2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class Pricing and Specs

This is an increasingly common problem for people who carry big loads and especially for those who tow heavy trailers. In some cases, as you've discovered, it's very easy to get perilously close to the GVM limit by loading up the vehicle with whatever you're carrying. And that's the catch; the vehicle's GVM includes everything on board including passengers, fuel and whatever accessories you've added to the car, not to mention the actual payload.

Earlier this year, Queensland changed its rules regarding GVM upgrades, but you would need to speak to a specialist workshop that deals with this type of work and is familiar with the QLD regulations which may vary from other states and territories. Companies such as Pedders are qualified to carry-out GVM upgrades on some vehicles and have the engineering experience to offer a package that is certified before it's fitted to your vehicle. Whether the Sprinter's body construction has any bearing on the availability of such a kit is another thing you'd need to check with a specialist.

The problem with exceeding your car's GVM is that it makes its potentially unsafe to drive for both you and other road users. You'll also find yourself in line for a fine and your insurance company is likely to disown you in the case of a crash in an over-loaded vehicle.

I've heard of these vehicles racking up huge mileages, but even so, 450,000 is a lot of kilometres and the thing could be a breakdown just waiting to happen. If it's been meticulously maintained, you might get a few more years out of it, but there's every chance it could be ready to go bang in some way. Certainly, the asking price should reflect this.

This model Vito was beset by a huge raft or recalls for all sorts of things, so make sure those have been attended to., Mechanically, the most common big-ticket item was a timing chain that could wear out (often long before 450,000km had passed under its wheels). Because the timing chain in the turbo-diesel engine is at the back of the engine (the transmission side) access is fiddly and the job to replace the chain, guides and tensioners is a relatively expensive one.

From the sounds of things, you need a vehicle that can accommodate the wheelchair as an actual seat in the car rather than having the chair folded and stored for the journey. With that in mind, a van or people-mover is by far the best best bet and the news is good, because there are plenty of choices. For a while there, people were converting Ford Falcon station-wagons for this task, but since the Falcon is no longer made, vans have become the new default vehicle to convert. Which makes plenty of sense.

There are specialist firms around that will carry out whatever conversion you require and tailor-make the ramps, lock-down points and grab-rails you need to make it work for you. Switched on companies will sit down with you and discuss your precise requirements and engineer something bespoke if necessary.

At the moment, the list of car choices is pretty long and includes the new Hyundai Staria, VW Caddy, LDV G10, VW Caravelle, Renault Kangoo, Renault Trafic, Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota HiAce and, in case you need something really big, even the Toyota Coaster. Some of these companies are also registered as NDIS suppliers.

But don’t rule out a second-hand vehicle, either. There are websites around listing used wheelchair-accessible cars for sale. Some will be ex-taxis, but others can be relatively low-kilometre cars that might just have the exact layout you were looking for.