The Best Used Cars for Disability Adaptations (2026 Expert Guide)
Looking for the best used car to adapt for a disability? Whether you’re leaving the Motability Scheme, buying your first adapted car, or simply want a trusted favourite option, choosing the right vehicle is just as important as choosing the right adaptation.
Every year, our specialists assess and adapt thousands of vehicles for drivers and passengers across the UK. We’ve seen first-hand which cars work brilliantly with adaptations such as hand controls, swivel seats, transfer plates, wheelchair rooftop boxes and boot hoists…and which ones are far more challenging.
In this guide, we share five of the best used cars for disability adaptations, based on our own installation experience, to help you make a confident and informed decision.
Thinking About Adapting a Used Car?
For many people, buying a used car and adapting it can be a practical and cost-effective way to own a car.
You might be:
- Leaving the Motability Scheme
- No longer eligible for Motability
- Looking for a budget friendly option
- Exploring ways to own a car
The good news is that many used cars are well suited to disability adaptations, provided you choose the right vehicle.
Before buying any vehicle, we always recommend booking an assessment with us. The right car isn’t simply the one with the highest seat or biggest boot, it’s the one that’s compatible with the adaptations you need and the mobility equipment you use.
Book an assessment before you buy and let our specialists help you choose the right vehicle.
What Makes a Good Used Car for Disability Adaptations?
When we’re assessing whether a vehicle is suitable for adaptations, we’re looking at much more than simply the make and model.
Some of the key factors include:
Seat height
A comfortable transfer height can make getting in and out of the vehicle much easier, whether you’re walking independently or transferring from a wheelchair.
Door opening
Wide-opening doors provide more space for transfers and allow adaptations such as swivel seats to operate effectively.
Interior space
The cabin needs enough room for both the adaptation and the person using it, without compromising comfort.
Boot capacity
If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, adequate boot space is essential, particularly if you’re considering a boot hoist.
Compatibility with adaptations
Not every vehicle is suitable for every adaptation. We assess compatibility with our wide range of solutions, such as:
- Swivel seats
- Hand controls
- Pedal adaptations
- Transfer plates
- Person hoists
- Boot hoists
- Steering aids
This is why the best used car for disability adaptations isn’t necessarily the biggest or newest, it’s the one that works best for your individual mobility needs.
Our Top 5 Used Cars for Disability Adaptations
1. Toyota RAV4 (2019 onwards)
Typical used market guide price: £16,000–£28,000*
The Toyota RAV4 consistently ranks as one of our most popular used vehicles to adapt.
Its comfortable seating height, spacious cabin and generous boot make it suitable for a wide variety of adaptations. We’ve installed a wide range of adaptations into the RAV4 and regularly recommend it because it provides an excellent balance between accessibility, comfort and practicality.
Ideal for:
- Swivel seats
- Transfer plates
- Hand controls
- Pedal adaptations
- Steering aids & secondary devices
- Wheelchair roof box
- Boot hoists
- Person hoists
2. Volkswagen Touran (2015 onwards)
Typical used market guide price: £8,000–£18,000*
The Volkswagen Touran has long been a favourite among customers who need extra interior space without moving to a much larger vehicle.
Its flexible cabin, generous door openings and practical layout make it particularly suitable for families and wheelchair users. The Touran’s adaptable interior means it works well with a wide range of driving and passenger adaptations, making it one of our most versatile used vehicle recommendations.
Ideal for:
- Swivel seats
- Transfer plates
- Hand controls
- Pedal adaptations
- Steering aids & secondary devices
- Wheelchair roof box
- Boot hoists
- Person hoists
3. Citroën SpaceTourer / Peugeot Traveller (2016 onwards)
Typical used market guide price: £15,000–£30,000*
These sister vehicles are ideal for customers needing maximum flexibility. Their spacious interiors make them particularly well suited to larger mobility equipment, transfer solutions and customers travelling with multiple passengers.
These vehicles are among the most adaptable we work with and are often chosen where standard SUVs simply don’t offer enough space.
Ideal for:
- Swivel seats
- Hand controls
- Pedal adaptations
- Steering aids & secondary devices
- Boot hoists
- Person hoists
- Platform lifts
4. Nissan Qashqai (2014–2021)
Typical used market guide price: £5,000–£16,000*
The Nissan Qashqai has been one of the UK’s best-selling crossovers for years; and for good reason.
Its raised seating position makes everyday access easier than many traditional hatchbacks, while remaining compact enough for everyday driving.
The Qashqai is also available through our Adapt & Drive scheme, making it well worth comparing your options. Thanks to our exclusive manufacturer discounts, many customers find the savings on a brand-new vehicle can offset, or even cover, the cost of their adaptations. For some, this makes a new adapted Qashqai more affordable than they expected, while providing all the benefits of owning a brand-new car, including a manufacturer’s warranty and the latest technology.
Ideal for:
- Swivel seats
- Transfer plates
- Hand controls
- Pedal adaptations
- Steering aids & secondary devices
- Wheelchair roof box
- Boot hoists
- Person hoists
5. Kia Sportage (2016–2021)
Typical used market guide price: £8,000–£18,000*
If you’re looking for a comfortable SUV that combines accessibility with everyday practicality, the Kia Sportage is an excellent choice.
Its spacious cabin, generous boot space and medium seating height make it suitable for many customers with reduced mobility.
The Sportage is another vehicle available through our Adapt & Drive scheme. While many customers initially consider buying used, it’s often worth exploring the cost of a new adapted Sportage too. Our exclusive vehicle discounts can significantly reduce the overall cost of ownership, with some customers finding the savings effectively offset the cost of their adaptations. It means you can compare the affordability of a used vehicle against the reassurance of a brand-new adapted car before making your decision.
Ideal for:
- Swivel seats
- Transfer plates
- Hand controls
- Pedal adaptations
- Steering aids & secondary devices
- Wheelchair roof box
- Boot hoists
- Person hoists
*Average UK used market prices at the time of writing. Actual prices vary depending on age, mileage, specification, condition and location.
Used Car or Adapt & Drive? Which is Right For You?
Both options can help you regain independence, but the right choice depends on your lifestyle, finances, and priorities.
| Buying a Used Car | Adapt & Drive |
| Typically a lower price point | Access to discounted packages on brand-new cars |
| Adaptations fitted after you get the car | Adaptations fitted before delivery |
| Great if you already own a suitable vehicle | Finance options, warranty and ongoing support |
| Wide choice on the used market | Professionally selected vehicles with proven adaptation compatibility |
If you’re unsure which route is right for you, we’ll happily talk you through both options during your mobility assessment and provide guidance on vehicle compatibility with the adaptations you require.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the best used cars to adapt for a disabled driver?
From our experience, some of the best used cars include the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Touran, Citroën SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller, Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. They all offer excellent compatibility with a wide range of vehicle adaptations.
Can you fit a boot hoist to any car?
Not always.
Boot hoists require sufficient boot space, so compatibility varies between vehicles. Boots that have a nice squared shape are ideal, offering great compatibility, whereas boots that are sloped can limit compatibility slightly. It also depends on the mobility device you’re lifting, so a Mobility in Motion assessment is the best way to confirm compatibility before purchase.
Which used cars are compatible with swivel seats?
Many vehicles can be fitted with swivel seats, including all five vehicles featured in this guide. However an assessment is still required to confirm suitability with the user, as we still need to consider the individual’s height, leg room and head room in relation to the door aperture. During your assessment, we’ll recommend the most appropriate swivel seat based on your mobility and chosen vehicle.
Is it cheaper to buy a used car and adapt it than get a new Motability Scheme vehicle?
It depends on your circumstances, budget and long-term plans.
If you’re eligible for the Motability Scheme, leasing a new adapted vehicle can be an excellent option, with servicing, maintenance and insurance included as part of the lease.
For those buying privately, purchasing a quality used car and adapting it can often be a cost-effective way to regain independence, particularly if you already own a suitable vehicle or are looking to keep upfront costs down.
If you’d prefer the reassurance of a brand-new car, Adapt & Drive offers another option. The scheme is open to anyone and thanks to exclusive manufacturer discounts, the savings on the vehicle can often offset, and sometimes even cover, the cost of your adaptations. That means you can enjoy the benefits of owning a brand-new adapted car, complete with a manufacturer’s warranty, the latest technology and the confidence that your vehicle has been tailored to your needs, without the significant additional cost many people expect.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Our specialists will help you compare all the options and recommend the route that best suits your mobility needs, lifestyle and budget.
What should I look for when buying a used car to adapt?
Look beyond the badge.
Consider:
- Seat height
- Door opening
- Cabin space
- Boot size
- Adaptation compatibility
- Future mobility needs
Most importantly, speak to an adaptation specialist before you buy to avoid purchasing a vehicle that isn’t suitable for the adaptations you require.
Can you get VAT relief on adaptations to a used car?
Yes. If you’re eligible, VAT relief is available on many vehicle adaptations fitted to both new and used cars.
If you’re looking at purchasing a brand-new car with adaptations, such as through our Adapt & Drive scheme, you may also be eligible for 20% VAT relief on the car as well. Read our guidance on vehicle VAT exemption here.
Speak to an Adaptation Specialist Before You Buy
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people buying a vehicle first, only to discover it isn’t suitable for the adaptations they need.
Our experienced assessors can help recommend the right vehicle before you commit, whether that’s adapting a used car or exploring a new adapted vehicle through Adapt & Drive.
Book an assessment today and we’ll help you choose an adapted vehicle that works for you.
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