Odyssey wheelchair van offers a convenient side entry and lowered floors.

Standard features of the conversion package include an 11-inch lowered floor, entry that is controlled automatically by remote control, removable front seats and a special system that allows the Odyssey to kneel closer to the pavement, something that makes getting into and out of the van even easier.

Even better, the Odyssey wheelchair van offers more interior room than does any other premium minivan on the market. This is an essential feature for wheelchair users, and ensures that they’ll have a more comfortable ride.

Loaded with features

Many wheelchair vans skimp on the features. That’s not the case with the Honda Odyssey wheelchair van. In addition to the vehicle’s roomy interiors, the Odyssey conversion features a power ramp that comes with a safety-tested non-skid surface, power doors that can also be opened manually and an emergency ramp release system to help prevent injuries.

The removable front seat bases mean that wheelchair users can ride up front if they’d like. And they can do it with ease, knowing that there is plenty of room for them to enjoy the ride from the comfort of their wheelchairs.

The Odyssey also features one of the lowest ramp angles of any wheelchair accessible van on the market. This is a feature that both wheelchair users and their caregivers will enjoy. The lower ramp angle makes it easier for wheelchair users to get into and out of the Odyssey conversion. It also requires less muscle on the part of caregivers who have to push wheelchair users into the vehicle.

Finally, the one-touch remote-control operation of the accessibility system is a wonder to behold. With just a single press of a button, owners will cause the minivan to “kneel” closer to the ground, open its accessible side doors and unfold its wheelchair ramp. Once all of the passengers are inside the vehicle, owners can start the process over again in reverse with just one more button press. It’s one of the simplest systems available.

A Long History

VMI got its start in 1987. Since then, it’s been manufacturing and distributing reliable and high-quality wheelchair accessible vehicles. The company’s product line includes domestic and import minivan conversions, full-size van conversions and platform lifts.

VMI also manufactures scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats. The goal of VMI’s engineers is to allow wheelchair and scooter users to travel in comfort and style.

The company works with several car companies to create its wheelchair vans. This includes Honday. VMI today purchases Odyssey minivans from the carmaker and then modifies them on a busy assembly line located at the company’s manufacturing facility in Phoenix.

VMI made a bit of history when it shipped its first Honda Odyssey Northstar conversion vans to mobility dealers across the country on Oct. 10 of 2006. Since then, the Odyssey wheelchair van has become one of the first choices of wheelchair users and their loved ones.

El Dorado National is one of the top companies specializing in cutaway buses and mobility vans. The Amerivan is one of its most popular mobility options. It’s not difficult to see why. The Amerivan is built to last, and is large enough to provide a comfortable ride for wheelchair and scooter users.

Safety, of course, is another priority for buyers of wheelchair vans. The Amerivan delivers here, too. The vehicle meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. Armed with this information, owners can drive it with confidence whether on short trips or that cross-country vacation.

Many Features

The engineers at El Dorado National have built in plenty of features to make their Amerivan a truly accessible vehicle. For instance, the Amerivan boasts a quick-release removable front passenger seat, an optional fold-down middle seat and a spacious rear seating area. All of this combines to make sure that the Amerivan can hold several passengers at once.

Even with extra-large wheelchairs and scooters, the Amerivan should have more than enough room to accommodate the vast majority of users.

The Amerivan is also one of the safest wheelchair accessible vans on the market, in part because its trademarked tie-down belt system, which keeps wheelchairs and scooters safely in place while you’re driving the vehicle.

This tie-down belt system, made by Q’Straint, has earned a reputation as the safest in the industry. Your chairs or scooters won’t so much as budge even when you accidentally take sharp turns.

The Amerivan shines, too, when it comes to storage space. The van’s extra layers of cargo space mean that it’s easy to store wheelchairs, scooters and any extra equipment that comes with them and still enjoy plenty of room. It’s one of the reasons why the Amerivan has been recognized as one of the most comfortable wheelchair vans currently for sale.

Safety Matters

It’s nice to have all these features. But safety is even more important. The ElDorado National Amerivan is a pioneer here, too.

First, the vehicle offers an extremely sturdy manual fold-out ramp that boasts a simple swing-out gate feature. This feature guarantees that the Amerivan’s passengers are able to access its interiors quickly and easily, with less chance of injury along the way.

The Amerivan’s interiors feature a commercial-grade non-slip flooring material made out of skid-resistant durable vinyl. Again, this significantly lessens the chance of injury among passengers.

Once it’s on the road, the Amerivan again ranks near the top when it comes to safety standards. The van has been crash-tested, and the results of these tests state that the van meets or exceeds all U.S. and Canadian motor-vehicle safety standards.

Made to last

No one wants to purchase a wheelchair van only to have to take into the shop one year later for expensive repairs. When you buy an Amerivan, the odds are good that this won’t happen to you. That’s because El Dorado National builds its Amerivan wheelchair vans with one principle in mind: It should be reliable and durable.

For proof of this, you only need to look at the Amerivan’s essential systems. The vehicle’s air-conditioning, heating and braking lines, for example, are built with tough stainless steel.

The Amerivan is so durable, its manufacturers have added a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. In case your Amerivan does experience costly problems in its first few years, then, you’ll be able to have them repaired without spending any money from your own pockets.

The technology behind wheelchair accessible vans has progressed significantly during the last five years. Rampvans are safer, more reliable and more attractive. They boast fetter fuel efficiency ratings, and they perform bettering crash-safety tests. In short, the wheelchair vans being produced today are top-of-the-line models. The Amerivan is proof of this. It’s a vehicle that you can buy with confidence.

It’s little surprise, then, that the Toyota Sienna Rampvan Conversion for disabled riders has generated the same type of positive attention.

Toyota has teamed up with BraunAbility, a manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and wheelchair vans, to create two Sienna Rampvan models: These models include the “infloor” and the “foldout” ramp versions. Both of them make it easy for passengers in wheelchairs or scooters to get into and out of the van. And they both include the same style and safety features that make the Toyota Sienna one of the more popular minivans on the market.

This particular rampvan is loaded with special features designed to make it as comfortable a ride as possible for people with mobility issues. The Braun Toyota Sienna Rampvan, for example, boasts one of the tallest door openings in the industry, according to Toyota.

It also comes with significant ground clearance and an abundance of headroom in the minivan’s center. The van beats out its competitors when it comes to floor space, too, having the widest floor on the market. Again, this provides maximum comfort for riders in scooters or wheelchairs.

Weight is no problem, either.   The Sienna Rampvan comes with a carrying capacity of 1,463 pounds with the standard conversion that includes a pair of quick-release front seats. The standard conversion adds no weight to the vehicle.

Staying on the road

Owners won’t be making frequent stops at the gas station, either. The Sienna Rampvan has a 20-galloon fuel tank. This is a change from many other rampvans, which require smaller-than-normal mufflers and specially designed fuel tanks. Most competitors have reduced capacity fuel tanks, ensuring that their owners will have to stop at the gas station far too often.

The rampvan comes with a generous array of standard equipment, too. This includes several wheelchair tie-down points, an emergency-door ramp release, removable driver’s and passenger seats, power-sliding rear and side doors and a power ramp with three control switches.

Because the Sienna Rampvan’s front seating can be moved from the driver’s side to the passenger side, people in wheelchairs can quickly move between the driving and riding positions. For even more convenience, riders can rely on an optional key chain that when held before a switch hidden in the Sienna’s rear taillight automatically opens the door and sends out the wheelchair ramp. As an added safety feature, the ramp will stop its movement and reverse its direction if it should bump into something.

Multiple Options

Toyota is known for giving its consumers plenty of options when it comes to its standard cars. This is the case, too, with its Sienna Rampvan.

According to Toyota press, the Sienna Rampvan comes in two versions with right-side access. The infloor model comes with an entry ramp on the right side and a 10-inch lowered floor. This floor is important because it decreases the needed ramp angle. This allows drivers to deploy the ramp onto curbs, and makes the van easier to enter and exit while also boosting the amount of interior headroom.

The ramp, which is 30 inches wide with a one-inch lip on both sides, extends from a hidden pocket under the Sienna’s floor. Toyota says that the full extension of this ramp only takes five seconds once the van’s power sliding door is opened completely.

The Sienna Rampvan foldout model comes with a ramp that folds out of the right side sliding door opening. This van boasts an 11-inch lowered floor. This version of the minivan comes with a door-opening height of slightly more than 54 inches.

The Sienna only boosts Toyota’s already strong credibility. As they do with all of their vehicles, Toyota’s engineers have focused on the smallest details to build a rampvan that’s both safe and fun to drive.

A Rampvan doesn’t have to lack style or resemble a box on wheels. The Chrysler Entervan, manufactured with the help of wheelchair van company BraunAbility, has been proving this for over two decades.

The Entervan looks like any other high-end Chrysler minivan as it drives down the street. And that’s the point. There’s no reason why a rampvan can’t boast the same flash and style as does any other vehicle.

Of course, just because the Chrysler Entervan looks like any other vehicle on the road, that doesn’t mean it’s not unique. The engineers at Braun have designed a minivan that any rider or driver in a wheelchair can easily enter and exit. The wide range of accessibility features makes all the difference the difference in the world to the wheelchair users who invest in Entervans.

For example, the Entervan’s standard-issue remote allows drivers or passengers to simply click on one button to open the van’s sliding door. This same button press also causes the wheelchair ramp to unfold. Wheelchair users and ambulatory passengers will find it easy to get into and out of the Entervan thanks to its dual sliding doors. Passengers can open each door either automatically or manually.

Those are just the beginning of this rampvan’s accessibility features. One of the more impressive ones is the auto-kneel feature. Whenever the sliding door opens, the Entervan’s rear suspension lowers until it stands just inches above the ground.

Once the vehicle is in its final “kneeling” position, wheelchair users and ambulatory passengers both can enter the Entervan without having to negotiate a difficult incline. Even caregivers pushing manual wheelchairs will easily maneuver passengers into and out of the vehicle.

Finally, there is the power lift gate, a feature that is particularly useful for wheelchair users. Instead of having to manually open or close the Entervan’s rear hatch, which can require a great deal of strength and leverage, passengers can simply press a button to cause the rear door to lift or close. This gives wheelchair users quick access to the vehicle’s rear cargo area and its spare tire in case of an unexpected flat.

The van also boasts several interior features designed to make the ride as comfortable as possible for passengers in wheelchairs. This includes an interior floor that is up to 10 inches lower than in conventional minivans. Thanks to this, wheelchair users can remain in their chairs during the ride and still enjoy the scenery as it passes by.

The Entervan makes it easy for wheelchair users who want to ride up front or drive. Users simply have to unlock the seat base and roll the entire seat out of the van. This leaves plenty of room for wheelchairs in the Entervan’s front half. It’s easy, too, to reinstall the seats into the Entervan when a new seating arrangement is needed. Best of all, the seats are lightweight enough so that moving them into and out of the vehicle does not require an inordinate amount of muscle power.

Storage space is important in any minivan.

The engineers at BraunAbility recognize this, and have made sure that the Chrysler Entervan wheelchair van boasts some ingenious storage areas.

For instance, the van comes with a pair of storage compartments under its floor. Thanks to these storage areas, you won’t have to knock into the spare tire and other important tools and supplies when you’re riding in the Entervan. The storage compartments also leave space for you to stow your luggage and other cargo when you’re taking longer trips.

With such a long list of features, and such a stylish design, it’s little wonder that the Chrysler Entervan has remained a strong seller for more than 20 years. Buyers recognize that Chrysler and BraunAbility did not sacrifice aesthetics for function, but instead focused their energies on creating the perfect marriage between the two.

If you’re in the market for a new rampvan, you might want to investigate the classic Entervan. There’s a reason that it’s been traveling the roads for more than two decades.

There’s another benefit that comes with buying a Buick Terraza wheelchair conversion van: The Buick Terraza traditional car is no longer produced, with Buick rolling out its last model in 2007. This means that these vehicles generally sell either used or for lower prices than do newer model vehicles. If you’re looking for a reliable and functional wheelchair van that doesn’t cost a small fortune, the Buick Terraza might be the perfect choice for you.

Reliability

The Buick Terraza was never a top-selling minivan. In fact, GM “the parent company of Buick”  has decided to leave the minivan business completely. But while the Terraza never caught on with the public, no one ever doubted the vehicle’s reliability or safety. Owners rarely complained that the Terraza ended up in the repair shop too often. And the vehicle met or exceeded all federal crash-test safety standards. These two factors alone make the Terraza a worthy entry in the mobility van industry. If you’re looking for a wheelchair van that will keep you and your passengers as safe as possible, and stay running with little attention from you, the Buick Terraza, while not a flashy vehicle, might be the right choice for you.

Space Issues

The Terraza’s top selling point is the amount of interior space it offers. Wheelchair users won’t feel confined as they ride in the rear of the vehicle. If you can find models with easily removable front seats, you’ll find that there is plenty of room for wheelchair users in the driver- or passenger-side front seats. Then there’s the headroom issue. Because the Terraza features 56-inch-high doorways, it’s little trouble for wheelchair or scooter users to get in and out. Once inside, riders will find that there is plenty of interior space. There’s so much, in fact, that no one will feel cramped, even if there are wheelchairs or scooters taking up room, too. Finally, the Buick Terraza has always been a strong performer. The minivan takes corners well, accelerates quickly for a larger vehicle and is easy to handle. It’s a good choice for anyone who will be driving their very first minivan.

Exercise Caution

You should be cautious when purchasing a Buick Terraza wheelchair conversion van. The odds are high that you’ll be purchasing a used vehicle. This is good if you’re concerned about price. Used conversion vans carry far lower price tags than do new ones. However, when you buy a used rampvan, you never know what problems you are buying, too.

That’s why it’s important to always test drive any used wheelchair van, including the Buick Terraza, before you buy it. If possible, you should also have a mechanic whom you trust look over the vehicle for any possible serious problems. You should be especially aware of safety issues. You don’t want to endanger your passengers by taking a vehicle on the highways if it’s not appropriately road-safe. It might be a challenge finding a Buick Terraza wheelchair van. Because the vehicle was never a big seller and many mobility van dealerships might not offer it. However, if you are persistent, the Terraza can prove the right choice for you. The combination of affordable price and plenty of headroom is a very credible selection.

You might be able to find these wheelchair vans at local mobility vehicle dealerships. But you’ll probably have better luck scanning your newspaper want ads, searching craigslist.org or the Motors section of online auction giant eBay. The Plymouth Voyager rampvan makes sense for wheelchair users who want a functional but economical conversion vehicle. And since any Voyager you find will undoubtedly be of the used variety, you can expect to spend significantly less than you would on a new wheelchair van. Be careful, though: Safety should be your first priority when buying any wheelchair van. You may find a Plymouth Voyager conversion at a great price. But don’t buy any van until you can first verify that it’s safe to take on the roads. That low price won’t seem as attractive if you suffer a serious accident and your vehicle doesn’t provide enough protection.

Protecting Yourself

Anytime you purchase a used vehicle, you must take certain steps to make sure that you are not buying a clunker. And you need to be just as diligent to guarantee that you’re buying a vehicle that is road-safe. It goes without saying that these concerns are heightened if you’ll be transporting passengers who are in wheelchairs or scooters. Safety need to be your top concern. Once you find a used Plymouth Voyager wheelchair van, make sure to give it a lengthy test drive before putting down any money. You should also take it a local mechanic who can give it a thorough examination. The mechanic should be able to tell you whether the conversion is road-safe or a potential hazard. Of course, you can’t expect any used vehicle to be perfect. There will be problems with any older-model car that you find on craigslist.org or eBay Motors. It’s a matter, though, of determining whether the vehicle’s problems are easily, and inexpensively, fixed, and whether the problems are potentially dangerous. Some sellers will advertise their vehicles as being in “as is” condition. Make sure, then, that when you purchase them, you’re willing to spend the money needed to get the wheelchair van in road-safe condition.

The Proper Features

When you’re buying a used wheelchair conversion van, such as a Plymouth Voyager model, remember that conversion technology has changed over the years. Today’s mobility specialists put extra effort into ensuring both comfort and function in their conversions. Years ago, this wasn’t always the case. Many older wheelchair van conversions lacked many of the amenities that we take for granted today. If you’re considering buying a Plymouth Voyager rampvan, make sure that the vehicle boasts enough headroom and interior space to allow for a comfortable ride for passengers in wheelchairs or scooters. Make sure, too, that the folding ramp is sturdy enough to handle the weight of both the wheelchair or scooter and its occupant. Many older ramps were only designed to handle the weight of unoccupied scooters or chairs. You may need to operate older wheelchair conversion vans manually, too. The push-button technology common today was a bit rarer years ago. Make sure that you’re physically up to the task of extending the ramp from the Plymouth Voyager conversion van yourself. When buying a used wheelchair conversion van, you’ll be balancing the benefit of a smaller price tag against the potential negatives of fewer amenities and the cost of potential repairs. But if you find the right bargain, and the used vehicle you are considering is safe, an older Plymouth Voyager wheelchair van may be the right choice for you.

Though it’s been three years since the Pontiac Montana has been produced in the United States, consumers can still find converted versions for sale at mobility dealerships across the country. On the plus side, you’ll be able to find Pontiac Montana wheelchair vans at affordable prices. That’s because most, if not all, of the vans you find will be used. On the negative side, when you buy a used vehicle, you’re never sure what problems you’ll be getting. It all comes down to one question: Is the lower price worth the possible aggravation of frequent trips to the repair shop?

The Accessibility Factor

Like most wheelchair accessible vans, Pontiac Montana rampvans boast several features designed to allow wheelchair users to ride in comfort and safety. This includes a lowered floor so that wheelchair users will have plenty of headroom, wheelchair tie-downs so that the chairs will remain locked in place while you drive and plenty of interior room so that passengers won’t ever feel cramped.

When buying a Pontiac Montana conversion, make sure to look for other accessibility features, too. For instance, you might search for a conversion that offers removable front seats. This allows wheelchair users to sit in the front of the vehicle without leaving their chairs. You might also look for wheelchair vans that come with non-stick flooring, which will prevent chairs from sliding. Finally, make sure the ramp that comes with your used Pontiac Montana wheelchair van is strong enough to hold not only the weight of a wheelchair or scooter, but the weight of the person who’ll be riding in it. A surprising number of ramps are only built to handle the weight of the chairs or scooters themselves.

The Ramp Factor

Like most used conversion vans, the Pontiac Montana comes with several options. For instance, you may have to choose between an automatic or manual wheelchair ramp. Automatic ramps are usually far more convenient. These ramps extend from the vehicle with just the single press of a remote control’s button. Owners need only press the button again to reverse this. Manual ramps require you to do the work. You’ll have to lift and extend the ramp yourself. You’ll have to decide if you’re willing to do this. The main negative with an automatic ramp is its price tag. It’s a more expensive accessory than is a manual ramp. Again, you’ll have to determine what is more important, price or convenience and what needs your particular circumstances dictate.

Buyer Beware

A wheelchair conversion van isn’t a small purchase. These vehicles are expensive. And they’re important; you want everyone riding in it to be safe. That’s why it’s important to do your research before buying a Pontiac Montana conversion van. You don’t want to get stuck with a van that’ll be in the repair shop a month after you buy it. And you certainly don’t want to drive a wheelchair van that’s not road-safe.

Make sure that you get the opportunity to test drive your Montana wheelchair van before you buy it. Make sure, too, that you get the chance to have a mechanic whom you trust look it over before you finalize the purchase. A mechanic can warn you if you’re purchasing a wheelchair van that’s in need of serious repair.

Buying a used wheelchair van, such as the Pontiac Montana, is a good choice for many buyers. It’s a far more affordable option, for one thing. But buying any used vehicle calls for significant research. This is especially true for one as important as a wheelchair accessible rampvan.