Choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle is about considerably more than finding a van with a ramp. The wheelchair position, passenger seating, access, interior space and the way the vehicle is going to be used all matter.
At Wholesale Car Company in Ilkeston, Ford WAVs form part of a specialist used wheelchair accessible vehicle range. The current Ford selection includes Grand Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Custom WAVs, with different seating arrangements, specifications and manual or automatic transmissions available depending on the vehicle.
Because the right WAV is different for every customer, the team can talk through the practical details rather than simply pointing you towards a particular vehicle.
Finding the right Ford WAV
Ford has produced several vehicles that work well as the basis for wheelchair accessible conversions, but they aren't all suited to the same type of journey.
The Ford Grand Tourneo Connect is a relatively compact option, making it easier to handle around town and more straightforward to park than a larger people carrier. Despite its manageable dimensions, the interior can accommodate a wheelchair alongside passengers, making it a useful choice for everyday family transport. Current examples at Wholesale Car Company include layouts with four or five seats plus a wheelchair.
The Ford Tourneo Custom moves into a larger class of vehicle. That extra size can be valuable when passenger space, interior room and longer journeys are higher on the list of priorities. Current stock includes both manual and automatic examples, with configurations offering four or five seats alongside the wheelchair user.
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong choice between the two. It depends on the wheelchair, the number of people who regularly travel with you and how much space you need.
What should you look for in a used Ford WAV?
Two vehicles can look very similar from the outside while being quite different once you start considering how the wheelchair user will actually travel.
Before buying a used WAV, it's worth looking at:
Wheelchair access
Check how the ramp or access system works and whether it is comfortable and straightforward to use.
Wheelchair position
Consider where the wheelchair user travels within the vehicle and whether the available space suits their chair.
Passenger seating
Think about how many people normally travel and whether the seating arrangement gives everyone enough room.
Interior height and space
This is particularly important for larger powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Wheelchair restraints
The restraint system should be appropriate for the wheelchair and simple enough to use correctly.
Transmission
An automatic Ford WAV can be particularly useful if ease of driving is important, while manual options can provide an alternative depending on preference and budget.
The specification of the conversion matters just as much as the Ford underneath it. That's why seeing the actual vehicle and understanding its layout is an important part of choosing the right WAV.
Grand Tourneo Connect or Tourneo Custom?
For some buyers, the decision will come down largely to vehicle size.
The Grand Tourneo Connect offers a useful middle ground. It's smaller than a full-size people carrier but still provides enough interior flexibility for wheelchair access and passengers. That can make it particularly appealing for everyday driving where the vehicle needs to work in towns, car parks and residential streets as well as on longer journeys.
The Tourneo Custom is better suited to buyers who place greater importance on overall space. Its larger body gives you more room to work with, which can be useful for families, carers or anyone who regularly carries several passengers as well as a wheelchair user.
Rather than choosing based on the model name alone, it's worth considering the dimensions of the wheelchair or mobility equipment and how the vehicle will be used week after week.
Used Ford WAVs in Ilkeston
Wholesale Car Company is based on Digby Street in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, where customers can view its used wheelchair accessible vehicles and discuss their requirements with the team. The business has specialised in WAVs since 1986, giving it decades of experience in this particular part of the used vehicle market.
That specialist background is useful when you're buying a WAV for the first time. The questions you need to ask aren't necessarily the same as they would be when buying an ordinary used car, and the team can discuss things such as wheelchair space, seating configuration and accessibility.
The dealership also serves customers beyond Derbyshire. Free delivery is available across England and Wales, which means you don't necessarily have to make a long journey to Ilkeston simply to collect your vehicle.
A specialist approach to used WAVs
Wholesale Car Company doesn't operate as a general used-car dealer that happens to have a few accessible vehicles. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are the focus of the business.
Its used WAVs undergo mechanical and visual checks, and vehicles are supplied with a valid MOT and service as applicable, alongside warranty cover. The company also works with customers who need specific accessibility equipment or changes to their vehicle, with options including wheelchair restraints, powered winches and other adaptations depending on requirements.
That specialist knowledge can be particularly valuable when you're comparing two vehicles that appear similar on paper but have different conversions or seating arrangements.
Buying a Ford WAV from Wholesale Car Company
The current Ford stock changes as vehicles are sold and new WAVs arrive, so the choice of Grand Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Custom models will naturally vary. The important thing is to look beyond mileage and price and consider whether the vehicle genuinely works for the person who will be using it.
If you're unsure which Ford WAV would suit your needs, it helps to have the basic information about the wheelchair or mobility equipment to hand, along with an idea of how many passengers you need to carry. That gives the team a much better starting point when discussing suitable vehicles.
Wholesale Car Company is at Unit T, Digby Street, Ilkeston, DE7 5TG, with weekday opening from 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday appointments available. Contact us now.
Ford Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles in Derbyshire
A Ford WAV can make a considerable difference to everyday travel, but the best vehicle is the one that fits the individual rather than simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Whether you're looking at a more compact Grand Tourneo Connect or need the additional room offered by a Tourneo Custom, Wholesale Car Company can help you compare the available used Ford WAVs and understand how each conversion is laid out. With the dealership based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and delivery available across England and Wales, customers can buy locally or arrange a vehicle from further afield.
Current Ford WAV stock: the available vehicles are shown above, with individual listings providing the latest mileage, specification, seating arrangement and price.