The Complete Wheelchair Van Financing Guide

Getting the right wheelchair van shouldn’t be held up by financing worries. We get it – these vehicles cost more than regular cars, and the whole process can feel intimidating when you’re already dealing with a lot. At Paul Sherry Conversion Vans, we’ve been helping families figure out the money side of things for decades, and honestly, there are more options than most people realize.

Look, we’re not here to talk you into financing if you can pay cash. But most people need some help with the financial side, and there are actually more options out there than you might think. We just want to make sure you know what’s available so you can decide what makes sense for your family.

Understanding Your Options

Traditional Auto Loans

Most wheelchair vans qualify for regular auto loans, just like any other vehicle. The terms are pretty standard:

• 36 to 84-month loans (though we usually recommend staying closer to 60 months)
• Interest rates based on your credit score and current market rates
• Down payments typically 10-20%, but sometimes less

The advantage here is simplicity. You know what you’re getting into, and the process is familiar if you’ve financed a car before.

Specialized Mobility Financing Programs

Some lenders actually specialize in mobility vehicles because they understand these aren’t typical car purchases. These programs often offer:

• Longer terms to keep payments manageable
• Higher loan amounts that account for conversion costs
• Flexibility to finance modifications along with the base vehicle

We work with several of these specialized lenders, and they often understand the situation better than general auto lenders.

Leasing (When it Makes Sense)

Leasing isn’t always the best choice for wheelchair vans, but it can work in certain situations:

• Lower monthly payments than buying
• Always driving a newer vehicle with current safety features
• Maintenance coverage during the lease period

This might make sense if you prefer having the latest safety technology or if your needs might change in a few years.

Credit Situations We Deal With Every Day

If Your Credit is Good

With decent credit (usually 650+), you’ll have access to competitive rates and multiple lender options. The process is typically straightforward, and you can focus on finding the right van rather than worrying about approval.

If Your Credit is Challenging

Here’s what we want you to know: we work with people in all kinds of credit situations. Poor credit doesn’t disqualify you from getting a wheelchair van.

What we can often do:

• Work with lenders who specialize in challenging credit situations
• Structure deals that fit your budget while building credit
• Sometimes find programs with more flexible requirements

What helps your application:

• Stable income (even if it’s disability benefits)
• A reasonable down payment
• Being upfront about your credit situation

The key is being honest about your situation so we can match you with the right lender from the start.

Money Help That Actually Exists

Government Assistance Programs

Vocational Rehabilitation Services: If you need the van for work, your state’s VR program might help with funding.

Veterans Benefits: Service-connected disability benefits sometimes include vehicle grants or modifications.

Medicaid Waivers: Some states have programs that help with transportation needs, including vehicle modifications.

Non-Profit Organizations

There are organizations specifically set up to help with mobility needs:

• National and local disability organizations
• Condition-specific groups (like the MS Society or Muscular Dystrophy Association)
• Community foundations
• Religious organizations

Here’s the thing about these programs: yes, they exist, and some families do get help from them. But they’re competitive, they often have long waiting lists, and the application process can be pretty involved. Definitely worth looking into, but don’t put your life on hold waiting for a grant that might not come through.

Insurance Coverage

Sometimes insurance will help, sometimes they won’t. It depends on your specific plan, your medical situation, and honestly, how persistent you are with the paperwork. Medicare occasionally covers modifications, but they’re pretty strict about what qualifies. Worth a phone call to find out, but don’t get your hopes up too high.

Our Financing Process (The Non-Stressful Version)

Step 1: Figure Out What You Actually Need

Before we talk money, let’s figure out what vehicle makes sense. Do you need side entry or rear entry? New or used? What size wheelchair or mobility device needs to fit?

Why this matters for financing: The type of van affects your financing options. A used minivan-based conversion has different financing than a new full-

size van.

Step 2: Soft Credit Check and Options Review

We’ll do a soft credit pull (doesn’t affect your score) to see what options are available. Then we can discuss realistic payment ranges before you fall in love with something outside your budget.

What we need from you:

• Basic financial information
• ID and proof of income
• Honest conversation about your budget

Step 3: Final Application and Approval

Once we know what works, we’ll complete the full application with your chosen lender. We handle most of the paperwork and keep you updated throughout the process.

Real Talk About Costs

What Affects Your Total Cost

The base vehicle: This is obvious, but new vs. used makes a big difference in financing terms and total cost.

Conversion complexity: Basic conversions cost less than fully customized builds.

Add-on features: Technology, comfort features, and aesthetic options add up quickly.

Extended warranties: Often worth it for accessibility equipment, but understand what you’re buying.

Hidden Costs to Plan For

• Insurance: Wheelchair vans typically cost more to insure
• Maintenance: Accessibility equipment needs regular service
• Registration: Some states charge more for modified vehicles

Tips That Actually Help

Shop Your Financing

Don’t just accept the first offer. We work with multiple lenders specifically so you can compare options and choose what works best.

Consider Total Cost, Not Just Monthly Payment

Here’s something a lot of people don’t think about: that extra $50 a month you save by stretching your loan from 60 to 72 months? You’ll probably pay an extra $2,000 in interest over the life of the loan. Sometimes the longer term makes sense for your budget, but just make sure you understand what you’re trading off.

Document Everything

Keep records of all modifications and maintenance. This helps with insurance claims and resale value.

Plan for the Unexpected

Accessibility equipment can need repairs. Having some savings for unexpected maintenance makes ownership less stressful.

Why Work with Us for Financing

We Actually Understand These Vehicles

We’ve been providing wheelchair van financing since 1968. We know which modifications hold their value, which ones are maintenance-heavy, and how different lenders view different types of conversions.

Multiple Lender Relationships

We’re not tied to one bank or finance company. We can shop your application around to find the best terms available for your situation.

No Surprises

We’ll tell you upfront what to expect for payments, terms, and total costs. No last-minute “Oh, by the way…” additions to the deal.

Support After the Sale

We don’t disappear after you sign the papers. Got a question about your warranty six months from now? Call us. Need to refinance because your situation changed? We can help with that too. This stuff can be complicated, and we’ve learned that a quick phone call often saves everyone a lot of headaches.

Common Questions About Wheelchair Van Financing

“What if I already have a van and just need to finance modifications?” This is trickier. Some lenders will do it, but most prefer to finance the whole vehicle. We can point you toward lenders who might work with you, but honestly, it’s usually easier to finance everything together upfront.

“Can I use my current car as a trade-in?” Sure. Whatever your current vehicle is worth can go toward your down payment. Makes the whole transaction simpler too.

“What if I realize I need different features after I buy?” Small stuff can usually be added later – grab bars, storage solutions, that kind of thing. But big changes like switching from side entry to rear entry? That’s basically a whole new conversion. That’s why we ask a lot of questions upfront. Better to get it right the first time.

“How long before I know if I’m approved?” If your credit and income are straightforward, usually a couple days. If things are more complicated – maybe you’re self-employed or have some credit issues – it might take a week. We’ll stay on top of it and let you know what’s happening.

Getting Started

The worst thing you can do is fall in love with a specific van and then find out you can’t afford it. Much better to figure out your realistic budget first, then shop within that range. Saves a lot of heartache.

We’ve been through this process with thousands of families, and every situation is different. Good credit, bad credit, disability income, retirement income – we’ve probably worked with someone in your exact situation before. No judgment, just practical help getting you into the right van.

Want to see what’s actually possible for your situation? Contact our financing team to discuss your situation. We’ll give you straight answers about what’s realistic and help you understand all available options.