Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a van to be modified there are several things to consider. Here are some commonly asked questions:
- Why can't all vehicles be modified?
- How can I make sure my vehicle is suitable for converting?
- Can I drive?
- Where is the best place for me to buy a vehicle?
- Can I buy a used vehicle?
- Does buying a vehicle from Shoppers Home Health Care affect my warranty or point of service?
- How long does it take to modify a vehicle?
- Should I buy a van online?
- Why should I search for a NMEDA Certified Dealer?
- What financial reimbursements are available?
- Other linked resources?
Why can't all vehicles be modified?
There are many vehicles on the market today, but not all of them can be modified, for a number of reasons. Whenever a vehicle under goes a major structural modification that affects the vehicles fuel system, such as a lowered floor, Transport Canada requires that a prototype of the modified vehicle pass a full crash test. This is an extremely expensive process, and vehicle modifiers tend to only invest in the most popular models of vehicles because of the time and expense involved. The production of multiple lowered floor models of vehicles also requires increased manufacturing space and the production of hundreds of additional parts for each model.
Whenever a significant design change occurs in any given vehicle model, a new crash test is required. Examples include the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan versus the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, the 2010 Honda Odyssey versus the 2011model, and the 2010 Toyota Sienna versus the 2011 model. Although the model names have remained the same, a portion of the vehicle was redesigned that may alter the vehicles' response in a crash which requires a new crash test.
How can I make sure my vehicle is suitable for converting?
Check with your Shoppers Home Health Care Automotive Specialist BEFORE purchasing a vehicle that you intend to equip for wheelchair use! Even products as simple as swivel seats and wheelchair lifts are designed for specific vehicles, or work better in some applications than others. At Shoppers Home Health Care we can provide vehicle specific information on all of the products that we carry.
Space requirements are also an important consideration. A Shoppers Home Health Care Automotive Specialist can get a good idea of which vehicles are best suited to your needs through consultation, in some cases over the telephone, but in many cases, it is a good idea to visit in person. A simple phone call can help avoid a costly error when it comes to purchasing a vehicle that may not meet your long-term needs.
If you have already purchased a vehicle and have questions concerning the availability of modifications or equipment, please feel free to call Shoppers Home Health Care. We can tell you what options are available to you, and help you to determine the solution that will best suit your needs.
Can I drive?
The driving technology available to physically challenged individuals is extremely advanced, and allows a wide range of individuals the opportunity to drive. To find out if you are a good candidate for driving a modified vehicle, you must first be assessed by a qualified Occupational Therapist or a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. These professionals are trained to determine your physical abilities, and if possible prescribe adaptive driving equipment based on their findings. In most cases the person completing the assessment will recommend a vehicle (or vehicles) that will accept the equipment that has been prescribed, but it is still a good idea to check with your Shoppers Home Health Care Automotive Specialist before finalizing a purchase. After your vehicle has been modified, a few lessons are usually required to help you familiarize yourself with your new equipment.
Where is the best place for me to buy a vehicle?
You may purchase your vehicle wherever you wish, but again, we would strongly suggest that you contact us first! Shoppers Home Health Care is a licensed car dealer, and because of the volume of vehicles that we purchase, we are able to offer vehicles at substantial savings, usually thousands of dollars below the window sticker price. Shoppers Home Health Care has the largest inventory of newly converted vehicles in Canada. By choosing from our huge inventory, you can reduce your waiting time by months and have a new accessible vehicle in your driveway in days! We can also assist in determining the correct option package to purchase to ensure that you don't purchase a vehicle that is not eligible for conversion or pay extra for items that may have to be removed during the conversion process.
Shoppers Home Health Care also has access to certain vehicle packages that are not available for sale to standard car dealerships, or the general public. These are referred to as "incomplete vehicles". These vans are delivered without any interior trim except items such as uncovered seating and sun visors. Otherwise they are fully equipped with optional power accessories such as windows, door locks, mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering, air conditioning and upgraded AM/FM stereo and cassette. These units are built specially for a "second stage manufacturer" such as Shoppers Home Health Care to complete the interior trim. These are the vehicles of choice for structural modification since there is very little that needs to be removed or modified before structural modification can begin, and a custom interior package can be installed after the structural modifications are complete.
Can I buy a used vehicle?
Before buying a used vehicle, that's right, call us! Depending on the vehicle in question and the conversion required, a used vehicle may not be suitable. If it is determined that a used vehicle is appropriate, the vehicle should be in excellent overall condition if structural modifications are required. If you are considering purchasing a used vehicle, it should be thoroughly inspected by a qualified individual. Look for signs that would indicate that the vehicle might have been in an accident. If you suspect that it had been seriously damaged, it may not be the best candidate for modifying. Keep in mind that because a vehicle is "certified", does not necessarily mean that it is in suitable condition for modifying. For the most part, follow the same sound practices that you would for buying any used vehicle, with the exception that you will be investing a considerable amount of money into the modification and equipping of an accessible vehicle.
Shoppers Home Health Care will assist in the location and purchase of a used vehicle if required, as well as make recommendations and perform inspections on vehicles that you may be considering. We may even have a pre-owned vehicle in stock that will suit your needs. Feel free to contact us for a current list of used vehicles for sale.
Does buying a vehicle from Shoppers Home Health Care affect my warranty or point of service?
The warranty and service of your new vehicle is not affected by purchasing your vehicle from Shoppers Home Health Care. You may take the vehicle to the dealership of your choice for service to the vehicle portion of your conversion. The modifications that Shoppers Home Health Care makes to your vehicle rarely affect the manufacturers warranty. In cases where there is any question regarding warranty coverage, the service department at Shoppers Home Health Care will deal with your service facility to resolve any questions that may arise.
How long does it take to modify a vehicle?
The completion time to modify a vehicle depends on many factors. The type of vehicle you choose, the vehicle chassis delivery time to the modifier, the type of modifications required, the interior trim level chosen, the complexity of the driving controls (if any), and the back log of the modifier are all variables that affect the delivery time of a vehicle. The average delivery time, after the vehicle is delivered to the modifier, is between four and eight weeks for a vehicle with structural modifications (raised door/lowered floor) with a custom interior package. To avoid delays, contact your Shoppers Home Health Care Automotive Specialist. Remember, we typically have over 100 vehicles in stock across Canada already modified, waiting to be customized to suit your individual needs!