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Barbara, Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
AnswersJust what exactly is an accessible minivan? BraunAbility minivans have been remanufactured to offer unparalleled ease of access for wheelchair and scooter users. The floor has been substantially lowered and the van equipped with a lightweight ramp for easy entry and exit. A kneeling system lowers the rear suspension, decreasing the slope of the ramp even further when deployed. Both front seats are removable, enabling wheelchair users to drive or ride in the passenger position. ^ Top Where can I get a BraunAbility minivan? Our vehicles are available at BraunAbility Centers nation-wide. Vans are in stock already converted, and your dealer may be able to bring a van to you for a home demonstration depending on your location. Find your nearest dealer, or call us at 1-800-THE-LIFT (843-5438). ^ Top How much do BraunAbility minivans cost? BraunAbility offers several mobility conversions to meet a variety of budgets. Because we sell direct to our dealer network, we do not publish pricing on this website – you must contact your local BraunAbility Dealer for pricing and availability. They will carefully assess your needs and recommend the right vehicle in your price range. If you will be financing the vehicle, Braun Credit offers flexible financing terms up to 10 years which helps to keep your payments low. ^ Top I already own a minivan – can BraunAbility convert my van? Possibly, but certain conditions must be met. Only certain makes and models can be converted. Additionally, the vehicle must have less than 30,000 miles, and is subject to inspection before the conversion process can begin. We recommend contacting your BraunAbility dealer for help in starting this process. ^ Top Can I purchase a minivan at my car dealership and then have it converted? While this can sometimes work, we recommend contacting a BraunAbility Center before purchasing a van. If you visit a car dealership first, you risk purchasing a vehicle that cannot be converted because it is the wrong model – or it may be the right model, but not equipped with the right options. Your BraunAbility dealer can help guide you through the process, and can even work with your preferred car dealer to ensure you purchase the right equipment. Often, you may find the perfect vehicle sitting at the BraunAbility Center, already converted and ready for delivery. ^ Top Can I purchase a van directly from BraunAbility? No. BraunAbility minivans are available only through our nationwide network of dealers. Fitting you to the right van is not a one-size-fits-all proposition – it requires an in-depth assessment by trained individuals who are knowledgable about the specific needs of wheelchair users. We recognize the importance of our dealers’ role in this process, and support them in providing efficient sales and service to you locally. ^ Top Can I simply add a ramp to my existing van? No. The sturdy aluminum ramp is just one aspect of the major remanufacturing required to create a BraunAbility minivan. Teams of skilled technicians work together on a modern assembly line to produce a fully-integrated conversion with a lowered floor and reconfigured seating. ^ Top Can I put a wheelchair lift in my minivan instead of a ramp? Due to the lack of head clearance, a minivan lift is not an application that can be used for an adult. Adults need the extra headroom provided by a fully converted BraunAbility vehicle to ride comfortably and safely. In certain cases, however, a minivan lift can be a good solution for pediatric chair users. If you are looking for a vehicle to transport your child, contact your nearest BraunAbility Center for information on the MiniVangater II wheelchair lift. ^ Top What kind of warranty will I get? BraunAbility backs the quality craftsmanship of their minivans with an exclusive Three-Year Limited Warranty – the best the industry has to offer. On top of that, the chassis is covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. ^ Top Where will I get service? At any BraunAbility Center nationwide, no matter where you buy your vehicle. BraunAbility conducts service schools throughout the year on site at the factory. Dealers are required to attend regularly and are given in-depth instruction and the latest information on servicing BraunAbility minivans. You can count on quality service no matter where your travels take you. ^ Top How long will repairs take? Buying a BraunAbility minivan is the best way to assure you will seldom need repairs. If you do, however, your dealer will likely have the necessary replacement parts on hand for a quick turn-around. If not, we pride ourselves on our quick-ship policy – our dealers can usually get the parts they need the next business day so you can get back on the road right away. ^ Top Is financing available? Yes. BraunAbility offers financing through Braun Credit. Your BraunAbility dealer has information on this program. In some cases, part of your cost may be covered by insurance or military benefits, and most major automobile manufactures offer rebate programs toward the purchase of adaptive equipment. ^ Top How long will I have to wait to buy one? BraunAbility Centers maintain a stock of minivans converted and ready for immediate delivery. You will have a choice of chassis and ramp styles to try out, allowing you to determine which vehicle best meets your needs. ^ Top What if my need for a BraunAbility van is temporary? BraunAbility vans may be available for short-term leasing. Because availability varies across the country, we recommend you ask this question at your local BraunAbility Center. ^ Top Is there any trade-in value? Because of BraunAbility’s outstanding reliability, many customers keep their vehicles much longer than the average driver. When you are ready for a new vehicle, most dealers will accept your old van as a trade-in. Trade-in value is usually very good, but is of course dependant on a number of factors such as vehicle condition and mileage. We suggest you ask this question at the place of purchase. ^ Top Where are BraunAbility minivans manufactured? Our state-of-the-industry plant is located in Winamac, Indiana (population 2,500) ensuring that you get world-class technology applied with small-town craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Braun family takes great pride in all the mobility products they produce, including our lowered floor minivans. ^ Top |
