A Checklist for Buying a Bus
Buying a school bus comes with many considerations. This is especially the case if this is your first bus purchase. So, where do you begin?
There isn’t a single best way to buy a bus, but there are best practices to consider. As the nation’s premier bus provider, we know what to look for when buying a school bus. Or buying a coach bus, for that matter.
Review the below checklist for buying a bus and start your bus buying journey on the right path.
What Type of Bus Do You Need?
All buses are not the same. This is as true for size as it is for practicality and luxury. For instance, are you looking to transport children to and from school, or clients from the airport? Let’s face it, we’re talking about two different types of buses here.
A coach bus is more of a luxury bus than a school bus. And there are coach buses for sale just as there are school buses. But to break it down further, your options aren’t limited to coach bus or school bus.
Capacity is a given when considering the type of bus you need, but what about storage? Children going to school in the morning don’t require overhead storage. But if your bus is making long trips, or weekend getaways, then storage is a consideration.
Storage is important if you’re transporting a band with instruments or a sports team with equipment. And if you’re picking up clients from the airport, then storage at the base of the bus might be important. After all, you might not want your clients relying on lifting their bags over their heads.
All these details inform what type of bus you need, which is where your journey should start. Sure, this might seem like an obvious point, but buying a bus is not as straightforward as you might think. This doesn’t mean it’s difficult. It just means you need to know what you’re looking for.
What Amenities Do You Require?
There are amenities, or features, beyond storage capacity that you’ll want to sift through. A common example is whether your bus needs to be accessible for someone with disabilities. Some buses come with modifications already made. Other times you might want to make these modifications yourself as part of your purchase.
Subtler amenities can play a role in your decision as well, such as tinted windows or sound systems. If your school bus is going to be used for field trips, then a speaker system might be important. This is so a professor, or field guide, can speak to the students clearly and effectively.
Some of these amenities are especially worth considering for long distances. It all comes down to a matter of comfort for the passengers. The bottom line when considering amenities is making sure every passenger is going to be comfortable. After all, that’s what amenities are for.
Don’t Skimp on Safety
Safety is a crucial aspect of any mode of transportation. Fortunately, there are standards regarding bus safety, which can put your mind at ease as a shopper. And new buses aren’t the only buses that pass safety requirements. Buying a used school bus can also mean buying a safe school bus.
There’s a common misconception that buying a used bus is not as smart as buying a new bus. This simply isn’t the case. Used buses can pass all the same safety measures as new buses but can save organizations money. When it comes to school buses in particular, there are all sorts of safety regulations in play.
So, to be clear, saving money by buying a used bus doesn’t mean skimping on safety.
If the capacity is right, the amenities are right, and the bus has cleared safety inspections, then it’s the best bus for you. This is the case whether it’s a new bus or a used bus. In fact, sometimes the state of a used bus can demonstrate its durability.
Buy The Bus for Your Organization
You’ll find all sorts of guides and checklists about buying a bus, but it all comes down to your organization. Buy the bus that makes sense for your passengers. You know them better than anyone, so make sure your purchase addresses their needs.
Additionally, make sure the bus meets the needs of your organization as a whole. This includes not only budget, but flexibility. Whatever the reason behind your organization needing a bus, take the time to address all those factors. And if you need assistance, our team is eager to help.
We are the premier bus provider in the nation because we take care of our customers. We’ll help you navigate the types of buses, the amenities, and safety considerations. More specifically, we’ll help you find the bus that makes sense for you and your organization.
Check out our selection of school buses available!
LEARN ABOUT OUR BUSES
Activity Buses
Coach Buses
School Buses
Shuttle Buses
National Bus Sales Is Your Best Resource For Buying New and Used School Buses, Shuttles, Motorcoaches, Ultra Coachliners, Vans, and Special Needs Vehicles In Any State
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Washington DC | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Copyright National Bus Sales, Inc. | All Rights Reserved | Report a web error to marketing@nationalbus.com
