I am glad you are finally back among the living. I use a van with a lift and
swivel six way driver's chair. That is not within your budget.
Question, do you want to be able to drive, too?
Do you have help in getting in and out?
Some things come to mind, depending on your own ability and needs.
1.A van with sliding door with seats taken out to accommodate you chair with
you in it, but can you fit under normal door height? If so, you could use a
five or seven foot folding ramp to get it and out and someone could store it
in the back for you = real cheap way here.
2. Subscribe to the PVA News. There are lost of vans with adaptive equipment
for sale listed in there. One might fit your needs and even be near your
location. I think New Mobility also has adds for used vans, also.
3.If you stored the chair on the back with an attached folder lift, how will
you get into the vehicle if you cannot walk any? Or can you walk some?
4.A mini van might do the trick with a light weight lift like Ricon, but I do
not know it's cost or installation fees with this type van. One problem you
will have is head clearance inside the van. Measure how tall you are LOL
sitting in your chair and see if there is enough height inside it. I sit 53"
and most are not tall enough inside for me without having to stay stooped
over. An option, is, after your are inside, transfer to a captains chair.
That will also let you see outside the van thru the windows, whereas, if you
stay in your chair, you cannot see out the windows well because you are too
high - real pisser if you like to do any back seat driving LOL.
5. A car will do with the lift as you were suggested, if you can transfer in
and out. That will also be more conformable, maybe.
^. A lot of options are pit there, and some automotive manufactures also have
rebates for wheelchair users.
Note, there should be no sales tax on the vehicle nor the equipment you
install. That will save a few thousand dollars here in Texas.
Write me or call me and I would love to discuss this more.
Pho 281/893-1155 daytimes.
Bob from Houston