Buying a car is a major investment for anyone, including disabled drivers and their families. One of the biggest questions is whether to buy a new wheelchair accessible vehicle, which has been specially adapted to your needs, or a used model with existing adaptations. Used vehicles sold by reputable dealerships boast a wide range of benefits, making them just as desirable, if not more, to those looking to purchase a WAV.
In this article, we’re going to go through the advantages of buying a used WAV that already has a few miles on the clock.
1. Used WAVs are more affordable
Used wheelchair accessible vehicles are much more affordable than buying a new car and having it converted. This can be especially important for those who have smaller budgets or are on lower levels of Personal Independence Payments, but who need a car to get around.
WAV insurance can sometimes be cheaper for a used vehicle too, depending on factors such as lower annual mileage and driving history.
2. Used WAVs don’t require the ‘running-in’ stage
With nearly new and used WAVs, you don’t have to worry about ‘running-in’ the vehicle in its first 1,000 miles. When driving a brand new vehicle, the AA recommends that you avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking for those initial 1,000 miles, and to focus on driving gently. They also advise you to avoid revving the engine too much, keeping the rpm below 3,000 rpm for the first 500-600 miles. Oil and coolant levels should be checked weekly, as you can’t be certain how much the vehicle will use – oil usage in particular can be high for the first 6,000 miles.
Buying a used WAV eliminates the need for all of this, sparing you the additional concentrated efforts needed for driving new vehicles and the stress that comes with it.
3. Used WAVs are already converted and immediately available
When purchasing a brand new vehicle, it will take time for engineers to put the conversions you require in place. While the benefit there is that the conversions are tailored exactly to your needs, it does result in a potentially long waiting period.
With used WAVs, you have a choice of vehicles to choose from that already have adaptations. You can choose one that suits your needs best and typically be on the road immediately.
If you find a used WAV that doesn’t quite have everything you need, then you can rely on the team here at Ransome Mobility to fit it for you. We can fit left foot or twin flip accelerators, push-pull hand controls, steering wheel balls, hoists, and many other different types of driver aids to ensure your vehicle is perfectly adapted to your requirements.
4. Used WAVs have tested conversions
Unlike the teething issues that can come with newly-done conversions on brand new vehicles, the adaptations in WAVs that have been on the road a while are typically settled and solid. Engineers at dealerships will also ensure that these adaptations are in full working order before even advertising the vehicle as for sale, too, meaning peace of mind for buyers. Our used vehicles undergo a rigorous testing phase to ensure the vehicle and its adaptations are safe for use.
5. There are more used WAVs than new WAVs to choose from
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 nearly new or used car market. Even if the vehicle you want is still in production, it will be much more affordable to buy used than new. The used vehicles will perform like new too, if purchased from a trusted dealership like ours.
6. Used WAVs come fully serviced
As used vehicles have been driven before, sometimes for many years, it is essential that they are serviced to a standard that leaves them as good as new for the next driver. We do this from our dealership. Our expert engineers have decades of combined experience working on adapted vehicles, and know exactly what to look out for when ensuring a WAV is ready to go to its new home.
Where can I find reliable listings for used wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Buying a used wheelchair accessible vehicle can sometimes feel a little daunting, and you may not know what you should be looking for when making a purchase. Rest assured, the Ransome team is here to help you navigate the decision, offering any advice you may need about the vehicle, the adaptations, insurance, financing, and servicing. We have the know-how needed to support you, but if you’d like to learn more before picking up the phone, take a look at our helpful guide on what to think about before buying a used WAV.
We always have a number of wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale, which can be found on our website or on display at our Ipswich showroom. If you have a specific vehicle in mind that we don’t have available, call us on 01473 727263, as we may be able to source it for you thanks to our extensive network of contacts in the trade.
Still unsure about whether you should be buying new or used? Read our new vs used comparison article to help with your decision-making process.