1998 Ford Windstar w/ special-ordered conversion: ultra-low maintenance and maximum reliability
32,000 total, actual miles  (by one owner)
Current Price: $
13,900
THIS CERTIFIED VEHICLE INCLUDES: 6 MO/6,000 MILE WARRANTY 
Note: warranty is valid in each of the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii  

Click here to learn about Home Delivery

Click here for extensive information about Certified

Highlights of This Van:

Ø  apx. $ 2,000 of new and very recent maintenance/service: details below (extensive investment in cosmetic rejuvenation is in addition to this $2,000)

Ø  Please read below regarding the unique and helpful special-ordered features which make this an extra-desirable used van

Ø  Built by the industry leader of low floor minivan conversions, Ricon

 

 

Options and Equipment

THE VAN:  Began as a middle trim-level model.  It was special ordered to include the desirable 3.0 liter engine (small V6) rather than the usual engine which is the larger, less reliable  and higher gas-consumption 3.8.  It also has an automatic with overdrive, which when combined with the small V6 gets good MPG.  There is power mirrors, windows, locks, rear power vents and a simple (good sound) stereo. 

GOODIES:  When rejuvenating wheelchair vans I like to make them look more modern and fresher than their years.  I accomplish that in various ways.   I also try to improve them in ways that are not only cosmetic.  With this van, I had the pro's add a wide side molding which protects the sides and when combined with a combination of wide stripes add a modern, fresh touch to the overall appearance and improved protection.

MOBILITY:  This was converted by a division of one of the two mobility van industry giants, named "Ricon".  The model of this one, as you see in photos, is "Activan".  This was special ordered with a certain package of features which are intended for ultra-reliability, longevity, simplicity and durability.  This package is often ordered by taxi and shuttle companies.  (Although that has not been the purpose for this van.  Described below are the features: 

*  Floor is deeply lowered from the rear seat to the dash area and it is very level and smooth.  This is so easy to maneuver on and creates maximum headroom and side entry clearance.

* The entry (floor and ceiling) and ramp area is very cleverly designed, engineered and altered to result in maximum clearance to accommodate for taller folks and taller wheelchairs.  As you see in the photo, this van has 56+ inches of clearance at the lowest point !  This is a couple or several inches more than the most common low floor minivans (apx 70% of all low floor minivans made) which are the Chrysler corporation vans called Caravan/Voyager/Town & Country.  This is a very important dimension for many users. 

* Both front seat assemblies are very easily removable via one-hand operable quick-release levelers.

* Heavy-duty Commercial-grade rubber flooring material wears "like iron" and is a great surface to drive wheelchairs on. (most low floor minivans retain the original carpet, which is no comparison in quality to this)

*  Modified suspension, but not kneeling suspension.  Toward the goal of ultra reliability and low maintenance, the rear suspension is at a pre-set level which balances having maximum possible ground clearance and yet creates a gentle ramp angle.

*  Slider door has been modified to create an extra-wide entry area, but the door is manually operated.  This is another step intended for super reliability and low maintenance.

* This is an awesome ramp!  It is a solid piece of heavy-duty aluminum, yet weights very little due to being aluminum.  It easily moves in and out via roller-assist and a simple oval handle cut into the end to hold on to.  Most folks can easily move this ramp in and out with one hand...or even a couple of fingers.  With no motors, sensors, switches or gadgets...this ramp will do what you and your family need EVERY time, with nothing to break, wear, fiddle with.... or cause you problems. 

Summary of the unique list of mobility/adaptive features of this van:  Each of the above-mentioned features is part of a package that does exactly what it is intended to do...which is to have maximum function with the absolute minimum of hassle, concern, glitches or headaches.  This van is focused entirely on transporting folks in wheelchairs quickly and easily every time....time after time after time.   

 

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

Other than a few thousand miles, this van has had ONE OWNER since new.  This was special-ordered by the University of Oregon (Go Ducks) and was designated to be used for a special department.  This van was available in order to ensure that students in wheelchairs would always have a way to get to certain destinations on campus, and in the greater Eugene area.  Obviously, it was not used very much and as a result it has incredibly low miles.

 

Certified

This vehicle is 'CERTIFIED': There are a combined 76 mechanical and cosmetic aspects  included in the Wheelchair Van Oasis "Certification" process.   A foundational step of the rejuvenation process is when each vehicle receives an extensive inspection by an objective, independent  third- party service and repair facility.  Suggested service, repairs and improvements are then performed by various professional specialists.   The  result is your assurance  that each of the 76 aspects  meets  or exceeds the condition level of good, or satisfactory

For details regarding list of 76 cosmetic and mechanical aspects, please click here.

Each van does of course have various elements which exceed the promised level of good, or
satisfactory, which the "Certified" program assures.  Some are brand new improvements performed during rejuvenation.  And others are obvious service or repairs performed recently, prior to my ownership.  As for those, I only list here those positives which are certain, based on my either having a receipt, and/or due to being obvious to the inspecting-mechanic.  I refer to these as  "NEW OR RECENTLY SERVICED ASPECTS".  As for this vehicle:

New: Major A/C service; cooling system flush and service; alignment; rear wiper motor; one power window motor;  all wiper blades; power steering system flush; misc light bulbs; turn signal switch assembly; new rollers for the ramp; various misc maintenance, repairs, adjustments, etc

Recent:  Four tires (in past apx 10k miles)

Approximate retail value/cost of above-listed items: $ 2,000

 

 

Carfax Report Summary

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

Nothing derogatory. 

 

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.

* This van has more than 56 inches of clearance at the lowest point, which is a couple or several inches more than most low floor minivans.  And as you may have discovered, when it comes to wheelchair vans (which most folks wish were bigger in various ways) every inch makes a noticeable and sometimes important difference.

Summary of this Gem

This van is special. It has incredibly low miles and has been highly rejuvenated to "Certified" condition.  And it was ordered with a special package of features that really matter.  Although these features were nice to have when new...the reliability, ease of use, and low maintenance is an even much greater benefit on a van in this price-range. 

Notice the very deeply lowered floor.  This carefully engineered floor design leads to having 56-3/4 inches clearance at the entry, which exceeds most low floor minivans by several inches
(Click on Picture to Enlarge)
This ramp is solid aluminum and is very light, made especially easy to use because  it has roller-assist wheels underneath it.  Its easily operated by one hand and some folks could move it in and out with a couple of fingers...its very easy.  And due to having no electronics involved, it has zero maintenance needed and no opportunity to fail to function
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Wide and long...this ramp is well-suited for even larger, heavier wheelchairs 
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Its hard to notice in the photos, but this floor and ramp area is cleverly designed to gain every bit possible of entry clearance and interior  headroom.  Slider door is manually operated, so there's nothing to maintain or break. 

Note: such sliding doors are modified to allow for opening wider than a standard minivan door.  
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Sorry for the shadows and reflections
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Newly-installed custom side moldings and graphics help this van look quite modern
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Rear gate
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Lots of space behind seat for cargo
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This has the small 6 cylinder motor which is preferred by most folks to the larger 3.8 motor, as the 3.0 gets better MPG and is most reliable.
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Super sharp and immaculate
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Right side
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Right front
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Front
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Tall backrests on these seats are very supportive
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Simple, easy to use controls
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Notice the riser pedestal with footrest platform, which makes your seating position the same as if there were not a lowered floor.
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Quickly and easily removable front seats
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When seat is removed, there is lots of space for a wheelchair and there are anchor-points in the floor for securing straps.  Drivers seat can also be removed. 
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with a very generous 56-3/4 inches entry clearance, this exceeds most similar-age lowered floor minivans by 2-4 inches!  (for some users, a few inches extra is a big benefit)
(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

* 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.