Buying a bus is tiring but not impossible. Whether you need a bus like Tata Cityride School for school students or transporting passengers commonly, you must be careful while selecting.
However, if you don’t have a proper budget to invest in the new, best-in-class buses, you can go for a used school bus. These pre-owned buses are economical and have features any new bus would have. But buying old-school buses can make you a little skeptical as you wouldn’t know how to approach the buying process or how to select the right one.
Worry not; we bring you this guide on smartly and systematically buying pre-owned or used buses.
Discover the step-by-step process of buying a used school bus without compromising quality. Save money with our expert tips and find the perfect vehicle for your transportation needs.
Tips to Buy Used School Bus Without Compromising on Budget & Quality
Identify Your Reasons for Buying a Bus
As a transport business owner, you must know your reasons for buying a bus. Along with understanding the purpose, you must know what type of bus you are interested in buying. However, you must be specific about the requirements and maybe should create a thorough checklist to distill your used bus’s required features or technical aspects. Here are specific points you can consider counting to your checklist:
- Used Bus Capacity — You must start your bus search with the bus capacity in terms of interior space or seating capacity.
- Comfort Level — Passenger (especially school children) comfort is very important for buses that are intended to cover long trips. Look for seating quality, leg spacing, larger wheelbase, and other qualities.
- Fuel Economy— Choose a bus whose engine capacity is enough and offers great mileage per liter with great fuel efficiency.
- Accessibility — The bus should have great accessibility features around the gates. Like if you are offering services to wheelchair users, make sure the bus offers accessibility features.
- Durability — Choose a durable bus that can withstand heavy payloads and have great endurance while operating across rough or bad terrains.
It wouldn’t matter if you need a bus like Tata Starbus School for running errands around school, church, or general passenger activities; your checklist will help you sort your choices.
Pro Tip – Don’t get drawn to go for larger buses if mini buses can fit the bill, as large buses have increased fuel expenses attached to them. However, if you need a large bus with great space and payload capacity, consider splurging on such options.
Find Options for Used Buses in Your Area
Hop over the internet to find the best bus dealers near you. Make sure the listings on the internet are verified and have credible information and reviews around them. Always ensure that you personally visit the located dealerships to investigate the bus quality thoroughly.
Take along your created checklist to stay on your toes during your search. Keep your checklist on hand and narrow your search. Always go for a driving test to check the condition of the used bus and ask for the bill and warranty on that bus.
Get Used Buses Only from Dealerships
When you consider buying a bus from a retailer rather than an individual, you can be assured about the quality. Buying from a reliable and well-established dealership gives you complete peace of mind because they won’t compromise on quality. It’s because they have legal responsibilities and image to maintain.
Inspect the Used Bus (Carefully!)
A low price is a nightmare if the bus is in poor condition. Imagine the spare parts are out of place, and the condition is too bad to be treated. In such cases, a low price is never justified. Maintenance and repair of cheap vehicles can cost more fortunes than the cost of running your own transport company. Get a bus in good shape at a reasonable price range. Sure, you are eager about getting the lowest priced bus but don’t throw the full bus’s careful inspection in the wind.
Make Sure to Get a Guarantee for a Used Bus
Having a warranty on a used bus can save your anxiety about buying it. You won’t get any warranty if you consider buying a bus from a private seller or individual. This is why you must consider buying it from verified dealers. Also, do ensure your dealer is willing to offer you an expendable service & maintenance contract at least (in case things go south).
At least ask for a five-year agreement on your bus service. If the price of the service contract is too good to be true, don’t agree on that, walk out.
If Money is Limited, Consider Financing
Imagine you have found your dream bus and have met all the legalities regarding ownership transfer, but wait, you don’t have enough money to buy it. It’s disappointing, right? Sure, you can find used buses for very cheap, but nobody would guarantee their ongoing repair costs. In such a situation, you can always finance the used bus and pay the money at your convenience.
Consult the dealership you are enquiring about the best financing options and interest rates with easy documentation.
Technical Specifications to Inspect While Buying the School Bus
For most people, price is key when buying quality buses like Tata Starbus City. However, a low price is nothing eventful if the bus is badly maintained. Buying too many cheap vehicles can cost you hefty repair and maintenance costs. As worth it is to get a bus that’s in good shape and condition, it is equally important to invest in an option that’s reasonable on the pocket too. You can’t stop your willingness to get the lowermost-priced bus; we get that. But ensure you carefully examine the following factors while making your selection from a handful of choices.
- Engine Capacity & Quality
- Mileage and top speed
- Faulty Leaks
- Chassis type, built, and manufacturer
- Tyre width, size, and quality
In conclusion, buying a used school bus requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By identifying your specific requirements, researching reputable dealerships, conducting thorough inspections, and considering financing options, you can find a high-quality used bus that meets your needs without compromising your budget. Remember to prioritize reliability, safety, and passenger comfort throughout the buying process.
