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    What are the best van options for wheelchair modifications?

    Asked by David

    Hi, we need to buy a van or similar that can be modified (ramp etc) to transport my young son in a wheelchair. Due to the high cost of modifications, the impact those modifications have on resale value and the fact we will have this vehicle longer than you would normally have before change over on an unmodified vehicle, we want to get something "upsecced" on your average Kia Carnival which seems to be the go-to for this type of modification. As there are myriad vehicles on the market, we were hoping that Carsguide may have previously done a review or could point us to a review that perhaps rates the best vehicles for modification or could provide some suggestions.

    Answered by CarsGuide

    12 Jan 2024 David Morley

    From the sounds of things, you need a vehicle that can accommodate the wheelchair as an actual seat in the car rather than having the chair folded and stored for the journey. With that in mind, a van or people-mover is by far the best best bet and the news is good, because there are plenty of choices. For a while there, people were converting Ford Falcon station-wagons for this task, but since the Falcon is no longer made, vans have become the new default vehicle to convert. Which makes plenty of sense.

    There are specialist firms around that will carry out whatever conversion you require and tailor-make the ramps, lock-down points and grab-rails you need to make it work for you. Switched on companies will sit down with you and discuss your precise requirements and engineer something bespoke if necessary.

    At the moment, the list of car choices is pretty long and includes the new Hyundai Staria, VW Caddy, LDV G10, VW Caravelle, Renault Kangoo, Renault Trafic, Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota HiAce and, in case you need something really big, even the Toyota Coaster. Some of these companies are also registered as NDIS suppliers.

    But don’t rule out a second-hand vehicle, either. There are websites around listing used wheelchair-accessible cars for sale. Some will be ex-taxis, but others can be relatively low-kilometre cars that might just have the exact layout you were looking for.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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