Buying New Vs Used
November 12, 2007
New Vs Used Mobility Vans
When buying an accessible handicapped van, you do not want to regret your decision. Anytime you spend large sums of money, you want to make sure you do plenty of research first. The first thing you want to decide is whether want to go with a New or Used vehicle. Now the difference when talking about a handicap vehicle versus a regular car or truck is that there are 3 options instead of just 2.
- New Vehicle; New Conversion
- Used Vehicle; New Conversion
- Used Vehicle; Previously Used Conversion
With a new vehicle and new conversion, you know for sure everything will be in perfect condition, and you still get the new car smell. The downside is that you also have to take the depreciation hit that new cars cannot seem to avoid. You will end up paying thousands more for the benefit of the doubt. This will typically be the most expensive option, and can possibly be the most rewarding.
When buying a used vehicle with a brand new conversion, the car is completely renovated with a new floor, new carpet, and re-installed seats. The mileage on these vans typically runs from 10-20,000 miles, in order to avoid the depreciation. You also want to make sure these vehicles still have the factory warranty in case the vehicle has any mechanical problems. Most conversions will also have their own warranty so that should not be an issue. This option typically gives you the most satisfaction for your money. You are ensured that the vehicle is in great shape, and you get a brand new conversion with its own warranty while saving depreciation costs.
Buying a used vehicle with a used conversion is really the only risky way to buy an accessible ride. It is also typically the most affordable. In this case you want to make sure the ramp or lift still works properly, and often times wheelchairs will tear up the floor so you want to check that as well. You also run the risks that you run anytime you buy a used car, because you often times don't know who the previous owner was or how they treated their car. You also want to make sure you run a carfax to ensure the title is clear and the car has not been in any major accidents. This option will save you the most money, but it is also the most risky, and you need to be very careful that everything still works properly.
With this knowledge, the decision is up to the buyer. You must organize your priorities and budget to see what your best option will be. If you would like to buy new, there are countless local dealers that buy vans from conversion specialists and turn around and resell the vehicle for a profit. If you would like to buy a used vehicle with a new conversion, your best option would be AMS Vans. They are really the only business of their kind, buying affordable vans and installing a brand new conversion. They then turn around and sell direct skipping the dealership in order to save the mark-up money as well as depreciation. When buying a used vehicle with a used conversion, there are endless possibilities. You can search online and buy from an individual, find local dealers who have trade-ins, or maybe you know somebody who is ready for a new vehicle and wants to sell theirs.
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