1997 Dodge Caravan fancy LE model:  Vantage/VMI conversion
52,000 miles!  (by one owner)
Current Cash Price: $14,500

INCLUDES WARRANTY

Ø Rare top-of-the-line LE model

Ø Special ordered with mobility components which require nearly zero maintenance and have almost no chance of breakdown

Ø
Yes, it has only 52,000 total, original miles by one owner (a professor)

Ø
Beautiful and highly-featured with a long life remaining
 

Options and Equipment

THE VAN:  This began as a top trim level Grand Caravan.  This one is an LE (luxury edition) which very few wheelchair vans are.   It was the top trim level at the time, which in addition to popular power and convenience features such as windows, locks, mirrors, tilt, cruise, power rear vents and more...this one also has:  upgraded interior materials; colored bumpers;  special LE striping;  Sliding door on drivers side; power drivers seat;  dual heat and A/C;  high-power infinity sound system with CD, cassette and equalizer;  rare and desirable anti-lock brakes (ABS);  factory 16 inch alloy wheels...and more.   Let's just say that this van is about as fancy and well-equipped as a minivan at the time could be.

THE GOODIES:   In addition to the factory LE striping it has custom accent striping which coordinates with original stripes. 

MOBILITY:   This van was built by one of the two significant companies which take brand new vans and convert them.   This one was made by a division of Ricon called Vantage, also known as VMI.  The man I bought it from is a professor at the University of Arizona and he custom ordered it from Ricon which was only a few miles from his house.   He wanted a wheelchair van of highest quality, and also with highest possible reliability of the mobility features.  Therefore, it has the features you see below, which are different than most of the minivan wheelchair vans on the market:

*  Deeply lowered floor (11 inches) which is level all the way to the dash

*  Has manual ramp made of very strong, lightweight aluminum.  This ramp is extremely easy to move in and out, even for a small and/or weak person.  The ramp has virtually zero chance of breakdown and essentially needs zero maintenance.  It will function with or without electricity and there is almost nothing that can go wrong with it.  (the power ramps are very nice, but they can fail and do need maintenance)

*  Has manual sliding door on both sides.  Once again, there is virtually zero chance of breakdown and nearly zero maintenance.  Operates with no electricity and has no complicated mechanism.

*  Removable front seats, in case you want to park a wheelchair in either front location

* Multitude of locations to insert anchor straps in front, middle and rear of floor area

* I added BRAND NEW commercial-grade flooring material.  This is a rubberized vinyl flooring which is now being installed in many new wheelchair vans.  It is extremely durable and very easy for a wheelchair to turn and maneuver on.

* This does have air-operated kneeling suspension, which allows the van to drop several inches toward the ground in order to make the ramp angle extra-easy.   This feature can be turned off or on with a toggle switch, it's your choice. 

* Has an EZ-Lock electronic docking station, which can be used instead of the manual straps and anchors.   This is a wonderful feature which many people love to have.  This would have cost apx. $2,000 when it was installed.   Note: there is a cost of apx. $500 +/- to custom-orient your chair if you want to use this feature.  

Dimensions, capacity and specifications: Please feel free to email or call me with any such questions. I will gladly assist with anything you wish to know. I have discovered that due to the unique way each person evaluates, measures and expresses their needs, I can be most helpful regarding this subject if we communicate directly.

History of Ownership

Yes, yippee.  This has had one owner since new.  Personal use only, no harsh commercial use.   He sold it only because he treated himself to a brand new van from the same company which made this one.

History of Care

As is not often the case, I DO HAVE a sizeable maintenance file on this van.  Of course, as a shopper you always love finding a vehicle with a history of care, but the reality is that even with common vehicles rarely are there extensive records available, which for certain reasons is even more true with wheelchair vans.  However, there is a nice file on this one.

Each of my vans receives a detailed (about 75 items) inspection by the general mechanic shop which I consider to be the finest in my area. Then, after discussing their report, I have them do what is needed to repair, replace or service items on the vehicle in order to reach my high standard of overall mechanical condition.  And in case you may wonder, their process on each van does include an oil, lube and filter service.  The aforementioned inspection, repair and service process is a major and very valuable element of my "Rick's rejuvenated" process.

As a result of the above mentioned process, here is a list of some items which were cared for by the shop I speak of:

Note: This van was in such amazing overall condition when I bought it that it has set a record for minimal service or repairs suggested by the expert mechanic who works on my vehicles.  In addition to the usual lube and service, he suggested and performed only:

* Fuel pump replaced

* Anti-lock brake (ABS) service  ( FYI: this is a rare and desirable feature)

In addition: as part of my 'Rick's rejuvenated'' process, each mobility/adaptive component is inspected, serviced, adjusted and repaired (if needed) by a different mechanic, who owns the premium company in this area which exclusively cares for wheelchair vans.

Carfax Report Summary

(Carfax is a widely used database which indicates the history of a vehicle including accidents, prior owners, etc.)

Nothing negative or derogatory on the report.  Shows as a guaranteed Carfax "one owner"

You Might Like To Know...

* Each of my vans has a superb paint sealant as the final step of the extreme detail. If you were to have a professional apply a treatment the cost would be several hundred dollars.

Summary of this Gem

Super low miles, absolutely immaculate condition inside and out, with nearly every feature you could imagine or hope for on a wheelchair minivan...this one is a rare gem.  And as with each van I sell, the mechanical and functional condition is superb as well. 

 

 

 

Very lightweight folding aluminum ramp is easy to use with virtually no possibility for malfunction nor any need for maintenance

Notice: do to the deeply lowered floor, this and other lowered floor minivans have generous entry clearance and interior headroom
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This brand new commercial-grade flooring is a rubberized vinyl material which is often used in new wheelchair vans
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Driver Side Full View
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Driver Side Rear View
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Hatch View
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Passenger Side Rear View
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Passenger Side Front View
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Driver Side Interior
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Notice the odometer indicating 53,000 miles
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This photo indicates: upgraded infinity sound system; rear and front ventilation controls; misc other controls
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The Switches on the left operate the kneeling suspension. The rectangular box is the control unit f for the EZ Lock wheelchair anchoring system
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Engine Compartment
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Driver Side View of deeply lowered floor area
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Passenger Side Interior
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This ramp is virtually identical to the power-operated version except for with no potential for breakdown or maintenance required
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Both front seats are easily removable should you choose to park a wheelchair in any location. Note: in these locations a wheelchair could be anchored using manual straps or the electronic docking station
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I took this photo to show the rear ventilation ducts and rear lighting
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This is in the "kneeled" position which makes the ramp angle more gentle
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This van comes with both original remote controls and all three original keys
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This is in the raised position which is the height when being driven
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* I apologize for any unclear photos. At times, the conditions make a clear photo impossible.

If you would like more information or to see and drive this vehicle,
please call Rick at 541-973-7377.