Are you in the market for a new bus or van? Whether you’re a business owner, a school district employee or a transportation professional, finding the right dealer from which to purchase your vehicle is crucial. You want a trusted partner who can provide a wide selection of buses, excellent customer support, reliable service and a knowledgeable staff.
With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision. That’s why we’re exploring the key elements of where to buy a bus or van and what you should consider before making your purchase.
Where can I buy a bus or van?
One of the most common options for buying a bus or van is through an authorized dealership. This type of specialized dealership offers a wide range of models, new and used vehicles and the convenience of test driving and expert advice.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales is known as America’s Bus Dealer® because we’re an authorized dealership offering customers best-in-class vehicles, an excellent reputation, positive customer reviews, after-sales service and warranty coverage.
What are the key elements to consider when choosing a bus or van dealership?
- Reputation and Experience: Look for a distributor with a good reputation in the industry. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from other bus or van owners. Choose a distributor that has been in the industry for a long time and has a good track record. Schetky’s rich history spans more than 80 years — we’ve been serving customers’ transportation needs for four generations. We’ve grown to become the largest bus distributor in the Northwest, covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
- Availability: Choose a distributor with a wide range of buses or vans available in their inventory so that you have more options to choose from. Schekty proudly offers an extensive inventory that caters to various sectors, from schools and universities to transportation companies and private organizations. Whether you require a compact shuttle bus or a city transit bus, Schetky has you covered. Our vast selection ensures that you’ll find the ideal bus to meet your specifications. We offer school buses, transit buses, mini buses, shuttle buses, transport vans, charter and tour buses, ADA buses and vans, wheelchair lift buses and vans, senior living buses and vans, church buses and vans, as well as many types of used buses and vans.
- Customer service: Look for a distributor that provides excellent customer service. They should be responsive to your inquiries and provide you with all the necessary information. Schetky stands out among other dealers for its top-tier service. Co-Owner David Schetky said, “Going back to 1942, our belief has always been that customer support is ultimately what drives sales.” Bus manufacturers have taken notice. In 2018, Thomas Built Buses named Schetky a Platinum Support Dealer, recognizing our ability to provide customers with rapid diagnoses of mechanical issues, responsive turnaround, consistent communication, parts availability and superb customer service, all provided by a highly trained staff. Our experienced and friendly team is always ready to address any inquiries, offer expert advice and assist you in making an informed decision. Whether you have questions about specific bus models, financing options or customization features, our knowledgeable staff will provide prompt and reliable answers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
- After-sales support: Reliable service and maintenance are paramount after purchasing a bus. Look for a distributor that provides after-sales support, such as maintenance and repair services. Schetky goes above and beyond to provide top-notch service for our customers. Our skilled technicians are factory-trained and equipped to handle any repairs or maintenance needs efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s routine maintenance, emergency repairs or warranty work, Schetky ensures that your bus stays in optimal condition, minimizing downtime and maximizing its lifespan.
- Customization: Look for a distributor that offers customization options so that you can get a bus or van tailored to your needs. Schetky offers customization, so you can get a vehicle that is tailored to your exact specifications. From extra seating or wheelchair accessibility to retrofitting fleets and upgrading them with electric drivetrains, Schetky can work with you to create the perfect bus for you.
- Price and Financing Options: Compare prices from different distributors to get the best deal, but do not compromise on quality for a lower price. Look for a distributor that offers financing options that suit your budget. At Schetky, our competitive pricing allows us to go head-to-head with other top dealers. We offer leasing and financing options to help you get the vehicle you need. Our knowledgeable staff also educates customers on grant opportunities and assists with grant writing and applications.
- New technologies: Choose a distributor that stays up to date on emerging technologies and environmental advancements. Schetky is on the leading edge of new tech like electric, autonomous, fuel cell and other innovative products in the industry. We’re preparing to lead in all these categories and are positioned to offer a turnkey approach to electrifying fleets. We are at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement in both the school and commercial bus sectors.
Where can I buy a wheelchair bus or van?
It’s best to buy your wheelchair bus or van from a specialized dealership with expertise in this area. Schetky stands out as the ideal choice thanks to our exceptional selection of wheelchair buses. We collaborate with renowned manufacturers known for their commitment to producing reliable and efficient vehicles.
Schetky offers a diverse range of wheelchair buses specifically designed to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. These buses feature advanced accessibility features such as wheelchair lifts or ramps, spacious interiors with secure tie-down systems and comfortable seating arrangements. Whether you require a bus with a high passenger capacity or a compact one for more intimate settings, Schetky has an extensive inventory to cater to various transportation needs.
All of our wheelchair buses meet stringent safety standards and regulations. We prioritize the well-being of passengers by providing buses equipped with advanced safety features, including sturdy wheelchair restraints, non-slip flooring and clear emergency exit routes. Schetky’s commitment to quality ensures that their wheelchair buses are reliable and durable, capable of withstanding the demands of daily use and providing a secure and comfortable transportation experience.
By choosing Schetky, customers can confidently find a wheelchair bus that perfectly suits their needs while ensuring the utmost comfort, accessibility and security for passengers with mobility requirements.
How should I evaluate buying a specific bus?
Once you have chosen a reputable dealership to work with, there are still many things to evaluate when buying a specific bus or van. Here are some key points to review:
- Part Availability: To ensure smooth sailing when it comes to repairs, it’s wise to set your sights on newer and more readily accessible models. Here’s the deal: If you choose a school bus made by a big-name manufacturer in the past few years, finding replacement parts shouldn’t give you too much trouble when the need arises. But if you’re looking at an older model, it’s worth considering the availability of used school bus parts for future replacements. Older or less common buses could pose a challenge in this department further down the road.
- Resale Value: Going for an older used bus might save money now, but its resale value will continue to depreciate over time. On the flip side, buying a bus with newer technology now could make it easier to sell to an eager buyer later on.
- Do Your Research: Not all buses are created equal. There are many different categories and styles to choose from. Each manufacturer has its own process, and quality can vary from brand to brand. Do your homework to ensure the bus you’re eyeing will give you the durability, features and overall experience you need to reach your goals. Whether you’re going for new or used, it’s highly recommended to have a skilled technician do a thorough inspection. That way, you can spot any potential issues or manufacturer problems tied to a specific model before you seal the deal.
How do I get started with buying a bus or van from Schetky?
If you’re interested in buying a bus or van from Schetky, you can start by browsing our inventory online or contacting us directly to discuss your needs. We can help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We have dealerships you can visit in person across the northwest and Arizona, but we also deliver vehicles and offer warranty service on them nationwide and in Canada.
Consult Schetky Bus & Van
As America’s longest-established, family-owned bus dealer, we are here to provide you with an extensive inventory of electric vehicles as well as standard buses and vans. Make sure to keep an eye out for Schetky electric school buses for sale and electric vans available across the country! And please reach out to us with any questions. We would love to enter into a dialogue with you. Help us make this world cleaner and greener for everyone.
