3 Steps For Buying A Used Bus

Are you about to trade in your used car for a new one? Unsure how to get the best deal? Click here for help and information.

3 Steps For Buying A Used Bus

14 July 2016
 Categories: , Blog


A used bus can come in handy if you have to load a lot of cargo and a lot of people across great distances. However, buying a diesel-based bus brand-new can cost anywhere between $300,000 and $600,000. In order to cut down on some of these costs, you must expand your search to include used and refurbished commercial buses. The tips below will guide you in the search and point you in the right direction.

#1: Get in-depth maintenance records

Before sinking a penny into a used commercial bus, you need to have a clear idea of how it was kept up during the course of its previous ownership. Ask the prior owner for any maintenance records that they have, including exactly where the bus been driven and for what purposes. This includes test driving the vehicle yourself to make sure that the transmission is in good health when you shift gears. Doing your homework upfront can save you some trouble from having a big problem on your hands with a bus that will break down on you.

#2: Research the proper value of the bus

Because commercial bus prices vary so greatly, you will need to put some serious energy into finding out how much it is worth. These buses are intended to drive long distances, so mileage does not tell the story of current value as easily as it would for a typical consumer vehicle. In fact, many people in the industry do not use buying guides when considering such values. A lot of the value comes down to the condition of the engine, visual inspection and the amount of features included in the bus. Since this is a vehicle that will carry numerous passengers, you need to be sure that it has features that will make for a comfortable ride, so you can draw a lot of customers. One of the best things you can do is hire an industry expert to conduct a value-based inspection on the bus to know how much you should expect to pay.

#3: Know exactly what you need when you set out to shop

Some of the following considerations will be important for your commercial bus shopping process:

  1. The size of the bus – there are buses that range from single digit seating all the way up to 300 passengers. Recognize that an increase in passengers will also require more skill in maneuvering from the driver. Decide on the capacity that suits you the best before setting out to buy a bus.
  2. The style of the bus – you will need to consider things like baggage space, cargo bays, floor styles and passenger equipment when you are shopping for a bus.
  3. The type of engine – there are many engine types that you can shop between, including hybrid, diesel, gasoline and even electric powered buses.

Follow these three steps so that you can be in a good position to buy used commercial buses at the best price for your business.