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Buying a second-hand Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle can be as daunting as buying a brand-new one. You may want to consider factors like dealer accreditation, warranty, availability, vehicle’s current condition & service history and more before you make your final decision. This simple checklist could help you consider your options before you make your final decision.
Why Choose a Used WAV Over a New One?
At Allied Mobility, wheelchair accessible vehicles are converted by our mobility experts to allow a disabled passenger to easily travel in their wheelchair. These vehicles have a lowered floor and are fitted with a foldable ramp which allows for a wheelchair user to enter via the rear or the side of a car.
You can either hire or buy a wheelchair accessible car, depending on your usage and budget. If you’re looking for long-term use, buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle is the best way to ensure complete ownership, hassle-free warranty, and after-sales service.
So, once you’ve decided you’re going to buy, comparing the pros and cons of buying a nearly new or second-hand WAV to that of a brand-new WAV is the next decision you should make.
You can also speak to one of our Mobility Advisors at 0808 159 5105 or info@alliedmobility.com and get their expert advice on all kinds of vehicles suitable for you. We can also arrange a free home demonstration for you.
Buying a Second-Hand Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle: Pros & Cons
Usually, second-hand WAVs are cheaper and readily available so you don’t have to wait for long before you can bring it home. You will still want to ensure that the vehicle dealer has carried out an inspection and can support you with after-sales service and warranty. This is exactly what can make the purchasing process a tricky one when it comes to second-hand WAVs.
Here’s a simple checklist for you if you’re buying a used WAV:
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RAC-approved dealer network
When it comes to buying a used car, you want to be confident you’re getting a reliable vehicle at a fair price. An RAC-approved dealer, such as Allied Mobility, can offer you a BuySure guarantee on a used vehicle. This guarantee ensures that the used vehicle has had a car data check, met with an 82-point vehicle preparation standard, and has 36 months RAC warranty protection, 12 months RAC breakdown cover and 12 months RAC accident care. A complete list of all areas covered in ensuring adherence to the RAC guidance can be found in our summary document.
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Types of used WAV
Once you’ve decided on a dealer, you will need to consider the size and seating arrangement of your second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicle. Second-hand WAVs come in all sizes, from small WAVs which are the most affordable option for those with a lighter wheelchair and don’t require a powered ramp; medium which are slightly bigger and have more space for equipment and extra passengers and the possibility of a powered ramp, and large WAVs which are usually on the more expensive end of the spectrum and are meant for those with heavier wheelchairs who require wider space and more complex vehicle entry options.
The next thing to consider is the seating arrangement. A Passenger WAV means that wheelchair user travels as a passenger in the rear of the vehicle, an Up-Front Passenger WAV is where the wheelchair user sits in the front next to the driver, and a Drive-From Wheelchair WAV allows the wheelchair user to access and drive the vehicle without leaving their chair. Another thing is to choose between an automatic gearbox and a manual one.
So, whether you’re looking for a small used WAV for you and your partner, or a larger converted vehicle for your family or group, we stock a wide range of RAC-approved second- hand WAVs from leading manufacturers including Peugeot, Ford, Fiat, Renault, and Volkswagen, to suit every budget.
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Availability & delivery
If you need access to a mobility car urgently, looking at WAV hire might be an option, but if you need the vehicle for long-term use a used vehicle is a great option especially in the current market. There is currently a global semiconductor shortage due to supply chain issues caused by COVID and Brexit. This makes buying a used disability vehicle easier than getting a new one as the vehicles are already built and converted. Allied Mobility holds hold a wide stock of second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicles and all used disability vehicles come with free nationwide delivery.
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Finance
Budget is a critical factor for most buyers when it comes to buying a used WAV. If you are looking to purchase a vehicle through cash or finance rather than as part of the Motability scheme, you have a number of options when you purchase a vehicle through an RAC-approved, dealer, from car loans you could pay back in instalments to trading and part-exchanging. Our expert mobility advisors can talk you through these in detail and are available in our Glasgow in Coventry showrooms, on the telephone or by sending us an online enquiry.
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Warranty and after-sales service
Another important consideration when buying a second-hand WAV is the warranty. While a brand new car may come with manufacturer’s warranty and a warranty for the conversion itself, a used WAV should come with a third-party warranty. Courtesy of being an RAC-approved dealer, Allied Mobility offers three years RAC warranty completely free on all used wheelchair accessible vehicles, along with breakdown cover and accident cover. You can read more about our 3 for 1 Platinum Warranty. Additionally, you can get your first home vehicle service completely free when you buy a used wheelchair accessible vehicle from Allied Mobility.
