1997 Dodge Caravan top-level LE model: Vantage/VMI/Ricon mobility conversion
Miles: 63,000 (actual, total miles)
Current Price: $13,900
THIS CERTIFIED VEHICLE INCLUDES: 6MONTHS/6,000 MILE WARRANTY

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Click here for extensive information about Certified

Highlights of This Van:

*apx. $2,600 of new and very recent mechanical service: details below
(extensive investment in cosmetic rejuvenation is in addition to this $2,600)

* Rare top-of-the-line LE model has many features and options and is extra-attractive too

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

* Yes, it has only 63,000 total, original miles by primarily one owner (a professor)

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 extras such as: 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.

GOODIES:

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

MOBILITY:

MOBILITY This van was built by one of the two significant companies which buy brand new vans and then convert them. This one was made by a division of Ricon called Vantage, also known as VMI. The man I bought it from the first time I owned it (I recently re-acquired this van) 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 is somewhat different than typical 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. (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. $1,500 when it was installed. Note: there is a cost of apx. $500-$1,000 in labor and materials needed in order to custom-orient your chair, if you want to use this feature. If you don't want to use it, removing 4 bolts in the floor and unplugging the wires will allow it to be removed.


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:

This was a one owner when I first acquired it a couple of years ago. I have recently re-acquired it and it has now undergone my usual rejuvenation process, leading to being offered, once again, in 'Certified' condition. It has had personal use only, no harsh commercial use.

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".


Here are the new and recent items:

New:


Lube/oil/filter; cooling fan relay; new washer system; service kneeling system

Recent:
fuel pump; ABS service and repair; power door lock repair; serpentine belts; front axle seal; front AND rear brakes; 4 tires

Approximate retail value/cost of above-listed items: $2,600(extensive investment in cosmetic rejuvenation is in addition to this $2,600)


Carfax Report Summary

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

Nothing notably negative or unusual: no frame damage...no airbags deployed...no structural damage...no "red marks"...no major accident.


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.
* Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country are all cousin vans to each other, some of which are actually built in the same building.


Summary of this Gem
Very low miles, superior owner history, immaculate condition inside and out, nearly every feature available on a wheelchair minivan of this era...this one is a gem.

This quite fancy minivan is in amazing condition in every way, in every manner of evaluation, and it looks so sharp
This quite fancy minivan is in amazing condition in every way, in every manner of evaluation and it looks so sharp
Spare moved inside when floor was lowered. Anchor straps included are seen toward right of photo
Fancy LE model has power seat
Rubberized flooring is awesome, durable, easy to clean
Very deeply lowered floor creates super headroom and entry clearance
Click to Enlarge
Wonderfully low miles
Fancy LE model has the super Infinity audio system with equalizer and extra amps and speakers
Overhead console option has: MPG; distance to empty; temp; direction; and more
Fancy LE model has super Infinity audio system with equalizer and extra amps and speakers
This EZ lock unit is an electronic docking station, which eliminates the need for typical manually operated anchor straps. This base-plate could be moved by the new owner or a specialty shop to whatever location is chosen for parking wheelchair (or it could be removed, if not wanted)
Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge
So sharp and immaculate
Less than 3 percent of all Caravans are this top-level LE model
Comfortable and adjustable. Either front seat assembly can be quickly/easily removed if you desire to park a wheelchair in either front location
nicely engineered aluminum ramp is light weight and simple and easy to fold up or down, in or out. Most folks can operate this with no trouble, even if small or weak.
easy to roll up and down the ramp and on or off of this rubberized floor
One of the most deeply lowered floors possible
rear seat has 3 seat belts
Rear ventilation with rear controls

* 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.