Buy a used bus: used vehicles

Buy a used bus: used vehicles

Learn how to find and purchase a cheap bus to meet your needs.

Many people utilize buses, from commercial transportation companies to touring artists, individual churches, or retirement homes. If you own a small business or are simply looking for a bus for personal use (such as converting it into an RV), you should consider buying used. This is an especially good option if you are only purchasing one or two vehicles.

Don't expect to get your second-hand bus dirt cheap, however. You will need to do your research, buy from a reputable dealer, and secure the best guarantee or service contract you can afford. As long as you ensure the vehicle is in full working order and you know exactly what you are getting, buying used can lead to significant savings. Negotiating a service repair deal will also minimize the hassle of scheduled maintenance or unexpected breakdowns later on.

Here are some tips to help you learn how to buy a used bus:

1. Determine exactly what you'll be using your bus for. Ask yourself a few questions about your needs before making a purchase. How many people are you planning to transport? How often? How far are you planning to travel? By determining what you need your used bus to accomplish ahead of time, you can quickly and efficiently rule out options that don't meet your requirements. Don't jump at the first deal that looks good.
2. Use bus dealers, online sale sites, and auctions to look for buses. Many organizations sell buses for various reasons. You can typically find used buses through school districts, municipal governments, professional dealers, auctions, and online platforms. Finding a used bus auction locally or online can be your best bet for a great deal. Many auctioned buses are in good condition due to strict maintenance or insurance requirements and are sold simply because a project has ended or run out of funding. However, finding a used school bus at an auction doesn't automatically mean it's in good condition. Follow the remaining steps regardless of where you find your bus to ensure it meets your needs and remains easy to maintain and repair.
3. Budget for purchase and maintenance costs. Realize that buying a used bus is only the beginning of your expenses. You must budget for expected costs like fuel, licensing fees, insurance, and scheduled maintenance, while also setting aside a contingency fund for unforeseen breakdowns or necessary repairs. Depending on the issue and the vehicle, these can become expensive, which leads to our next point.
4. Find a repair shop that can supply replacement parts. Before purchasing, locate a repair shop that can handle regular maintenance and source the parts or services your bus might need. Some people sell buses precisely because they can no longer find replacement parts—you certainly don't want to inherit that problem.
5. Inspect specific components before committing to a purchase. When evaluating used buses, take the time to inspect:
   • Rust: Check the frame and supporting body. If you find rust in these critical areas, do not buy the bus. Surface rust on the body may be acceptable if the price is right, but remember that rust patches will continue to grow. Under no circumstances should you buy a bus with a flaking frame, structural rust, or rusting fenders and hood hinge mounts.
   • Engine options: Get the biggest engine you can afford. The more people you transport and the heavier the bus, the more power you will need—there is no substitute for a strong engine.
   • Transmission: Opt for an automatic transmission unless you have a strong personal preference otherwise. They are usually easier to handle and make long trips less tiring. Additionally, automatic transmissions are much easier to resell when you are done with the vehicle.
   • Leaks: Do not settle for a bus with any leaks whatsoever. A leaking transmission or braking system can be extremely costly and time-consuming to repair. There are plenty of leak-free options available—keep looking.
6. Review the paperwork. Titles, service records, repair receipts, and vehicle history help determine the true value of the vehicle and prevent future problems.
   • Your used bus must have a verifiable title showing the original year of purchase.
   • If the bus was used in a fleet, it should come with a comprehensive service record.
   • Ask for repair receipts and ensure the maintenance history makes sense. Occasional servicing is normal and even encouraging, but if the same component has been repaired four times in the past two years, something may be seriously wrong.

   A vehicle's paper trail is vital. If anything cannot be verified, remain cautious. Additionally, ensure the receipts feature the correct VIN to confirm they belong to the specific bus you are considering.

7. Get a professional inspection. After narrowing down your options, hire a professional to thoroughly inspect the bus before buying. The inspection should cover major components, including the engine, transmission, frame, electrical system, and air conditioning. Make sure the inspector is thorough and follow their advice regarding potential problems—that is why you hired them.
8. Obtain accurate cost estimates for necessary repairs. If you plan to modify the bus or don't mind taking on some repair work yourself or through a shop, that is fine. Just ensure you have an accurate estimate of both repair costs and completion time, including the time needed to source parts. Put your plan and timeline down on paper and stick to it.

Now it's time to make your purchase! Once you have found a bus that fits your needs and verified that it is mechanically sound, you can negotiate a fair price with the seller.