Where to Be Careful: Be Cautious of Direct Wheelchair Van Internet Sellers!
The Internet can provide a wealth of information useful in researching the mobility options/dealers available to you. However, be careful of companies looking to sell you an accessible vehicle—sight unseen—over the Internet. Although you might feel as if you’re saving a few dollars now, your decision may end up costing you more in the long run.
In addition, note that the resale value on vehicles purchased from the Internet can be thousands of dollars less for multiple reasons. For example, the manufacturers of wheelchair vans who sell directly to end users via the Internet don’t have the same level of brand recognition and quality perception that Braun, VMI, Viewpoint, and Eldorado have. They tend to build conversions that lack some key features and don’t have the same level of fit and finish that the premier converters have. In addition, without a dealer network to support the product, people who buy these handicap vans turn for repairs to local garages, where the staff may not be nearly as responsive to the needs of people with disabilities as we are—not to mention that the mechanic may be seeing a wheelchair minivan for the first time!
Buying products from a trusted and accredited dealer with wheelchair vans that are manufactured by Dodge/Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, or Volkswagen means clearly defined warranties as well as our support if you have any problems. You can be sure of the quality of the product you buy—which translates into more dollars when it comes to resale.
Top Benefits of Buying a Wheelchair Van from a Trusted Mobility Dealership Instead of a Direct Internet Seller
- Face-to-face client counseling
- Professional fittings done to put you in the right equipment the first time
- High-quality conversions
- Service “after the sale” from qualified technicians
- Knowledge of local funding resources
- Extended internal warranty program
- Access to an extensive dealer network for out-of-area service
- Higher resale value