I’m in the market for a new vehicle, but the extra cost of having my hand controls installed is making the process tougher. Does anyone know if the dealership will pay to have my controls switched out to the purchased car? I know Some places will give an allowance for mobility on new vehicles, and you have to buy new controls. I’m buying a used vehicle and want to use the controls I already have. Anyone have any experience with a situation like this?
The last time my disabled spouse and I purchased a vehicle, back in 2002, the Toyota dealership said they’d install whatever controls/modifications were needed for the cost of parts only, no charge for labor. But that was for a new vehicle at the dealership, I have no idea what, if anything, a dealer of used vehicles would offer or be willing to do for you.
For sure, though, it can’t hurt to ask.
The other alternative, I suppose, is to try to find a non-dealership mechanic willing and able to do the work for relatively low cost.
Our experience with hand control installation was so negative that I bought temporary hand controls and installed them myself. If there is a handicap vehicle dealer near you, they should be able to help you. Whether they will is dependent on their policy. Our local dealer would only install equipment with a driving evaluation from a state sanctioned firm which required a doctor’s prescription. I assume you have that in hand, so the dealer should be willing. Doesn’t hurt to get an estimate.
Talk to the mechanic that maintains your current car. He probably has more experience with hand controls (especially the ones you use) than mechanics at the dealer. Ask your mechanic – make sure the new used car you get is one he can work on.
This!
Around here there is a shop that specializes in making rigs both hand control & handicap accessible. They will install almost any wheel chair lift or hand control in any rig new or used, if possible.
They figure that if someone sues them & wins, then they go out of business & the folks suing them will be responsible for the handicapped folks around here not having any shop around to repair their rigs. There is a huge sign in the waiting room to this effect. No lawsuits so far.
They still fix other rigs, it is just that they are almost the only place for this kind of work around here. The handicapped folks that I know all take their rigs into this shop. Heck if I am asked as a mechanic where I take my rigs, I tell folks about this shop.
I repair my own rigs, just not anyone elses.