Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) come in different types and prices to suit diverse needs. They are specially made to accommodate wheelchairs and still have enough room for luggage and other passengers.
The features differ from one type of vehicle to another thus it is important to consider this when buying. One has to take their time to evaluate the companies available to be able to choose the right one for them.
Failure to do so might lead to purchasing the wrong car in terms of quality and functionality. Here are some tips to aid you when looking for WAVs for sale in UK.
Consider the size of WAVs they have
This is one of the most important factors that you should take into account. You should go for a vehicle that has enough space and will properly satisfy your needs.
For example, if you have a light wheelchair and a powered ramp is not required then a small one will do just fine as long as it is able to comfortably accommodate all that you intend to carry.
For those that require a powered ramp a medium or large size will be better. It is also worth keeping in mind that large ones are expensive and so it is wise to only buy them where necessary.
Check its adaptability
Some companies only sell predefined vehicles that have a specific set of features that can’t be changed. Such rigidity might stand in the way of your satisfaction because it won’t be able to fully accommodate your needs.
You should go for the one that sells adaptable automobiles that can be easily adjusted to suit your requirements. For instance, if you want to be in the front alongside the driver without getting off your wheelchair it should allow for this arrangement without interfering with functionality or anything.
You should also be able to drive comfortably while seating on your chair at the driver’s area. Read more here https://www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/wheelchair-accessible-vehicles-wavs-0/buying-new-second-hand-or
Ease of use
They should be selling vehicles that are easy to operate. Despite having modifications to include specialized features this should not interfere with its operability. The design of the car in terms of how it is engineered influences the ease of use to a great extent.
If it is cumbersome, you will have problems even with simple things such as parking. You need an automobile that not only provides optimized performance but one that also allows you to do the ordinary driving maneuvers.
The company should be able to give you time to do a test drive before the deal is sealed. This gives you a good opportunity to determine whether it is the perfect fit for you in terms of performance and features.
It is much better if you use the same automobile that you intend to buy instead of using a different car even if they are of the same model. Also, choose a generalized route instead of a controlled environment.
Only deal with experts
There is a big difference between buying from a company that has inexperienced personnel and one that has professionals. The former might be able to sell to you but they won’t be able to address all the issues that you have.
Thus they won’t meet all your requirements. On the other hand, that latter will be able to provide you with more services than just selling.
For example, if you need some modifications made on a certain feature to suit you personally, they will be able to use their team of engineers to make the changes for you. They are also able to provide you with after-sale services such as regular maintenance to ensure that your WAV stays in good form. Click here to learn more.
Purchase from a reputable firm
When it comes to buying used WAVs the reputation of the company that you buy from matters a lot. Some have a reputation of selling problematic cars that end up breaking down soon and costing the owner lots of money to repair.
This is because they acquire the vehicles from questionable sources, and they also fail to perform comprehensive inspections. Someone who wants to get rid of their problematic car might end up patching it up just well enough for sale.
If the company connects you to the seller, you’ll end up buying an inferior vehicle that won’t be of help to you. Therefore, it is good to ensure that the company has a good reputation and does the due diligence before selling to you or connecting you to anyone.
A warranty is also of great importance for such purposes. It guarantees you good quality and in the event that the vessel doesn’t hold up to the standards you will get a replacement. Make sure that the warranty period is significant. At the very least it should be six months.
Consider the allowable payment plans
A flexible company will provide you with more than just one payment plan so that you can choose what works best for you.
Is it possible to pay in installments? Can a third party such as credit union be involved? Are there any special offers currently available? These are some of the questions that you should ask as far as payment goes.
Although used vehicles are not as expensive as newly manufactured ones you should beware of those being sold at prices that are too low. They are likely to be defective hence the low price.
Make sure that they observe the relevant legalities
There are laws meant to govern the purchase and use of automobiles to prevent misuse. The features of the vehicle although flexible they must conform to certain regulations.
For instance, there should be an exit warning system, the ramp should be wide enough and able to bear a weight of 600lbs. The company itself should be authorized to deal in such specialized automobiles.
Be sure to check their license to confirm its validity. It is wise to avoid those that are always on the spotlight as a result of their scandalous undertakings.
Conclusion
Being able to buy a good used WAV requires you to choose the right company that will meet your requirements. They ought to be experts in the field to be able to customize the vehicle to suit your particular needs. Take your time to compare the options available and evaluate how they match your interests. Don’t rush into trusting the first one you come across. Some are only great in marketing themselves but they won’t be able to provide you with the services that you require. Choose a reputable firm that adheres to the law and will best satisfy your needs.
