In 2016, there were 976,161 buses registered nationwide — and without a doubt, the yellow school bus is a ubiquitous sight on American roads. But what you may not realize that not all school buses are the same. Whether you’re buying a school bus to transport students or you have intentions of using it for something a bit less conventional, you’ll need to work with a reputable bus dealer and make some important decisions pertaining to your priorities before you find the right bus for your needs. Here are three tips you’ll want to keep in mind when looking at available school buses for purchase.
- Consider Part Availability: When you’re purchasing new school bus for sale, repairs are probably the furthest thing from your mind. But it often pays to think ahead. If the bus was produced by a major manufacturer within the last few years, you probably won’t have much trouble tracking down replacement components if and when you need them. But if you’re working with a used bus dealer, you’ll want to consider the availability of used school bus parts for replacement. An older or rarer bus may be problematic in this area down the line. If you want to ensure ease of repairs, it’s a good idea to look at newer, more accessible models.
- Be Aware of Resale Value: You might be focused on buying a bus you intend to own for the foreseeable future, but you may not want to discount the idea of selling this vehicle later on. An older used bus will be more economical in the present, but the resale value will continue to depreciate over time. If you purchase a clean diesel vehicle, on the other hand, you’ll be making a decision that can result in the ability to resell the bus to an eager buyer years down the road. While not everyone plans to resell their school bus from the beginning, it’s still a good idea to keep this factor in mind when working with your bus dealer.
- Make Sure to Inspect and Research: Remember what we mentioned about not all buses being the same? There are several different categories of school buses to choose from, as well as different vehicular styles that will be available to you. Each manufacturer has its own reputation, meaning that the quality can vary widely from brand to brand. For those reasons, you’ll want to conduct thorough research to make certain your vehicle will provide the durability, features, and overall experience you need to achieve your goals. Whether you buy new or used, it’s recommended that you have a trained technician conduct a complete inspection so you can keep an eye out for any potential issues or manufacturer problems associated with a particular model before you buy.
Buying any type of bus is a big decision, but you’ll be in good hands if you work with a reputable dealer. To learn more about our available inventory, please contact us today.