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From: madams@ecst.csuchico.edu (Michael E. Adams)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: ??? Mini-VAN with Wheelchair Lift ???
Message-ID: <17999@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 7 Mar 91 05:29:36 GMT
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Reply-To: madams@ecst.csuchico.edu (Michael E. Adams)
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Index Number: 13845

I have been driving the same station wagon around for the
last 13 years.  I have now decided it's time for me to buy
my first van.

I really don't have a clue how to go about buying a new/used van.
So I was hopping you folks in netland would share your experience
with me.   Anything you have to say would be helpful and greatly
appreciated.

         (General questions to get the brian juice flowing)

About the lift:
    What are the deciding factors (performance, repairs, etc) ?
    What should I watch out for when buying a lift?
    Who are the major manufactures?
    What is a ball park cost? 
    Should I put the lift on the side, or rear?
    Is an automatic usually door included in the cost?
    Do most people take out the drivers seat, or do 
       they transfer from their wheelchairs.  
      
About the mini-van:
    What should I watch out for when buying a used vehicle?
    Should I select the van, and then the lift.  Or do it the    
        other way round?
    Most people prefer to test drive used cars.  What do us
       hand-control users do for a test drive?
    Is there a used market for pre-converted vans?
    what is the "most reliable" commuter van?
   
Financing:
    If I put down $3k cash, can I realistically expect 
        $200 per month, or less, in payments?
    Will I benefit by trying to buy outside of my locality, 
        i.e. make a trip to San Francisco?  
    Other than interest rate, what else should I ask about
        before selecting a lending institution?

   
Are there any support/advice groups that I should know about?

Thank you for your feedback:
 
 
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