I’ve been offered basically a free 56 plate 80k mile Vito Brabus, with the 3.0 diesel, DPF delete. Strictly speaking, its not really free, as it has a cracked turbo (or maybe just a leaking gasket), that if I bung the owner a few quid, can be fixed and the car MOTd.
I’m interested because of the potential for the vehicle to be turned into transport for a wheelchair user. My Jag is ok for taking them out shopping etc, and I love it. But its no good for a week away, because of the amount of additional kit I need to carry.
Wondering if anyone knows much about these big engined Vitos. If I was to get it, with a fixed turbo, the plan would be just to use it occasionally, but not something that turns into a money pit. On the last MOT, it had a couple of advisories for corrosion on spings and a brake pipe.
Anyone experience of adding ramps to vans, for a wheelchair. The chair user is small, so I think no headroom issues. I guess, if they are not there already, points need to be fitted to lock a chair in place, plus adding a wheelchair seatbelt.
This is essentially a crew cab van, with a rear seat. Who ever is in the “boot” is in the ark; is is easy (cost?) to add in some side windows?
The work to accommodate the wheelchair user would have to be carried out by a recognised converter otherwise no insurance company will touch it. Not a cheap exercise…
Looking into it some more, the critical bit is the wheelchair tiedowns. Unwin rails are certified, and are easy to fit; around £400 from a certified fitter. Its some rails fixed to the floor via bolts and big washers. Really needs a lift for installation, and depending on the application, the fuel tank may need to be dropped. The Unwin kit includes a system to add a 3-point belt. With manual ramps, there isn’t anything specific, and several companies are pushing conventional van ramps. I need to have a closer look at what is already in this van, since it already has a rear leather bench seat, so maybe the racking system, or a Mercedes equivalent, is already there. The Brabus Vito I think was sold as a bit of a “lifestyle” vehicle.
Coincidently, next month I’m at a Motability “car show”, so can chat to some local fitters.