Buying any car is a major investment for anyone, including disabled drivers and their families. One of the biggest questions you will need to answer is whether to buy a new wheelchair access vehicle which has been specially adapted to your needs, or a nearly new or second-hand model.
Here Ransome Mobility, who supply used WAVs to customers in Suffolk, Norfolk and across East Anglia, point out the advantages of buying a vehicle that already has a few miles on the clock.
The Cost
Used WAVs are much cheaper than buying a new car and having it converted. This can be important if your finances are tight. It could be particularly important for those who are on lower levels of Personal Independence Payments (which has replaced the Disability Living Allowance), but who still need a car to get around. Insurance may be cheaper on a used WAV too.
All the WAVs we sell at Ransome Mobility come with a full warranty and after-sales support. And, given our high standards at Ransome Mobility, you don’t have to worry about reliability and breakdowns either. Our expert team offer ongoing servicing, MOTs and repairs, all on-site. And, while your vehicle is in the hands of our expert mechanics, we can offer you a courtesy car to get you back on the road.
And, if your finances are really tight, or you only want the WAV for a limited period of time, then we also offer vehicles for hire.
There’s No Need to Run it in
With nearly new and used WAVs, you don’t have to worry about ‘running in’ the vehicle in its first few miles. The AA recommends that you avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking in the first few journeys. They also advise you to avoid revving the engine too much, keeping the rpm below 3,000 rpm for the first 500-600 miles. After that, you can increase it to 4,000 rpm (and even higher if necessary).
All of this ensures that the initial wear and tear on the engine’s moving parts takes place in a controlled way (and that you don’t use too much oil in particular). That can be quite a lot to think about, particularly with an adapted car. However, with a nearly new or used WAV, you don’t have to worry as it’s already been run in.
The Time Factor
With new vehicles, you’ll also have to wait for the conversion to take place. With a nearly new or second-hand WAV this is not the case because some vehicle adaptations have already been done, which is good if you need a vehicle quickly for essential trips.
You also won’t have to explain to the converter what needs to be done, and check what they have in their product range. And, even if you need a different adaptation, then you can rely on Ransome Mobility to be able to fit it. We can fit left foot or twin flip accelerators, push-pull hand controls, steering wheel balls and many other different types of driver aids.
The Greater Choice
You’ll have a much wider choice of models if you don’t restrict yourself to the new vehicle market. For example, you may have set your heart on a car which is no longer being made, but may still be available on the used, nearly new or second-hand market. And, even if it is still in production, it will be much cheaper to buy second-hand than new.
Buying Used WAVs from Ransome Mobility
At Ransome Mobility we have many years of experience in supplying nearly new and second-hand WAVs to customers across East Anglia.
We always have a number of vehicles for sale, which you can take a look at here. If you can’t see what you’re looking for there then call us on 01473 727263 because we may be able to source it for you thanks to our extensive network of contacts in the trade.