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Ping: Ray O

Wondered if you have any observations on Siennas (and mini-vans, in general) as safe, durable vehicles after they have their floors cut and dropped for handicapped access.

Facing this purchase in the next few months to a year. A Dodge Sprinter looks like the only likely choice without having to cut and lower the floor and/or raise the roof.

Thanks in advance, Tom

Reply to
tak
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I'm no expert nor am I RayO. That being said, I would think the answer has more to do with how good of a job the fabricator does, wouldn't it? That'd be my guess. I would try to shop around for someone whose done something like that before or go for the safest bet

-- one you do not have to modify.

That would be what I would do.

Good luck!

Reply to
mrsteveo

Tom,

I do not have personal first hand experience with van durability after the floors have been modified for handicap access. The only first hand experience I have is with conversion vans, and most of them were fair to terrible.

Toyota has a mobility program where they have approved some of the equipment installers and will reimburse up to $1000 for the conversion. If I were in the market for such equipment, I would go to one of those installers because Toyota is usually pretty good about choosing companies that will modify their vehicles and possible affect customer perception. Go to

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for information. If the link doesn't work, go to
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click on the "Owners" link, then click on the "Accessories" link, then click on the "Toyota Mobility" link. I believe that all of the major automakers have similar programs if you don't like Toyota's. A Dodge Sprinter is also a possibility, but take a look at overall cost of acquisition, fuel, and maintenance. The Sprinter is basically a Mercedes commercial vehicle, and while it should be very durable, it might not be the most cost-effective way to go.

Hope this helps!

Reply to
Ray O

Thanks for the links, I have that reservation about messing with the structure which is why the Sprinter is an outside possibility. The company that would modify the Sienna has a long and good reputation in doing these conversions, but am still cool to the idea of that much structural change.

Reply to
tak

Those Sprinters are also BIG, especially when compared to a Sienna. As RayO mentioned, the Sprinter is basically a commercial vehicle. You see places like UPS or DHL using them or maybe a contractor. Not very practical, especially if you order a new one. Made in Germany, disassembeled for shipping and reassembled in the US. That's my understanding.

-Dave

Reply to
Dave L

I think that Toyota has 2 different mobility partners. Look at the modifications that they are proposing - perhaps they do not need to do extensive modifications for the application you need.

The Sienna has a monocoque, or unibody chassis so modifications will probably affect the structural strength of the vehicle. If you need the additional headroom, you might be better off with a body-on-frame vehicle, which is easier to modify. Besides the Sprinter, which is pretty large, check out the Ford Club Wagon and the Chevy/GMC full size vans and the Dodge full size van.

Reply to
Ray O

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