I purposely headed this post so that it might catch some eyes of those who are not necessarily breast cancer patients but have mobility problems. I learned some things yesterday that proved to be very helpful and want to share with anyone who can be helped.
Last December I was fortunate to find an electric scooter in a yard sale that was in great shape and not too expensive. I bought it with the hope of getting out to the mall or to the zoo or other places with my grandchildren. The problem was that I had no way to haul it around. We have an old van with no AC and in TX that is not good, so we did not look at using it as an option, but planned on finding a newer vehicle.
The other day GM announced giving employee discounts in purchasing their vehicles. So I went internet browsing. On the GM.com site "mobility" caught my eye. I learned they give a $1000 discount towards chair lifts, and other mobility items. Then I noticed a questionaire where you answer questions and they tell you what kind of vehicle would suit your needs best. I learned the vehicles we were looking at were not the best ones. We were looking at expensive SUVs which we could not afford anyhow. The test suggested Van types and named four that GM makes. I'm not promoting products here so I will not mention the models.
I went to local dealers inventories and searched for these models. I found only one in the dealers closest to our home. I called and the salesman offered to take pictures of the van and send them to me along with an invoice with all the information. He also mentioned that this particular van had been used during the Fort Worth Stock Show as a Dealer transport and had 300 miles on it which would discount it further. After looking at the pictures we went to see it and drive it. I was really excited because not only will this hold my scooter in the very back but it has two bench seats and two front bucket seats, meaning I could carry eight people on my trip to the zoo or the mall. Most models we looked at meant losing seating to carry a scooter.
We also learned by having a lift installed rather than using a ramp as we were planning, GM would give the $1000 rebate and because it would be classified as a certified disabled vehicle we would not have to pay state sales tax. The lift costs $2000 but the rebate and savings in tax comes to $2500 so that cut the overall price another $500.
To make a long story a "little" shorter, we bottom line was about $7,000 to 10,000 less than most of the other vehicles we looked at, we got a lift and can seat eight people. It would be great for a breast friends get together if the distance is not too far to drive. If you need any more info and want more detail, let me know. I will be happy to help.
Hugs Mary K.