New or Approved Used? Quick guide to your next WAV

Are you considering purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV)? Read our latest blog, which helps you understand the options available to you, including using the Motability WAV Scheme, purchasing a brand new car, and the benefits of opting for an Approved Used WAV. You may be considering which is best for you – brand new or Approved Used. In this article we compare both options – new vs Approved Used WAVs – which is better for you?

Benefits of New WAVs

If you prefer the benefits of a brand-new vehicle, let us explain the new WAVs pros and cons:

All of our new wheelchair accessible vehicles are available on the Motability WAV Scheme. Motability WAVs are available on a Contract Hire basis over a five-year period. Exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Motability Scheme includes servicing, insurance, breakdown cover and the peace of mind that you have the service and support of the UK’s largest Contract Hire Scheme.
Many of our customers apply for a charitable grant which helps to fund the Motability WAV Advance Payment. This applies to Drive From Wheelchair, Internal Transfer, Upfront Passenger, and Rear Passenger WAVs. Find out more about Motability Grants.
If you want to order a specific vehicle colour/spec, you could be waiting several months. However, if you are open to the colour and/or specification, we often have vehicles in stock which can be delivered to you in just a few weeks. View our new available now WAVs.
All of our new wheelchair accessible cars include a Sirus service and warranty package, so you can rest assured we are always there to support you. You will also receive a full manufacturer warranty.
Sirus provides free home demonstrations nationwide so you can test the new WAV features before you buy.
Purchasing a new WAV outright will typically be more expensive than an approved used WAV, but Sirus work with specialist WAV finance company, Mann Island. Find out more about WAV finance.

Benefits of Used WAVs

If you are considering buying an Approved Used WAV from Sirus, here are the used WAV pros and cons:

We are an Approved RAC Dealer, which means that all of our Approved Used WAVs go through a rigorous RAC Approved 82-point checklist before they are released.
We carry out a Vehicle History Check to determine the number of previous owners, any past issues with the vehicle or any prior accidents.
We include a three-year RAC Warranty and a one-year RAC Roadside.
All of our Approved Used WAVs include a 12-month MOT Certificate.
Rapid and free home delivery: Depending on any additional adaptations, your vehicle should be ready for delivery in just 1-2 weeks.
Free home demonstrations nationwide so you can test the used WAV features before you buy.
Used WAVs can be a very cost-effective alternative to buying new WAV. We also offer finance options for all used WAVs.
For a limited period, we are including your first-year insurance with a specialist insurer, Fish Insurance.

For more information read our used WAV buying guide.

Finance options for new and Approved Used WAVs

A good place to start is to decide how you would like to finance your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. There are many new wav pricing options available to you. Whilst many of our customers choose to use the Motability Scheme, many also prefer the benefits of financing the vehicle privately. Here are the finance options available for new and Approved Used WAVs:

Motability WAV Scheme

Many of our customers use the Motability Contract Hire Scheme, whereby you exchange your mobility allowance for a lease on a Motability WAV. A Contract Hire Agreement runs for a minimum of five years. Many of our customers also apply for a Motability Grant towards the cost of the Advance Payment. You are eligible to use the Motability Scheme if you receive the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment or the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance. Find out more on the Motability website.

Specialist WAV finance

Sirus has partnered with leading finance provider, Mann Island to offer finance packages to fund your brand-new or Approved Used wheelchair accessible vehicle. Flexible packages are available and unlike leasing a car on the Motability Scheme, you will own your vehicle at the end of the repayment period. Find out more about WAV finance.

Purchasing your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle privately

You can choose to purchase a new or Approved Used WAV privately if you have funds in place and benefit from owning the vehicle outright.

New vs Approved Used wheelchair accessible vehicles: How do timescales compare?

When it comes to delivery of your new or Approved Used WAV, delivery times can vary. Let’s compare the delivery times of new vs Approved Used wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Approved Used vehicles: One of the benefits of buying second-hand is that if you are in a hurry they can be delivered quickly. Sirus Approved Used vehicles can often be ready to go in 1-2 weeks (depending on the adaptations you require).

New & in stock: We usually have a range of vehicles in stock which can go into build in our factory straight away. So, you can have a vehicle in 2 weeks (depending on the adaptations you require). If we do not have the colour you want, then this will take longer.

New factory order: If you are looking for a particular spec or colour, there will be a longer wait for factory-order vehicles. Depending on availability, this can take several months, but we will always advise on this during your demonstration.

Seating options in your mobility vehicle

Before buying your new or Approved Used WAV, you must decide where you would like to sit in the vehicle. Options include:

Drive From Wheelchair

Drive From Wheelchair Vehicles are designed for wheelchair users who want to drive. This is the ideal solution if you do not want to transfer from your wheelchair to a standard driver’s seat. Bespoke driving adaptations can also be fitted to suit your requirements. On the occasions you don’t want to drive, you can travel upfront as a passenger in your wheelchair. Find out more about our combined drive upfront WAV Ford Connect.

Internal Transfer WAV

An Internal Transfer WAV is designed to enable the wheelchair user to transfer from a wheelchair to a standard driver’s seat. This means you can safely transfer inside the vehicle as opposed to by the side of the road. Sirus can install a wheelchair securing system inside the vehicle, either manual straps or an automated locking system. The mobility vehicle is fitted with a powered rotating six-way seat that moves up, down, forwards and backwards and rotates 90 degrees for the optimum transfer position.

Upfront Passenger WAV

An Upfront Passenger vehicle enables the wheelchair user to travel in the front next to the driver. The front passenger seat is removed to create a space for the wheelchair so the journey can be enjoyed next to the driver, a much more sociable way to travel. We offer both rear and side entry options. Find out more about travelling upfront in your wheelchair.

Rear Passenger WAV

This conversion is designed so the wheelchair user can travel in the rear. Rear Passenger WAVs can be a cost-effective solution. Our Dacia Jogger includes space for six people as standard and is available on the Motability Scheme from £3,995 (Q3 2024).

WAV features to suit you

Our WAVs are designed to be fully adaptable, allowing you to select a vehicle that perfectly meets your specific needs and preferences. Here’s how you can tailor a new WAV to suit your lifestyle:

Entry options: Choose between rear or side entry ramps based on your daily routines and parking situations.
Ramp systems: WAVs offer both manual and automatic ramp systems. Automatic ramps deploy at the touch of a button, offering convenience and ease and are installed to our drive from wheelchair and internal transfer solutions.
Seating flexibility: The seating in new WAVs can be customised to your needs. Whether you need multiple seats for passengers or more space for your wheelchair, the interior can be arranged to fit your requirements.
Safety securing your wheelchair: We can install manual or automated wheelchair securing systems depending on your requirements.

Book a free home demonstration

Working with a WAV specialist can help you navigate the options and find the wheelchair accessible vehicle that best suits you, ensuring that you and your loved ones travel comfortably and safely. Read more in our wheelchair accessible vehicle buyers guide to help you decide which is best for you.

If you would like further information about our Motability WAV, new or Approved Used wheelchair accessible cars please call our sales office on 0121 505 7777 / email sales@sirusautomotive.co.uk. We offer free home demonstrations with our professional mobility specialists.