Stairlifts! Would like to hear people's experiences please?

OnAndUp

Just thought I would let anyone who is interested know! I now have my stairlift installed!

I had the second company come out to see me they quoted me £700 for a reconditioned minivator 1000 but that was 5 years old and I was strongly advised by the first company that they would not recommend minivator / that model as they no longer fit them because they had so many problems with them and when they do go wrong they are hard to fix etc. I know a lot of it is probably sales talk but I decided to go with the first company for an Acorn one which they say are very reliable etc.

When I told them I had another quote they still seemed keen for my business so I was able to haggle them down to £750! from the original £900!

So I am happy with that got an 18 month old reconditioned one like this for £750 with a 12 month guarantee. Think I got a good deal even the engineer commented on it and it had a brand new track too! I don't really like to haggle :eek: but I am an MSE'r after all!



Thanks again for all you replies it helped me as I really didn't know where to start! Also moral of the story if you do buy one shop around then use the cheapest price to haggle what you want!

It's a huge help & relief to know I have it and I can now tell social services to stick theirs and the 6 month wait where the sun don't shine! Although it does make me mad that they are not able to help people when they need it!

Chorlie

I was also told by my OT that they have had problems with Minivator, but I know someone with one who hasn't had problems, I guess it could be how they are looked after or how much use they get; just remember to keep the rails clean, I've been told a lot of problem is due to dirt, fluff and dust building up on the rails, I clean mine with a bit of Jiff (or whatever it's called now), just don't use anything the will eat into the rail.

Oliverjames_2

I had a Stannah stairlift years ago. I had to have help to get from my wheelchair to the seat and had to buy a cheap wheelchair to use upstairs. I live on a farm in the middle of nowhere and it often didn't work. The service man used to just appear at intervals, give it a quick wipe and charge about £60 for a 'service'. in the end my husband left me so I moved downstairs and gave the stairlift away - couldn't sell it anywhere, did try - and now I have a local student who lodges with me and rents the upstairs. A but if occasional company and a bit if money. Sorted!

cuzzy

We got my grandma one the other year and to be honest getting a brand new is the best option but we got quotes for at least £1400, so if you are on a little bit of a budget getting a reconditioned one is fine. To be honest, we weren't on that much of a budget but still got a reconditioned one as it was around half the price and works perfectly. Had no problems as of yet, touch wood.

The company we used were Caremore Stairlifts http://www.caremorstairlifts.co.uk They got us prices from quite a few different companies so saved a bit of hassle, which was good. The site isn't the best, but can't knock the service.

Hope this helps.