what mini van should I buy? [Archive]

jplw

08-19-2004, 07:17 PM

I know that it would be more cost effective to get an already converted van, but voc rehab won't pay for that. They have told me that if I buy a van, used or not, that they will convert it for me. My question is, what kind is best for a lift/ramp modification? I would like to get this process rolling, since I know that it will take some time to get finished.

jOE

jimnms

08-19-2004, 08:16 PM

My voc rehab counselor said the same thing, but I've talked to the manufacturers that make the modified vans and they say they've worked with voc rehab before. Try getting them to contact your VR counselor.

Explain to them that it will cost you both less money to buy an already modified van.

_____
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

Andy

08-20-2004, 04:58 AM

Well, there is quite a fleet of Dodge Caravans rolling around the Chicago area for the public transit program. I had an opportunity to inspectorize one of them and query the driver as to the reliablity of them. She said that she was happy with them, and that they had a few with 200K on them and running pretty good. Maybe work a deal where you are 'buying' one of those being drop shipped at one of the conversion manufacturers then having them cover the rest of the cost of conversion? My recommendation is buy new w/warranty for such an extensively modified vehicle unless you can get them to spring for a used already converted vehicle somehow.

Jeff B

08-20-2004, 10:58 AM

We are happy so far with our Pontiac Montana with a Braun Entervan conversion. The Montana or Chevy Venture conversions both have a 12" lowered floor, while most other minivans only have a 10" lowered floor. This gives a little extra headroom. It still looks pretty much like a normal van from the outside. The fold-out ramp has less to go wrong with it than an in-floor ramp and can be used manually if something does happen to the motor, so you won't get trapped in your van (closing is probably only possible by someone not in a chair).

NoDecafPlz

08-20-2004, 12:49 PM

I have a black, 2003 Pontiac Montana and with the 12" lowered floor and ground effects, it looks like a hybrid Van/SUV..it's the butchest looking minivan around. You definetly will not look like a soccer mom!

Joe

judgebuzz

08-20-2004, 01:15 PM

I have a Dodge Caravan with 10" lowered floor. You've really got to watch for speed bumps, parking garage ramps, and driveway entrances that have a high crown (where the slanted part meets the flat part). I've winced and gritted my teeth as I drag the undercarriage over one. For some reason, it hurts me even more when it happens when my wife drives. If I were getting a 12" lowered floor, I would compare ground clearance first.

McDuff

08-20-2004, 05:12 PM

The newest van in the conversion world is the 2004 Toyota Sienna. I've looked them over and they are setup nice, only done by IMS vans. They are real proud of them though. They are shorter then the Dodge/Chryslers but 4" wider, haven't figured out which is more needed. Haven't looked at a Montana, have to check it out.

McD

"Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

Bill H.

08-20-2004, 05:34 PM

I have a Dodge Caravan with a 10" lowered floor. The van was already modified from IMS. I had to have the hand controls and seats installed separate, it took only two weeks from the time I purchased it until the time I drove it home. I also cringe when I go over speed bumps and thru a car wash, but so far no problems. I have a fold down ramp instead of an in floor ramp, I have two swivel seats so I can transfer into either one in case my wife wants to drive. I have good height clearance and room to move around to transfer into my seat. I've had no problems or complaints. It also gets good gas milege which is important these days. Good Luck!!

Back to work finally

alan

08-20-2004, 07:07 PM

We have a 2001 Grand Caravan SE from Rollx (www.rollxvans.com (http://www.rollxvans.com) is the url.)

Alan

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"

krajaxa

08-20-2004, 08:13 PM

2003 Dodge Caravan - Entervan modifications from Braun. Happy with all the mods done to it, maybe just the e-z lock for hubby's chair seem to be a little bit awkward (they had to manufacture a hook up for his ti-lite - that makes his chair unhumanly heavy, he might think of something else to do with it). What kind of brake/hook up do you use for your w/c in your vans, so it doesn't fly thru the vehicle?

McDuff

08-20-2004, 08:37 PM

Krajaxa,

Haven't seen or heard anything about this but I like the writeup they give it. The ez lock is way over the top for weight, I'm sure it is all liabiility related. Just passin' it on...

Safety-Lok (http://www.creativecontrolsinc.com/quadcontrols/safety-lok/index.htm)

McD

"Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

611

08-21-2004, 05:26 PM

Have you tried a full size van? You may like the room and ground clearance.

SCI-Nurse

08-21-2004, 07:57 PM

A full sized van can be a problem if you park in either a garage at home or use a lot of public garages to park. You need to think about where you are going to be driving.

(KLD)

Clipper

08-23-2004, 10:04 PM

Just purchased a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country with a Braun Entervan conversion. I love it. It replaced my 1995 Ford Windstar with an IMS conversion. Here's what I can tell you:

- The newer Braun and IMS conversions have increased ground clearance. By "newer" I mean two or three years. I have not scraped the bottom once.

- The Toyota Sienna has substantially less interior room and it is more expensive than anything on the market. They also are not in abundant supply.

- IMS was recently acquired by Braun, so their products most likely will become even more similar. My new Braun conversion makes my old IMS system looks like a relic. Braun utilizes existing buttons for the doors, whereas IMS does not. This makes the whole conversion look better.

- The fold-out ramp conversions have two distinct advantages: manual operation in case of an electrical failure and fewer maintenance issues. Even at C5/6, I am able to simply push or pull the ramp to extend it manually.

- We drove a Dodge for a few days and noted few interior differences. We simply liked the Chrysler more.

- Ask about rebates. The 2004 model we selected had about $8,000 in rebates. Another 2004 model with a different package (fewer options) had a minimal rebate. We went with the upgrade and actually saved money.

jlobel

07-15-2008, 11:55 PM

Converted mini-vans - which are the most reliable - Dodge, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota? which are the best ramp types - fold-up or infloor?

dansbun

07-16-2008, 01:14 AM

Have you looked at the Honda Element? Honda's are super reliable and the Elements are different looking.
The Honda Element's floor can be taken out and a ramp can be put in.

Curt Leatherbee

07-16-2008, 01:57 AM

The Mazda5 is a good minivan, my sister has one and really like it.

ronk

07-16-2008, 11:35 AM

Depends on what you need? Lowered floor etc...

Reliability per Consumer reports and Toyota Sienna & Honda Passport are neck and neck with everything else a distant third.

WheelieMike

07-16-2008, 11:47 AM

I was talking to the dealer in my area and he said the Toyota is the only van that received a higher crash test rating after the conversion. Dodge and Chevy had the same. They couldn't convert Fords b/c it would lower the crash test rating.
Just my .02

Foolish Old

07-16-2008, 12:08 PM

If size doesn't scare you, the Dodge Sprinter has a lot to recommend it.

2jazzyjeff

07-16-2008, 12:43 PM

I chose my Pontiac Montana as being a GM product offering Onstar. Nothing like having extra piece of mind as it'll automatically call for help if you crash. How many here were crashed for hours and stranded with no help? My next van will be a GM product as well. As far as ramps, drop floors, etc, they all get done the same way, and a lot of times by the same mfg.

jlobel

07-16-2008, 05:11 PM

i am looking to find the easiest/safest locking mechanism. how have people found the Qstraints to work with? are these safe for seniors to operate safely? they seem to provide more flexibility than the EZ-lock.

2jazzyjeff

07-16-2008, 06:42 PM

how have people found the Qstraints to work with? are these safe for seniors to operate safely? they seem to provide more flexibility than the EZ-lock.In my van I have 2 EZ-locks, driver and passenger side. I also have the 4 straps to lock down in case I need to strap another chair in. I had to find a video on Youtube to see the Qstraints. I like them better than the tie-downs. No matter your level of injury, the EZ-lock is quicker and much safer, IMO. The downside is the cost.. if you can afford it get the EZ-lock.

november

07-17-2008, 02:04 AM

I chose my Pontiac Montana as being a GM product offering Onstar.
That's one reason I'm looking into the Chevy Uplander. Can't always rely on a cell phone having service everywhere. Pretty cool looking too, kinda looks like a SUV.

Decisions, decisions.

http://www.chevrolet.com/uplander/colors/

Herco16

07-17-2008, 02:36 AM

That's one reason I'm looking into the Chevy Uplander. Can't always rely on a cell phone having service everywhere.

When I wrecked my man van two years ago, my cell ended up beneath the passenger seat. NOT very convenient.....:thinking: On-star would have come in handy!

Dave

ETA- Oh yea, about Chrysler vans.... I don't particularly care for them, but I recently learned that my Girlfriend's father had 337,000 miles (I viewed the odometer) on his before he got rid of it! Dang!!!

kclark

07-17-2008, 11:14 AM

what's the best way to approach dealer to negotiate a reasonable price?

New 2008 Toyota Siennas currently have up to $3K in rebates before you even try to negotiate!

however, we saw a converted Braun 2007 Toyota Sienna LE for around $59000 and a 2008 Toyota Sienna LE for around $59000.

estimating the conversions run $20K - $23K. seems like the conversion sales people are way too high.

are conversion prices negotiable at all? if so, what's most effective - bringing in current rebate information?

Danine

07-17-2008, 12:03 PM

JPLW, I would encourage you to talk to your VR counselor to make sure you understand the process of purchasing through VR--it's a long, complicated endeavor!. My VR counselor is great and it has still taken months to get through the process. I'm supposed to get my van next Wednesday. I chose a Dodge Caravan over the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey. The choice was mostly due to cost, but the Dodge seemed to have more room as well.

Also, know that VR can pay up to 100% the cost of modifications and 50% the cost of the van itself. I'm getting a 2007 with 19,000 miles. Getting a used vehicle is saving me quite a bit of $ since I will be responsible only for half the cost of the chassis.

Also, VR goes through a bidding process with vendors. The vendor will locate the van for you, so you don't have to "go shopping." Your VR counselor should meet with you and a VR engineer to discuss preferences for color, options, hand control needs, etc. then the vendors will locate vehicles that match your preferences.

Another tip: Convince your VR counselor to process the conversion and the interior mod's (hand controls, etc.) at the same time. Some seem to think it has to be done separately, but doing them at the same time will save a lot of time!

Hope this helps!

november

07-18-2008, 03:39 AM

NM Jeff, I just realized the Pontiac Montana is the Chevy Uplander in pics.

Here is a site I found last night if people just want to compare vehicles. It was nice for me because I never paid attention to what different minivans looked like and it shows different angles and parts of both the exterior and interior on the same page. There is research links too, but I just went to Chevy, Toyota, etc homepage and got all that info. Anyway the compare site is convenient if you don't want to go looking at different lots yet.

http://www.cars.com/go/comparephotos/index.jsp?acode=USB80CHV303A0

2jazzyjeff

07-18-2008, 04:07 AM

NM Jeff, I just realized the Pontiac Montana is the Chevy Uplander in pics.

I meant to come back and respond saying that in '07, I believe, they changed the front end, minor interior and renamed.. sorry. :o

november

07-18-2008, 04:46 AM

I meant to come back and respond saying that in '07, I believe, they changed the front end, minor interior and renamed.. sorry. :o
How do you like the vehicle? Any complaints?
What color did you get? lol

2jazzyjeff

07-18-2008, 10:07 AM

How do you like the vehicle? Any complaints?
What color did you get? lolHere's a pic.. No complaints. Only few things that I didn't get and this is bc it's not offered with the handicapped conversion is a DVD player (headroom space boarding, no biggie as I can't see it driving, lol), AWD (all wheel drive as I thought it would help spread out the weight and less strain on the engine), and a power drivers side slide door. I really love this van. It's nice 'n roomy enough to load up myself and 4 buddies and go to concerts, plus it rides really smooth loaded down. Does pretty good on gas.. I was hoping to find one with the chrome rims but Braun had this with leather interior (which was a request) so I got it b4 someone else did. Again, can't say enough about peace of mind with Onstar.. it's sold me on my next van. Not sure what controls you'll be using but there's room for all kinds of equipment. Got several interior pics of my equipment if you want to see. :)

Ashley

07-18-2008, 06:42 PM

OLDSAILOR55

07-21-2008, 04:04 AM

During my search last year, I found several companies that have great conversions on mini-vans. It is hard to find reliability reports or what is a fair price. To bad there isn’t a central location where all this information is available. Most dealers want to charge you MSR price, minus any rebates at the time, plus the conversion price. Hard to get them to deal with you on price. The best prices were at AMS; they buy used low milage vans and then modify them. Their modification is less than Braun because they don’t lower the van (they use a slightly longer lift, better suited for power chairs or riders) and don’t cut out part of the floor on the area behind the drivers seat. Rollx van is probably the class conversion.

I finally got a 2007 Chrysler T&C with a Braun lift, transfer seat and Wells-Engberg hand controls. It suited my needs, as far as space (uplander and the buick were to small, no storage) and as our only car; my wife could still drive it if needed.

Here are all the links I have saved as favorites. The Disabled Dealer Magazine has some great deals on vans and will get you to dealers in your area;

http://www.disableddealer.com/

http://www.wells-engberg.com/

http://www.amsvans.com/

http://www.rollxvans.com/

http://www.ride-away.com/index.asp

carbar

08-16-2008, 06:55 AM

Does anyone from Europe have suggestions/recommendations for a mini-van that can be converted to be driven directly from wheelchair? I think some of the american models might be available but was wondering if there are any other models that would be more readily available over here.

november

08-16-2008, 03:34 PM

i heard as far as the uplander goes, it will be discontinued after 2008...i don't know if thats bad for replacement parts, etc in the long run, but out of all the minivans i've seen, it's the sportiest and roomiest. I like the on-star option as well.
GM will keep making parts for no less than 10 years.

I tested one out this week and it is really a nice vehicle. I was so stoked I could get up the ramp by myself...
that was the main concern.

november

08-16-2008, 03:36 PM

Jeff I did see a modified one this week, but I wouldn't mind seeing the interior of yours even though our modifications will be entirely different.

Ashley

08-16-2008, 04:00 PM

GM will keep making parts for no less than 10 years.

I tested one out this week and it is really a nice vehicle. I was so stoked I could get up the ramp by myself...
that was the main concern.

awesome! :D

adi chicago

08-16-2008, 04:08 PM

RehabRhino

08-16-2008, 04:18 PM

adi chicago

08-16-2008, 04:21 PM

Carbar

The most common one to convert is a Chrysler Grand Voyager
she asked about european cars......

RehabRhino

08-16-2008, 04:31 PM

she asked about european cars......

Carbar suggested that some American models 'might' be less available, I answered that the most common car converted in the UK is the Chrysler Grand Voyager as it's very available and converted more often than Benz or VWs.

adi chicago

08-16-2008, 04:36 PM

Carbar suggested that some American models 'might' be less available, I answered that the most common car converted in the UK is the Chrysler Grand Voyager as it's very available and converted more often than Benz or VWs.
i understand paul ...i have no idea about france where carbar lives.

RehabRhino

08-16-2008, 04:43 PM

i understand paul ...i have no idea about france where carbar lives.

You're probably right. Peugeot people carrier or something. I think there's only certain models which will take a ramp though. You need a long wheelbase or a pickup type truck/Hummer with a lift. I like those

adi chicago

08-16-2008, 04:54 PM

You're probably right. Peugeot people carrier or something. I think there's only certain models which will take a ramp though. You need a long wheelbase or a pickup type truck/Hummer with a lift. I like those
i remember now ....2 years ago when i was in paris ...airport ..my trip to china the french used a peugeot mini van ...was ok...ramp and seats belt .for disabled .

carbar

08-16-2008, 05:55 PM

Thanks, I know about the Voyager, took a look at one and I'm sure it's ok but I didn't really like the look of it! So I wanted to hear from anyone who has converted something else, in particular a mini-van from a European manufacturer (not just to transport someone in a chair but to drive from a chair). I've seen a few mini-vans that I prefer (a VW van for example) but don't know if it's convertible for that kind of use and I'm not sure if my local VW dealer would know (most conversions are done by a specialist company and not the manufacturer).
I'd like to hear first-hand opinion from those using the vans, rather than the supplier's preferences before I start to make my choice.

2jazzyjeff

08-16-2008, 09:19 PM

Jeff I did see a modified one this week, but I wouldn't mind seeing the interior of yours even though our modifications will be entirely different.No prob, here ya' go..

Aliya

08-16-2008, 09:59 PM

I love my Onstar it does give you a peace of mind or it does me. They can even unlock your door if you accidently lock your keys inside.

jccarolina

08-17-2008, 04:59 AM

My son bought me a '01 Chevy Venture last March and I love it.
Sure was a drastic change from my old Crown Vic and trying to drag my chair into that old thing.
I wouldn't trade it for the world. The Onstar isn't active yet because I think it's the 'ol analog style. I might see about upgrading sometime:) :)