According to NHTSA, you should only consider purchasing a competed van. It has to meet a stricter crash test requirement. Conversion companies like you to purchase the van first, and then send it to them for conversion. This eliminates the Federal Crash Test Requirements as you are 1st Owner. Companies like Braun, VMI and IMS who sell converted chassises must meet the same Federal Crash Requirement that GM, Ford and Chrysler must meet... and do so each production year. The smaller conversion company can't do that so they require you to purchase the raw vehicle and become the 1st owner. This makes them a vehicle modifier and they don't have to actually crash test their vehicle with each production year. They don't have to pay the expensive crash testing which cost almost $250,000 per test, per vehicle year. The money you save... you lose in crash testing protection. Now some conversion companies will tell you that their design has been crash tested, but when you ask them to produce the results, they can't, they won't or will say something to disinterest you in the subject matter. For those interesting in conversion vans crash testing, go to: www.NHTSA.org W In a message dated 9/24/04 9:05:39 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< I am curious. How can you negotiate the price of a van when modifications are being paid for by Vocational Rehab and they are bidding out the job? Today I visited a business that sells accessible vans. I got the impression you didnât have the negotiation options that you have when buying a regular vehicle. They only talk of rebates off that sticker price. This is our first venture down this road and any advice is welcome. Thanks, Karen >>
