Financing Your Wheelchair Van in a Tough Economy
Posted by Karl on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009Lately we have been inundated with bad news from the banking industry. Banks closing, bailouts, tight credit, and companies in trouble seem to be a daily occurrence in this difficult economy.
This is particularly bad for the automobile business because sales on credit and time payment plans have been a staple of the industry since the days of Henry Ford. That’s true even in the modified van business and for our dealers who sell our Entervan and Rampvan wheelchair vans.
However, at BraunAbility we have some good news. Our Braun Credit division is in sound financial condition and ready to lend to qualified borrowers. The banks we have partnered with for this program were not heavily involved with home mortgages, where many of the losses occurred, so they still have money to lend. Their rates are very competitive with those of other financial institutions.
Braun Credit is one of several options available from your local BraunAbility dealer. They can also help you arrange financing through Chrysler Financial or GMAC programs offering special rates for purchasers of new handicap vans. BraunAbility dealers are also familiar with manufacturer’s mobility programs, and government and local programs that help purchase vehicle conversions.
Chrysler Corporation
Chrysler Automobility Program
1-800-255-9877General Motors Corporation
GM Mobility Assistance Center
1-800-323-9935Toyota Motor Sales
Toyota Mobility Program
1-800-331-4331
Braun Credit will also loan money for the purchase of pre-owned Entervan and Rampvan mobility vans. We have offered nice, clean, pre-owned Dodge Caravans – called “program vehicles” in the car business – with new Entervan conversions, for many years. They are great basic transportation and a great value, especially if a third party is paying for the conversion. These pre-owned wheelchair vehicles are so popular we’ve actually had times when we could not get enough to meet the demand.
Recently, we added pre-owned Toyota Rampvans to this program. Pre-owned Toyota Sienna ramp vans are a little tough to find sometimes, and cost a little more, but as a Rampvan they maintain their value, and are reliable transportation.
Braun Credit offers multi-year financing packages for used vehicles. Interest rates are based on a combination of credit scores and the length of the loan. Details are available at your local BraunAbility dealer.
In this tough economy, banks and other financial institutions are in a constant state of change and we will keep you informed of any changes impacting Braun Credit in the future. We will continue to work hard to maintain our solid relationship with our lending partners, so you can still purchase reasonably priced accessible transportation through BraunAbility and your local BraunAbility dealer.
Tags: entervan, rampvan, Wheelchair Vans
January 31st, 2009 at 11:20 am
we use braun credit every day. as good or better then chrysler financial and rates our competitive with local bankes and credit unions,,
Regards,
Peter J. Galietta Sr.
President/CEO
[PH]727-524-1300
800-868-6641
[FAX]727-524-1919
pete@wheelchair-van.com
http://www.wheelchair-van.com
April 14th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Hello,
I would like to know what financial assistance to offset the cost is available towards the purchase of a ramp Van for a permanently disabled person with Cerebral Palsy ? His only income is SSI and now this has been reduced per the State of California’s recent budget changes.
Please advise? Thank you.
Sincerely,
Deborah Ramirez
August 31st, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I am permanently disabled like Deborah, however I was born with Spina Bifida. My only income is SSI as well. I have tried special finance groups to get a loan for a CAR and have it equiped with simple HAND CONTROLS. i was denied for a loan thru them. I have tried my local electric company that offers grants, but not enough to offset the price of such a van. I have tried every avenue I can and I dont know what other options I have. I can not afford much per month in teh way of a payment. Does Braun offer some sort of grants of any sort. Any light you can shed on this would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Jonathan McKenzie
September 1st, 2010 at 7:25 am
Hi Jonathan,
While we do not offer any “grants,” our Founder and CEO Ralph Braun is in the process of forming a foundation – you can find out the latest info here: http://www.ralphbraunfoundation.org/
Apart from that, our best advice is to look for assistance through fundraising. Several customers have had tremendous success holding fundraisers with friends, family, local organizations, churches, etc. Successful fundraisers often seek donations through the Internet as well and have their own website to educate donors about the cause. You can contact your local Mobility Equipment Dealer and media and ask them to help promote your fundraiser as well. It may be a long-term effort, but as we’ve seen through other customer stories, it’s often an extremely rewarding experience that brings people together as they overcome this challenge.
Many states have organizations that MAY also provide assistance and advice when seeking transportation equipment. Veterans Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid Waiver and disability specific groups for conditions like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, etc. are all possibilities as well.
We appreciate your interest in our products. You have our best wishes as you seek to overcome this challenge.
Jack