Purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can be daunting. Planning ahead and taking the buying process one step at a time helps, so we’ve gathered our top tips for getting started. Do your research.
Knowing what best fits you is key. Our Which Van is Right for You tool walks you through your needs and explains the options available.
Not ready to go alone? Get in touch with our Customer Advocate Center. You’ll be matched with a dedicated advisor who stays with you throughout the research and purchase process. They can even set up a wheelchair van demonstration at your home.
Build a realistic budget
Fuel
For now, the average fuel cost for a 26-mpg vehicle — a wheelchair-accessible van average — is $1,267 a year. This is down nearly 25 percent compared to last year, but isn’t a variable under your control, so padding this number a bit will keep your budget healthy.
Maintenance & Repairs
A well-maintained vehicle equals lower out-of-pocket expenses and fewer unexpected repairs. Investing in low-cost checkups like oil changes, tire rotations, and proper fluid levels can help prevent emergency and potentially high-cost repairs. (In 2016, estimated maintenance costs were three percent higher than 2015, which totaled about $792 per year.)
Insurance
Insurance costs are tricky to predict. Nationwide, prices average $1,222 per year, but rates depend on what type of driver you are, and your state’s rules on what’s required. The only foolproof option is calling your current insurance company and discussing your needs and the wheelchair van you’re considering.
You will also want to ask your insurance company about insuring the wheelchair vans modification itself. Most standard insurance plans will charge more to cover a significantly modified vehicle because that vehicle’s value goes up alongside the modifications.
Finance Charges
If you’re paying for your wheelchair van with financial help, you’ll need to deal with finance and interest charges. Fees and rates greatly depend on your personal credit and financial history, and what type of help you take (credit line, secured loan, unsecured loan, etc.). Sit down with someone at your bank, and talk through your situation. There may be steps you can take to improve your standing.
License, Registration and Taxes
Paperwork is expensive these days — the average cost of getting your vehicle legal is approximately $687 per year. License, registration and taxes are affected by vehicle sales prices as well as state and local tax rates.
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