help with choosing car for powerchair

agrinnall

If you're buying privately and you're not confident to assess the vehicle yourself I'd suggest getting an independent inspection done. The motoring organisations used to do these, but it's a long time since I needed one so I've no idea what it would cost now.

Definitely get a receipt from the seller, and make sure both of you complete the relevant sections of the V5C. Nobody will take a cheque and let you take the car before it's cleared. The general consensus nowadays is that the least risky method for both parties is to pay using online banking, making a small test payment first to ensure the details are correct. The downside is that although transfers are often almost instant they may not be, and it could take until the end of the next business day to complete. Cash is good for the seller but a big risk for the buyer. The ideal situation is if both of you use the same bank then you can do an instant internal transfer (and that's what happened when I last sold privately) but it's luck if that is the case.

NeverEnough

You also mentioned the size of the adapted vehicles, OP -a small caveat here if you have not seen one before, the Voyager is absolutely huge - bigger than most large 4x4s and not the greatest fuel consumption. Do go and take a look at these vehicles so you have a good idea of size and what you are comfortable driving.

One of the most comfortable and versatile of these larger vehicles in my opinion, is the VW Caravelle or Transporter - the adapted ones have ramps and are amazingly versatile for wheelchairs, power chairs and the like. Plus they fit in an ordinary parking space - the SWB ones, not the tradesman LWB vans -and are a lot nicer to drive than the Voyager luxo barge, which is a rather wide and oversized vehicle. Some Caravelles are extremely well specced as well, although getting one within your budget will not be easy and it will be an old one. If looked after, they are capable of starship mileage -ours is over 300 K miles now!!!

cheesemouse_2

VW Caravelle's are nice cars Sounds like you've got a good 'un.

Question re car insurance - I might need to set up insurance on Friday for a car I'm hoping to look at on Saturday (insurer isn't open at weekends).

But if the car isn't right and I don't buy it, can I cancel on Monday?

Maybe I'm being a bit thick but aren't there issues if you cancel car insurance? As in you have to declare it the next time you apply for car insurance? I don't want to get myself into a sticky situation.

CrazyRed

cheesemouse wrote: »

Question re car insurance - I might need to set up insurance on Friday for a car I'm hoping to look at on Saturday (insurer isn't open at weekends).

But if the car isn't right and I don't buy it, can I cancel on Monday?

Maybe I'm being a bit thick but aren't there issues if you cancel car insurance? As in you have to declare it the next time you apply for car insurance? I don't want to get myself into a sticky situation.

Not if YOU cancel the insurance. The issue only arises if the insurance is cancelled on you by the insurance company.

Why not look at one of the short-term insurance guys? Tempcover.com and the suchlike for a very short-term policy that'll cover you over the weekend on the new vehicle? Give Fish Insurance a ring if this is a WAV and see if they'll offer temporary cover.

cheesemouse_2

Thanks for the clarification CrazyRed

I shall look into the insurers you mentioned.

telynores

cheesemouse. I have read all these posts am a power chair user receiving higher rate mobility DLA.
First, IMO you would qualify for DLA and subsequently motability which would take away all insurance/servicing/road tax.....lets just say all costs apart from fuel for 3 years. As you probably will be looking at a WAV you will be paying a little out of your DLA but the worry of maintenance won't be yours.
Secondly any reputable dealer will assess your needs, make suggestions, allow a test drive etc.
My suggestion would be to look at any vehicle you buy now as a stop gap while you apply, if that is your wish, for DLA.
I have looked at WAVs but haven't driven for a few years and don't know if I'm strong enough or have the stamina to do so. I haven't tried a vehicle yet but have been in WAV taxis, not always the adapted black cabs. My chairs are 105kg and 150kg with batteries, I would be looking to 'drive' my chair up a ramp or onto a lift and drive from the chair, at a push transfer but the driver seat would need to be plush :-)
If you buy privately (I always did) and use internet banking, you can pay the seller, presuming they have internet access and you like the vehicle, on the spot using BACS.
I'm not technical but wanted to encourage you to look at the financing aspect, being disabled cost a lot heck, the chairs cost as much as a small car.
I've probably rambled, apologies if I've confused the issue but do ask if anything is remotely useful :-)

JP08

OP - Somewhat off topic and personal (apologies in advance if I cause any offence) but re "Also - slightly off-topic but hopefully helps to explain - I am still struggling to come to terms with my lack of mobility. Maybe I'm stubborn, maybe I'm just determined, I don't know. But I just want to try and still have a normal life (or as normal as possible)."

please DO claim your DLA/PIP/Motability - they are there to help you do precisely what you are aiming to do. And, quite frankly, if I'm going to be stung as a higher rate tax payer then you are precisely the type of person who I want my taxes going to - one who wants to help themselves (and not as in shoplifting !).

cheesemouse_2

Thanks telynores and JP08. I know what you're both saying makes sense, I just can't get my head around applying for benefits yet.

Well the good news is I have found myself a used WAV :j but just when I thought all was well, I've hit a bit of a snag which I need help with. I've posted it as a new thread though, as I need to ask a different question.