I need one, not personally, but change in circumstances means in the next few months, I will be saying goodbye to one of the MX5s, and acquiring something that can accomodate a wheelchair passenger who is likely not to be able to manage chair to seat transfers. I need something that isn’t huge, not a diesel, and is suitable for 80% of the time when its not carrying a wheelchair passenger.
The stand out candidate so far is a Z11 Nissan Cube (Mk2) Sloper or Welfare grey import. There is something about this car, in the right trim, that, for me, catches the eye. It shares a lot of parts with the K12 Micra, so ought to be cheap to run. Its got a few JDM gimmicks (bench seats! Column shift!). Most have retained the rear seat, so that without a wheelchair, it can still accomodate the normal load of passengers. The ramp and uber low loading height might be really useful at B&Q as well, or for transporting that spare MX5 engine, wheels etc. Autolink has a pretty decent looking one in, but I doubt that will be still available by the time I will need one.
A few of them come with the “Neo Classic” factory wheel arch kit;
Now it has been mentioned to me “oh, these don’t have a wheelchair winch”. Do I actually need one? These cars have a hydraulic suspension system to lower the rear, to make loading easy, but I’ve never pushed a wheelchair about. I haven’t yet determined if the Sloper versions demand much of a premium at auction compared to standard cars. If JDM, I’d be looking to get one imported to order, and save a few pounds.
Are there any other suggestions? The Toyota Porte has a pretty amazing mechanism to turn the front passenger seat into an electric wheelchair, but I’ve been warned parts for these Toyotas are hard to get. None of the domestic modified vehicles really grab me; they seem to be mostly modifications of pretty grim French and Italian vans.
Hi There, Just saw your post and thought I’d give you a reply on a subject I know quite a bit about - probably a lot more than I know about MX5s anyway ! My son is disabled and a wheelchair user - we’ve been using WAVs ( wheelchair adapted vehicles ) for over 18 years and the best advice I can give you is it’s the conversion not the vehicle which is most important. The best by far are done by Brotherwood, based in Dorset. I’ve been to their factory and seen their process first hand and they are second to none - but are expensive, new or second hand if you buy from Brotherwood direct. Unfortunately you’ve just missed a cracking Nissan X Trail on EBAY with a Brotherwood conversion for less than £4k ! But never mind - good converted vehicles do come up regularly on Ebay - a really worthwhile purchase about 1 a month ( private sales are best and often, as in the XTrail very good bargains). Put a search in for Brotherwood inc, description in Cars/ Vehicles or look in disabled vehicles, sometimes sellers don’t mention Brotherwood in their write- up. We’ve got a couple of Berlingos at the moment - really robust, nimble and a nice conversion, I’d recommend these (petrol variant). Other good choices would include VW Caddy or a bit bigger VW Sharan, XTrails are rare - bit more common are Fiat Multiplus, these come with an up- front wheelchair facility to allow the wheel char user to sit next to the driver. But I would say just look at Brotherwoods on ebay and you’ll get an idea what’s out there. I must say the vehicle you posted looked not in the same ball park - you can get much better than that. Hope this helps, good luck with your search, Colin
Why can’t it be a diesel? By far the easiest, cheapest and hassle free wheelchair accessible car is the venerable black cab. You also get to use bus lanes and taxi lanes without fear of getting nicked, and (for me, anyway) a privately registered cab is a far cooler ride than some JDM Micra box.
Thanks for the constructive advice. I really don’t want a converted van or a full sized MPV. I am single. Three weeks ago, my mother was struck down by an infection that 24 hours pretty much destrioyed the cord (infarction). She is still in trauma, but is facing 8 more months at the Sheffield Spinal Rehab place. My father has just gotten to an age where he can’t drive anymore, and certainly not in 8 months time. I just want something that for 10% of the time can take them out for the day or whatever; I have to assume she will have an electric chair and will be incapable of transferring to a car seat. And the rest of the time, just be a run about. I’ve had my fill of diesels, and for my annual mileage (about 7000 a year between two MX’s), not economically worth it (just had to fix a dpf on a Focus).
If I end up with a Berlingo/Partner/Kangoo/Caddy/Doblo POC, I’ll probably not bother driving it at all. Probably I am prejudiced. Other X-trails are more like £9-10k, which is out of my budget, so something probably up with one for £4k. No such thing as a bargain with a car dealer.
Hi Saz. Sorry to hear about your Mum. I’ve been in a similar situation since 2004, but both my parents went from being mobile to bedridden without going through the “wheelchair” stage. If your Mum does have to remain in a wheelchair in a vehicle, then unfortunately that will inevitably be “box shaped”, so the goal is to find one that does the job and at that same time suits you. I’ve looked at the listing for the little silver Nissan Cube on ebay and I think it ticks all the boxes, and at £4k seems a good deal. If I were in your place I would be seriously tempted, and think more enquiries should made. Good luck my friend!
