Why Carvana and CarMax Don't Sell Wheelchair Vans

As you explore accessible vehicles, you might naturally turn to industry-leading online car retailers like Carvana or CarMax, known for their vast inventories and convenient purchasing processes. While these platforms have revolutionized how many people buy standard used vehicles, neither company sells accessible vehicles. This guide will help you understand why large online car retailers do not sell wheelchair vans and where to find a new or used wheelchair vans for sale.

Understanding CarMax and Carvana

Companies like Carvana and CarMax have emerged to simplify the used car buying experience. They offer large inventories of pre-owned vehicles, often with fixed, no-haggle pricing, and emphasize convenience, transparency, and a streamlined process.

Carvana is primarily an e-commerce platform, allowing customers to browse, finance, and purchase a vehicle entirely online. The company offers home delivery. Its inventory focuses on standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.

CarMax operates with both a strong online presence and physical dealerships, offering a hybrid approach. CarMax provides a large inventory of used vehicles and has a no-haggle pricing policy. Like Carvana, its focus is on non-accessible vehicles.

Why Online Retailers Don't Sell Wheelchair Vans

The following list highlights reasons why online platforms like Carvana and CarMax don't sell wheelchair vans:

1. The Need for High Volume and Standardization

The automotive market is vast, and online retailers thrive on high volume and a standardized inventory that can be quickly acquired, processed, inspected, and sold. Sourcing, inspecting, and selling highly customized accessible vehicles simply does not fit the operational models of retailers like CarMax and Carvana.

2. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Quality Control and Certification

Standard online retailers lack the expertise, tools, and certifications required to properly evaluate the safety, functionality, and structural integrity of a wheelchair van conversion. Accessible vehicles must meet strict safety standards and often undergo additional certification processes by organizations like the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) to ensure quality and safety. 

3. The Complex Wheelchair Van Conversion Process

To understand why Carvana and CarMax cannot sell these vehicles, it helps to understand how a wheelchair van is made. When a vehicle arrives at BraunAbility, it begins as a non-accessible vehicle, such as a Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Sienna. It then undergoes an extensive, conversion process to make the vehicle wheelchair accessible. The need for various structural and mechanical changes, as well as individual vehicle customizations like driving aids, adaptive seating, and wheelchair securement systems, explains why platforms like Carvana and CarMax don't sell wheelchair vans.

The Risks of Buying a Wheelchair Van Online or from Private Sellers

While Carvana and CarMax are reputable companies for standard cars, the broader internet can be an inadequate place to shop for a wheelchair van. It's important to beware of the following risks:

1. Wheelchair Van Scams

Unfortunately, the disabled community is frequently targeted by online scammers. It is not uncommon to see listings for used wheelchair vans under $5,000. Often, these deeply discounted vehicles do not actually exist. Scammers may use stolen photos from legitimate dealership websites, pressure individuals to purchase quickly, or ask for money up front. To avoid vehicle scams, it is recommended to purchase a vehicle directly through a local BraunAbility Dealer.

2. Hidden Mechanical and Structural Issues

Some sellers are legitimate, but buying a used conversion van privately is risky. While a mechanic at a standard car dealership could inspect 20 non-accessible Toyota Siennas in a week using the same checklist. An accessible Toyota Sienna, however, requires a different, highly specialized inspection protocol, taking into account the modifications that make the vehicle accessible. To avoid these hidden mechandical and structural issues, the best approach is to contact a local BraunAbility dealer upon purchase, as well as for routine vehicle maintenance.

3. The Importance of Personalized Consultation and Vehicle Fit

Choosing a wheelchair van is not like picking out a standard car. Finding the right accessible vehicle requires a deep, personalized understanding of the specific needs of the wheelchair user. An online platform designed for transactional efficiency cannot provide the crucial, in-depth consultation necessary to ensure a vehicle is the perfect fit.

A trained mobility consultant at a local dealership takes the time to sit down with you and evaluate several critical factors, including:

• The Type of Wheelchair: Are you using a manual wheelchair, a power chair, or a mobility scooter? Powered mobility aids are often slightly larger, and may require more interior vehicle space, which can influence purchasing decisions.
• The Wheelchair User's Height and Posture: The mobility consultant will measure the seated height of the wheelchair user. This ensures that the vehicle has adequate doorway clearance so the user does not have to duck their head when entering, and that there is sufficient interior headroom for a comfortable ride.
• Driver vs. Passenger Needs: Will the person with the mobility impairment be driving the vehicle from their wheelchair, transferring to a driver's seat, or riding comfortably as a passenger in the mid-row? Answers to these questions help determine what vehicle is the right fit.
• Caregiver Considerations: For caregivers, the physical effort required to get an individual with a disability in and out of the vehicle is a key factor. A mobility dealer can help you decide between various accessible seating, ramp, and wheelchair securement options.

This personalized process often involves trying out several different vehicle configurations at the dealership. You can try loading and unloading, test the securement straps, and ensure everyone feels confident before making a purchase.

Understanding Accessible Vehicle Modifications

During your consultation with your local BraunAbility dealer, you will learn about various vehicle adaptations. Adaptations include:

• Wheelchair Ramps: Wheelchair ramps are available as side‑entry or rear‑entry. Rear-entry ramps are manual, while side-entry can be powered for added convenience. The best option depends on the user’s abilities and preferences.
• Accessible Seating: Accessible seating makes it easier for someone to get in and out of a vehicle. Different seating options are available depending on mobility needs. These options can help both drivers and passengers with disabilities, as well as caregivers.
• Wheelchair Securement: Wheelchair securement systems keep a wheelchair safely in place while the vehicle is in motion. There are different types depending on the wheelchair, providing safety and peace of mind for vehicle occupants.
• Driving Aids: Driving aids allow people with many different types of disabilities to drive. aids can help with steering, accelerating, braking, or other controls. Options are customized to match each driver’s needs.

How Much Does a Handicap Van Cost?

One of the most common questions BraunAbility customers ask is, "How much does a wheelchair van cost?" The cost can vary significantly depending on whether you are purchasing a brand-new vehicle or a reliable used one, as well as the complexity of the conversion itself.

On average, a brand-new wheelchair accessible minivan costs between $60,000 and $90,000. If you are looking for a more affordable option, a used wheelchair van typically ranges from $45,000 to $60,000. The higher cost is due to the specialized equipment and modifications in the vehicle.

While this represents a significant investment, it is important to understand what you are paying for. You are essentially purchasing two things: the chassis of the vehicle itself (the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, etc.) and the complex, highly engineered mobility conversion, which alone can cost between $20,000 and $35,000 to manufacture and install safely.

Financing and Funding Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

To help offset the costs, BraunAbility dealers offer several options to make wheelchair vans more affordable, including:

• Trade-in: BraunAbility dealers allow you to trade-in your current vehicle, whether it's accessible or not, to reduce the purchase price of a new wheelchair van.
• Certified pre-owned vehicles: BraunAbility dealers offer certified pre-owned vehicles that meet strict safety and accessibility standards, providing a cost-effective alternative to buying new.
• BraunAbility Financial Services: Specialized financing specifically for wheelchair vans is offered through BraunAbility Financial Services when purchasing a new or used wheelchair accessible vehicle. These financing options can make monthly payments more manageable.

Where to Buy Used Wheelchair Vans

While CarMax and Carvana sell used vehicles, these non-accessible vehicles may not adequately meet the needs of people with mobility challenges. Instead, it's recommended to purchase a used wheelchair van through a local BraunAbility dealer.

If you're looking for a used wheelchair van, consider a BraunAbility certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. All CPO vehicles meet strict industry safety standards. Additionally, these vehicles have low mileage—48,000 miles or less. Additionally, CPO vehicles come with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and include a clean title and CarFax report. Whether you're looking for a new wheelchair accessible vehicle, a used wheelchair van, adaptive seating, or driving aids, contact your local mobility dealer to learn more about BraunAbility vehicles and mobility products.