New van advice needed

spaceboy · 12-23-2003, 10:25 AM

i am fortunate that my parents want to buy me a new van; however, they've gone and just about purchased a new one without even consulting me as to my needs. they choose a new chrysler t&c, with a braun fold-up ramp, 10 inch lowered floor and all the bells and whistles. the cost is 51k.

i am a recently injured (8 months ago) c6, and will be taking my driving eval soon. can anyone recommend a better/more accessible car? does anyone know if this is a competitive price? i would think buying a newer used car would be more practical (and affordable!!!)are cars/vans like wheelchairs in that it takes buying your first one just to figure out the kind you want?!

does anyone have any idea what sort of modifications and their costs that i should expect when i am able to drive?

kvangerp · 12-23-2003, 05:07 PM

I bought my last van in 1996 but I keep looking at what's out there. From what I know and have seen, the Chrysler T&C for 51K with the Braun lift is what I would expect to pay for the van adapted to me. You will probably have a better idea of just what adaptations you might want after you have been evaluated.
I am a C5-6 and have been driving since 1975. I choose to keep it simple so there is less to malfunction. I also choose the full size van, but that is probably because I am used to the roominess and I know from experience they hold up better in a crash.
The lift (automatic), EZ Lockdown, and the dropped floor are the expensive items. The only other adaptations I use are the push/pull hand controls, tri-pin for steering, and extensions for headlights, wipers, and gearshift. You may need an extension on your steering column depending on your height. I have known C6 quads who transfer and drive from a captain's chair but that doesn't work for me.
I think your parents chose well, the price is reasonable, and the adaptations are going to be a personal preference. The dealer your parents are working with will probably have a wide variety of options you can check out. There are a lot of used adapted vans out there as well but the warrantee on the new ones is a big factor especially if your parents are willing to purchase it for you.
Good luck!

duge · 12-23-2003, 05:50 PM

I just bought a 2000 Mercury Villager does anyone know if they are ok to put a lift for a scooter in the rear, that is why I bought it. so I can go on with my life with being able to go places with my wife
Thanks

~Patrick~ · 12-23-2003, 07:09 PM

It should be what your needs are and what you want. I was too tall for a car and my chair was too wide for a minivan so my option was full size van. Luckily I had a new friend that knew I did not like this idea and called me when he saw this truck. Now I have a 2000 F150 . Look in life for the crip crusier thread to see it and others. I would suggest they NOT settle on anything until you have a full OVR eval. What is your ability? Can you transfer to a seat to drive? hows your balance? what kind of chair are you looking at living in? how big is it? I realize they want to help but YOU have to be involved in the process. Its not like buying a shirt, If the van dont fit , your screwed!

12-23-2003, 10:25 AM	#1
spaceboy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: greensboro, nc Posts: 229	New van advice needed i am fortunate that my parents want to buy me a new van; however, they've gone and just about purchased a new one without even consulting me as to my needs. they choose a new chrysler t&c, with a braun fold-up ramp, 10 inch lowered floor and all the bells and whistles. the cost is 51k. i am a recently injured (8 months ago) c6, and will be taking my driving eval soon. can anyone recommend a better/more accessible car? does anyone know if this is a competitive price? i would think buying a newer used car would be more practical (and affordable!!!)are cars/vans like wheelchairs in that it takes buying your first one just to figure out the kind you want?! does anyone have any idea what sort of modifications and their costs that i should expect when i am able to drive?

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12-23-2003, 05:07 PM	#2
kvangerp Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kenmore,WA,USA Posts: 31	I bought my last van in 1996 but I keep looking at what's out there. From what I know and have seen, the Chrysler T&C for 51K with the Braun lift is what I would expect to pay for the van adapted to me. You will probably have a better idea of just what adaptations you might want after you have been evaluated. I am a C5-6 and have been driving since 1975. I choose to keep it simple so there is less to malfunction. I also choose the full size van, but that is probably because I am used to the roominess and I know from experience they hold up better in a crash. The lift (automatic), EZ Lockdown, and the dropped floor are the expensive items. The only other adaptations I use are the push/pull hand controls, tri-pin for steering, and extensions for headlights, wipers, and gearshift. You may need an extension on your steering column depending on your height. I have known C6 quads who transfer and drive from a captain's chair but that doesn't work for me. I think your parents chose well, the price is reasonable, and the adaptations are going to be a personal preference. The dealer your parents are working with will probably have a wide variety of options you can check out. There are a lot of used adapted vans out there as well but the warrantee on the new ones is a big factor especially if your parents are willing to purchase it for you. Good luck!

12-23-2003, 05:50 PM	#3
duge Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,446	I just bought a 2000 Mercury Villager does anyone know if they are ok to put a lift for a scooter in the rear, that is why I bought it. so I can go on with my life with being able to go places with my wife Thanks

12-23-2003, 07:09 PM	#4
~Patrick~ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Lewistown,Pennsylvania Posts: 1,517	It should be what your needs are and what you want. I was too tall for a car and my chair was too wide for a minivan so my option was full size van. Luckily I had a new friend that knew I did not like this idea and called me when he saw this truck. Now I have a 2000 F150 . Look in life for the crip crusier thread to see it and others. I would suggest they NOT settle on anything until you have a full OVR eval. What is your ability? Can you transfer to a seat to drive? hows your balance? what kind of chair are you looking at living in? how big is it? I realize they want to help but YOU have to be involved in the process. Its not like buying a shirt, If the van dont fit , your screwed!