How to Decide if a New or Used Wheelchair Van is Right for You

Like any other large purchase, purchasing a vehicle is a big investment. It takes time and a commitment. This is true whether it is a very first vehicle purchase or the tenth. And with that investment comes the decision making process. For wheelchair users, there are many more options to consider when researching vehicles beyond the make and model.

With so many options to navigate it can be difficult to know where to begin. We recommend starting with the decision between new and used wheelchair vans, then moving on to the different features. So, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s start by looking at the benefits and some disadvantages to each.

The Benefits of a New Wheelchair Van

A brand new wheelchair van is a blank canvas for buyers. Everything can be selected, from make and model to interior and exterior colors to options like leather versus cloth upholstery and backup cameras. Additionally, you have an endless number of conversion options. This includes ramp type, seating configuration and conversion features like hand controls and transfer seats. You could say that with a new wheelchair van the possibilities are endless.

Additionally, a new wheelchair van will have very low mileage, generally well under 100 miles, and those are usually miles put on by the technicians that are test driving the vehicle after conversion or other interested buyers riding in the vehicle. With the low mileage, comes lower maintenance. New vehicles often require less maintenance upfront.

The Disadvantages of a New Wheelchair Van

With endless options, comes a price. New wheelchair vans often have a higher starting price tag and that is before the conversion features are factored into the price. This can pose an issue for someone that is looking to stick within a specific budget, especially if the budget is on the lower side.

The Benefits of a Used Wheelchair Van

One main advantage is that a previously owned wheelchair is often a much less costly investment up front. This is because vehicles depreciate in value rather quickly, and this is no different for wheelchair vans.

Insider tip: when you purchase a reconditioned van from our team at Rollx Vans, we go through it with a fine toothed comb, just like we would with a brand new wheelchair van. We make sure these vans look, feel and run like new, even if they happen to have a few years under their belts already.

The Disadvantages of a Used Wheelchair Van

When you purchase a used wheelchair van from a private party or through a regular car lot, it is usually a what you see is what you get type of purchase. Like any previously owned vehicle, it could need more maintenance and possibly even some upfront fixes. These costs can add up quickly and your vehicle can end up costing more than you initially bargained for.

Wheelchair Van Considerations

No matter if you choose a new or used wheelchair van, either option will have a few additional considerations that could help in the decision making process. Some of these include:

Key Features

This could include everything from standard options that you are not willing to give up like leather upholstery, for example, or a specific exterior color. It could also be the conversion features that you need to make your vehicle work for you.

Seating Configuration

A vehicle’s seating arrangement is also an important thing to consider. If your vehicle needs to transport people besides just the wheelchair user, you will want to consider how many people and where in the vehicle they will be riding.

Budget / Financing

Budget plays a key role in determining if a new or used wheelchair van will be right for you. Depending on your budget, the number of conversion features you want installed, and the vehicle model, you may have more limited options. It is always best to have a ballpark figure that you are comfortable staying within before starting your search.

Choosing the Right Option for You

No one option is the right option for everyone. That is why you will find both new and used wheelchair vans for sale on any wheelchair vans dealer or manufacturer’s lot. Our best advice if you are unsure which one is the right fit for you is to do a lot of research. Look at the various options online, talk to the sales representatives and ask other people for their advice. You never know what you will learn along the way and by taking your time and weighing the options, you will probably end up happier with your selection in the long run. After all, it is a big investment.