alan
08-08-2001, 05:55 PM
Between folks on the Quad list and myself, we came up with a list of questions persons in the market to buy an adapted van should ask van dealers. Here's that list:
QUESTIONS TO ASK DEALERS WHEN PURCHASING A VAN
(not all questions are applicable in all cases)
1. How much weight is added to the vehicle during modification?
2. Does the added weight lead to premature suspension and front end
problems?
3. Does the manufacturer use the original fuel tank or a fuel cell?
Does the manufacturer use the original fuel pump?
4. What other original parts are used, and which are replaced? How do the changes affect the van's overall durability? Are there any
electrical items which are added to the conversion which create a
constant demand on the battery?
5. What will the finished height of the van be? What will the ground
clearance be? How do the modifications affect the van's center of gravity, and stability in turns?
6. How do your modifications affect the warranty from the van's original
manufacturer? How does your warranty compare with the original warranty? How does the manufacturer feel about your modifications to their product?
7. Have vans with your modifications undergone crash tests, and what were the results compared with non-modified vans?
8. Will the modifier or manufacturer pay for a rental in the event there are problems during the warranty period, and help me find such a vehicle, if needed?
9. What about after sale service? Where are repairs done, and how is
the van taken to the repair shop if repairs can't be done at my home
(is that my responsibility, or part of your service?) How fast is the
response when I call your company to report a problem? What happens
when the warranty period is over? What if the manufacturer issues a
recall of this model?
10. How helpful will you be in accommodating me in my particular
circumstances, whatever those may be?
11. What type of kneeling system do you install? What parts are most
likely to break with normal use, and how much does repairing or replacing said parts cost in money and time? Why is your particular kneeling system the right one to choose? Can I get an upgraded battery to deal with the added drag of powering the lift and the kneeling system? Is the hydraulic fluid in the kneeling system affected by the air temperature, and, if so, at what temperatures?
12. What happens if the kneeling system breaks during or after the
warranty period, and how difficult is it to fix? If the kneeling
system breaks when I am out, can the van still be driven, and will I
be held responsible for any additional damage caused by driving the van in this condition?
13. If the van's engine and/or battery fails while I am in the van, how do I get out of the van? How do I activate the ramp and van kneeling
system (if applicable?) What about releasing the power tiedowns?
14. Can this van tow a trailer?
15. Depending on the repair required, may I stay in the van during repair if I have to bring it in for service myself?
16. I don't currently plan to drive this van, but that may change in the
future. Can the required adaptations for driving be added later, without damaging the integrity of the vehicle? Depending on how soon such changes are made, how will they affect the warranty?
17. I'd like a security system and remote engine start in this van.
Would I be better off with the manufacturer's alarm system, or
should I have a vendor local to me install the alarm?
18. Have you told me about all the options available from the
manufacturer for this van?
People who drive (from their chairs or after transferring into a seat)
will likely have additional questions.
QUESTIONS TO ASK DEALERS WHEN PURCHASING A VAN
(not all questions are applicable in all cases)
1. How much weight is added to the vehicle during modification?
2. Does the added weight lead to premature suspension and front end
problems?
3. Does the manufacturer use the original fuel tank or a fuel cell?
Does the manufacturer use the original fuel pump?
4. What other original parts are used, and which are replaced? How do the changes affect the van's overall durability? Are there any
electrical items which are added to the conversion which create a
constant demand on the battery?
5. What will the finished height of the van be? What will the ground
clearance be? How do the modifications affect the van's center of gravity, and stability in turns?
6. How do your modifications affect the warranty from the van's original
manufacturer? How does your warranty compare with the original warranty? How does the manufacturer feel about your modifications to their product?
7. Have vans with your modifications undergone crash tests, and what were the results compared with non-modified vans?
8. Will the modifier or manufacturer pay for a rental in the event there are problems during the warranty period, and help me find such a vehicle, if needed?
9. What about after sale service? Where are repairs done, and how is
the van taken to the repair shop if repairs can't be done at my home
(is that my responsibility, or part of your service?) How fast is the
response when I call your company to report a problem? What happens
when the warranty period is over? What if the manufacturer issues a
recall of this model?
10. How helpful will you be in accommodating me in my particular
circumstances, whatever those may be?
11. What type of kneeling system do you install? What parts are most
likely to break with normal use, and how much does repairing or replacing said parts cost in money and time? Why is your particular kneeling system the right one to choose? Can I get an upgraded battery to deal with the added drag of powering the lift and the kneeling system? Is the hydraulic fluid in the kneeling system affected by the air temperature, and, if so, at what temperatures?
12. What happens if the kneeling system breaks during or after the
warranty period, and how difficult is it to fix? If the kneeling
system breaks when I am out, can the van still be driven, and will I
be held responsible for any additional damage caused by driving the van in this condition?
13. If the van's engine and/or battery fails while I am in the van, how do I get out of the van? How do I activate the ramp and van kneeling
system (if applicable?) What about releasing the power tiedowns?
14. Can this van tow a trailer?
15. Depending on the repair required, may I stay in the van during repair if I have to bring it in for service myself?
16. I don't currently plan to drive this van, but that may change in the
future. Can the required adaptations for driving be added later, without damaging the integrity of the vehicle? Depending on how soon such changes are made, how will they affect the warranty?
17. I'd like a security system and remote engine start in this van.
Would I be better off with the manufacturer's alarm system, or
should I have a vendor local to me install the alarm?
18. Have you told me about all the options available from the
manufacturer for this van?
People who drive (from their chairs or after transferring into a seat)
will likely have additional questions.