buying van/mpv converted for disabled passenger

Old diesel

Might seem an odd one to some of you.

But my brothers mother inlaw needs to use a wheelchair - and her family are looking to purchase a vehicle which will be converted to allow my brothers mother inlaw to be able to go into the vehicle in her wheelchair - and obviously be seated in the vehicle (as a passenger) - IN her wheelchair.

Probably haven't explained it very well - but some questions for the knowledgeable people on here

1) Any GOOD dealers for handling this sort of sale in Cork City or County

2) Which companies are dependable and reliable in terms of doing these conversions* - preferably approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

3) What sort of vehicles would be suitable - MPVs/Vans - I suppose I mean in terms of makes and models

4) Anything to look out for - any questions that they need to be asking the dealer.

All thoughts welcome - thanks guys

*If theres a company noted for been particularly good at this kind of work - id rather a good outfit do the work rather then a buddy of the dealers - apologies if that sounds overly cynical on my part

colm_mcm

I have used motability Ireland in Ashbourne for customers cars and found them very good if a bit pricey.
They will convert used or new vans for this. Many come from the UK.
They will help you ref entitlements from revenue too.

Make model wise, its generally French stuff, but you can pay more and get something like a vw caddy

Old diesel

colm_mcm wrote: »

I have used motability Ireland in Ashbourne for customers cars and found them very good if a bit pricey.
They will convert used or new vans for this. Many come from the UK.
They will help you ref entitlements from revenue too.

Make model wise, its generally French stuff, but you can pay more and get something like a vw caddy

Nice one - thank you

They've already spoken to their normal dealer - but tbh - my dealings with said dealer in the past - have been somewhat underwhelming.

Not sure id be in a hurry to trust them with something like this even though they are a franchised dealer.

Mind you - this is me being fussy and picky rather then any horrendous failures on the dealers part.

Its all new to them (and to me) - and im keen to try and ensure it all goes well.

colm_mcm

For anything more than hand controls or a swivel seat, you'd really want to be dealing direct with the company doing the conversion IMO.

Eph1958

Hi, are you buying new or used? There are a good number of secondhand vans available, usually with quite low mileage and already converted. There are several factors to be considered, eg. type of wheelchair, means of entry and exit, budget etc.

Old diesel

Eph1958 wrote: »

Hi, are you buying new or used? There are a good number of secondhand vans available, usually with quite low mileage and already converted. There are several factors to be considered, eg. type of wheelchair, means of entry and exit, budget etc.

Its a bit of a minefield tbh - as you suggest there are various options available.

Anyway - todays delimma - found out via a very helpful person on twitter that Volkswagen have an approved converter for this sort of thing - BUT they are based in the north.

I wonder does the fact that the Northern Ireland converter is VW approved - mean that I can go into the local VW dealer (which happily is also the nearest VW dealer for the person who needs the car ) and deal through them.

I take Colms point about dealing with the converter - and feel that DEFINITELY - we need to be in discussions with the converter about whats exactly needed and the best solutions - but you know yourself what people are like - theyd rather deal with the "local man" if possible.

Ive no doubt the Meath company are very good - but the option of going with a company that's approved by the vehicle manufacturer is VERY tempting to me.

flutered

take a look at the various online advertising spots, would it not be easier to trade the car against a ready to use one, rather than going the long way around, i recon your way is a money pit, perhaps i am wrong.

Old diesel

flutered wrote: »

take a look at the various online advertising spots, would it not be easier to trade the car against a ready to use one, rather than going the long way around, i recon your way is a money pit, perhaps i am wrong.

Im slightly confused with the above - what im talking about - is ordering up a VW Caddy - with all the necessary adaption work done.

WHEN IT ARRIVES - it WILL be a ready to use one.

Theres a bit of faffing about involved - as there needs to be discussion on the BEST solution for what my brothers mother inlaws needs - and what she wants.

I think its better (im fussy - ande they are (a bit) fussy too) to have a vehicle built FOR THEM rather then buy one that was originally built for someone elses needs.

In all fairness such a vehicle may suit perfectly - but a potential sticking point is that the wheelchair user in this case would very much prefer to sit up front in a swivel chair.

I realise the power chair creates a problem here - but from doing some research it seems that - you can get swivel chairs that can transfer from their runners onto a special frame with wheels - so the person can be wheeled around while sitting on the seat of the swivel chair.

In addition - you can get hoists that will lift a power chair INTO the rear of the vehicle - I only discovered this today.

I still think with the power chair - the traveling in the rear - while sitting in the wheelchair is a GOOD option for this persons needs.

But its not about what I THINK - its about what WORKS for this particular wheelchair user.

So vehicle adapted specifically FOR THEM and WHAT THEY NEED and WANT is the way to go I think.

colm_mcm

None of the motability conversions invalidate the warranty, so I wouldn't put much weight in a company being 'approved'
For example, toyota Ireland use motability Ireland.
I think having a bit of freedom on particular makes/models would be good too rather than just going VW straight away (Caddy model is 10 years old at this stage)

Old diesel

colm_mcm wrote: »

None of the motability conversions invalidate the warranty, so I wouldn't put much weight in a company being 'approved'
For example, toyota Ireland use motability Ireland.
I think having a bit of freedom on particular makes/models would be good too rather than just going VW straight away (Caddy model is 10 years old at this stage)

No worries - I actually thought that to keep everything proper with manufacturers warranties - that the work had to be approved.

On models - obviously there are different options - Caddy was merely at top of the list because well I discovered a company that was VW approved.

But I take the point that your saying about been "approved" not been something to put much weight on.

In terms of makes and models there are of course - like the new Transit connect, Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo and the Berlingo (and Pug sister) to consider.

Won't rush into anything that's for sure - lots to think about in terms of how a vehicle can be adapted - and other things.

flutered

Old diesel wrote: »

Im slightly confused with the above - what im talking about - is ordering up a VW Caddy - with all the necessary adaption work done.

WHEN IT ARRIVES - it WILL be a ready to use one.

Theres a bit of faffing about involved - as there needs to be discussion on the BEST solution for what my brothers mother inlaws needs - and what she wants.

I think its better (im fussy - ande they are (a bit) fussy too) to have a vehicle built FOR THEM rather then buy one that was originally built for someone elses needs.

In all fairness such a vehicle may suit perfectly - but a potential sticking point is that the wheelchair user in this case would very much prefer to sit up front in a swivel chair.

I realise the power chair creates a problem here - but from doing some research it seems that - you can get swivel chairs that can transfer from their runners onto a special frame with wheels - so the person can be wheeled around while sitting on the seat of the swivel chair.

In addition - you can get hoists that will lift a power chair INTO the rear of the vehicle - I only discovered this today.

I still think with the power chair - the traveling in the rear - while sitting in the wheelchair is a GOOD option for this persons needs.

But its not about what I THINK - its about what WORKS for this particular wheelchair user.

So vehicle adapted specifically FOR THEM and WHAT THEY NEED and WANT is the way to go I think.

i only offered my two cents worth, i did not aske to be sshouted at nor did i ask for your financial status, btw i have a disibility, you will find that looking at the various ones offered for sale will give you an idea of whats out there, there is a limit to what can be done with vechicles, how i solved my problem, i purchased a car trailer, my carer gets my machine on it then is a case of proceed james.

colm_mcm

flutered wrote: »

i only offered my two cents worth, i did not aske to be sshouted at nor did i ask for your financial status, btw i have a disibility, you will find that looking at the various ones offered for sale will give you an idea of whats out there, there is a limit to what can be done with vechicles, how i solved my problem, i purchased a car trailer, my carer gets my machine on it then is a case of proceed james.

I'd really be interested to see a pic of the setup you have if you didn't mind.

flutered

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd really be interested to see a pic of the setup you have if you didn't mind.

hi, tomorrow, i will have it out of the garage.

Old diesel

flutered wrote: »

i only offered my two cents worth, i did not aske to be sshouted at nor did i ask for your financial status, btw i have a disibility, you will find that looking at the various ones offered for sale will give you an idea of whats out there, there is a limit to what can be done with vechicles, how i solved my problem, i purchased a car trailer, my carer gets my machine on it then is a case of proceed james.

My sincere apologies