A Guide to Buying a Second-Hand Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) can make a huge difference to a individual’s independence, making every day journeys to work, the shops, appointments and visiting family and friends much easier.

Buying a WAV second-hand can also be a more affordable option than purchasing a new vehicle. However, there is more to consider than simply the age, mileage and price of the car. You need to make sure the vehicle, its adaptations and its accessibility features are right for you.

A WAV that works perfectly for one person may not be suitable for another, so taking the time to find the right vehicle is essential.

Here are some important things to consider before buying a second-hand WAV.

Before looking at makes and models, think about what you actually need from your vehicle. Will you be driving, or travelling as a wheelchair passenger? If you will remain in your wheelchair during journeys, is there enough space for you and your wheelchair, including sufficient headroom and room to manoeuvre? If you normally transfer into a vehicle seat, is getting in and out comfortable and practical?

Your wheelchair is one of the most important things to consider. Check its dimensions and weight, particularly if you use a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter. The vehicle’s access system needs to accommodate it comfortably and safely.

It’s also worth thinking about the people and equipment you regularly carry. How many passengers do you need to accommodate? Do you take a walking frame, mobility scooter, shopping or other equipment with you?

Think about how you will use the WAV in everyday life, too. A rear-entry vehicle may work well if you have plenty of space at home to deploy the ramp, while side-entry access may be more convenient in some situations. Consider the places you regularly park and whether you will have enough room to access the vehicle safely.

Most importantly, don’t rely solely on photographs or measurements in an advert. Take your wheelchair with you when viewing a vehicle and, wherever possible, try getting in, getting out and positioning yourself inside it.

The right WAV isn’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive. It’s the one that works for you.

When buying a second-hand WAV, the accessibility equipment is just as important as the vehicle itself.

If it has a ramp, use it. Check that it deploys and stores easily and that it feels manageable for you. If the vehicle has a powered lift, operate it several times and listen for unusual noises or movement. Check that doors, ramps and lifts open fully and lock securely.

Don’t forget the smaller details. Look at the wheelchair restraint system, floor tracking, anchor points, passenger seat belts and any grab handles. If the vehicle has specialist driving controls, make sure you can use them comfortably and that they are suitable for your needs.

It’s particularly important to check the condition of equipment that may have had years of use. Look for frayed straps, damaged buckles, corrosion, loose fixings or anything that looks worn or poorly maintained.

If you’re unsure whether the adaptations are safe or suitable for your wheelchair, consider getting the vehicle inspected by an appropriate specialist before buying it.

Remember that specialist equipment can be expensive to repair or replace. A vehicle that looks like a bargain could become considerably more expensive if the ramp, lift or other adaptations need major work.

Accessibility is important, but safety should always come first. If you’ll remain in your wheelchair while travelling, check that the vehicle has an appropriate wheelchair restraint system and passenger restraint arrangement. The system needs to be suitable for your wheelchair and correctly fitted.

Take time to understand how the restraints work and, if possible, practise using them before you buy the vehicle. You should feel confident that you, or someone travelling with you, can secure the wheelchair correctly every time.

The same applies to specialist driving adaptations. Make sure you understand how they operate and that you are comfortable using them. If your driving licence has restrictions or codes relating to vehicle adaptations, check that the vehicle you’re considering meets those requirements.

Don’t assume that equipment is suitable simply because it has been installed. If you’re uncertain, ask the seller for information about the equipment and consider seeking professional advice.

A WAV may have specialist adaptations, but underneath those adaptations is still a used vehicle, so check its history just as carefully as you would with any other second-hand car.

Before viewing a vehicle, ask the seller for its registration number. You can use this to check information held by the DVLA, including the vehicle’s MOT history, mileage and other details. The MOT history can be particularly useful because it lets you see previous test results, recorded mileage and any failures or advisories. Don’t just look at the latest MOT. Look back over several years and check whether there are recurring problems or anything unusual about the recorded mileage.

When you view the vehicle, ask to see the V5C registration certificate and check that its details match the vehicle you’re looking at. You should also check the vehicle identification number and make sure the information supplied by the seller is consistent with the official records.

A recent MOT is reassuring, but it isn’t a guarantee that a used vehicle is in excellent condition. If you’re spending a significant amount of money, an independent inspection can be a worthwhile investment.

One of the biggest differences between buying a standard used car and buying a WAV is the conversion. Ask who converted the vehicle, when the conversion was carried out and exactly what modifications were made. Find out whether there is paperwork relating to the conversion and whether servicing or maintenance records are available.

It’s also useful to ask whether the ramp, lift or other specialist equipment has been repaired or replaced during the vehicle’s life. If there is still a warranty on any of the equipment, make sure you understand what it covers and when it expires.

Knowing who carried out the conversion can also be helpful in the future. If something needs repairing, information about the equipment and its manufacturer may make it much easier to find the right parts or specialist. If the seller can’t provide basic information about the vehicle’s conversion or adaptations, treat that as a reason to investigate further rather than simply taking their word for it.

Mileage is an important consideration when buying any used vehicle, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. A low-mileage WAV may still have had extensive use of its ramp, lift and restraint equipment. Equally, a higher-mileage vehicle that has been well maintained could potentially be a better purchase.

Look at the overall condition of the vehicle. Check the bodywork for signs of damage or corrosion and pay attention to the tyres, brakes, suspension and interior. When driving, listen for unusual noises and look out for warning lights on the dashboard.

If you’re not confident assessing a vehicle yourself, don’t be afraid to ask an experienced mechanic or independent vehicle inspector to take a look before you commit to buying.

It’s easy to focus on whether you can get into a WAV and forget to consider what happens afterwards. Think about the journeys you make most often. If you regularly travel long distances, comfort, storage, fuel economy and motorway performance may be important. If most of your journeys are local, ease of access and manoeuvrability may matter more.

Parking is another important consideration. Make sure you have enough room at home to use the ramp or lift safely. Also think about how you’ll manage in car parks or on the street, where another vehicle could be parked close to your access point.

Weather is worth considering too. If you will regularly use a ramp or lift outdoors, think about how easy it will be to use in rain, wind or poor weather.

Try to imagine using the vehicle on an ordinary Tuesday rather than just viewing it on a sunny day at a dealership. If you can, test it in conditions and on roads that are similar to those you normally encounter.

The purchase price is only one part of the cost of owning a WAV. Before you buy, get an insurance quotation and consider the ongoing costs of servicing, MOTs, fuel or charging, tyres and repairs. Don’t forget that specialist adaptations can have their own maintenance costs.

Getting an insurance quote before you buy also means you won’t be caught out by an unexpected premium once the vehicle is yours. Make sure you tell your insurer about any relevant adaptations so that your cover accurately reflects the vehicle.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of a thorough test drive. If you’re going to drive the vehicle, make sure you’re comfortable with the driving position, visibility, controls and any adaptations. Test the steering, braking, acceleration and gear selection in conditions that reflect your normal driving.

If you’re travelling as a wheelchair passenger, pay attention to how easy it is to board, how comfortable the ride feels and whether you can see out of the vehicle. Make sure the wheelchair restraint system is easy to use and that you have enough space around you.

A few minutes driving around a dealership car park isn’t enough to tell you whether a vehicle is going to work for you day after day. Take your time. A good seller should be happy to let you properly inspect the vehicle, test the adaptations and ask questions.

Here’s a handy tick list with things to check before you buy

Buying a second-hand WAV can be an excellent way to get the accessibility and independence you need without the cost of a brand-new vehicle. But it’s worth taking your time. The cheapest WAV isn’t necessarily the best value, and the newest vehicle isn’t necessarily the one that will work best for you. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to walk away. There will always be another vehicle.