Buying and owning a new, shiny school bus can be tempting, right? When looking to start a fleet or replace an old, worn-down school bus, used school buses may not be the first option that comes to mind. However, buying used can be a great way to stack your fleet full of buses and can save you a lot of money.
Here is some important information about used school buses:
Why Buy Used?
Used school buses have a lot to offer. While buying new can be tempting, used school buses typically offer the same or similar features as the new buses, but at a fraction of the cost. In fact, the main reason customers opt for a used school buses is because of the cost.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the dollar amount that your asset (school bus) decreases over time due to wear or tear. As soon as the keys to your new school bus are handed over and you take it for its first drive, you start losing money. Just like with new cars, new school buses start to depreciate as soon as you take ownership. A new car or school bus depreciates so quickly because as soon as you take ownership, it becomes a used car or school bus. If you try to sell your asset, you will be competing in the used market rather than the new, and odds are, the more expensive the school bus, the more money you will lose on depreciation.
Cost
The good news is you can take advantage of depreciation in the used school bus market. Used school buses have already depreciated a healthy amount. This is one of the main reasons why used school buses are more inexpensive than new ones. When purchasing a used school bus from American Bus Sales, you can rest assured that it will be in great shape. Many used school buses have a lot of life left in them and will last for as long as you need.
Finding the Right Used School Bus
New buses do not require repairs and have longer lifespans, right? Sometimes, yes, but not always. Many used school buses are still in great shape and have plenty of life left in them, while many new school buses will encounter unforeseen problems that require repairs and replacements. This is why it is so important to know what you are looking for when buying a bus. If you are looking to save some money by buying used, here are a couple of things to keep an eye out for.
History
First and foremost, make sure to learn the history of the bus you are looking to purchase. The mileage, service history, and replacement history are all important factors to consider when buying a used school bus. Service history or an engine or transmission replacement should be documented, and a reputable dealer will be able to provide you with those documents.
Chassis
When making the decision to purchase a used school bus, examining the chassis of the bus is a crucial step. This is one of the biggest indicators of the life left on the bus. Take a look at it. Is the chassis bent? Is it rusted? A damaged or rusted chassis can end up costing you a lot of money in the long-run, so examining the frame up front will save you a headache down the road.
Body
While the shape of the chassis is a great gauge of the life left on the bus, it is also crucial to examine the body. You want to look for a bus that has a solid floor and does not have too much rust or corrosion on the body. Some surface rust here and there can be fixed and painted over, but significant rust can be a good indicator that you have a lemon on your hands. At American Bus Sales, we will partner with you to find you a quality bus. We will not sell you a bus that we would not drive ourselves
Warranties and More
While buying a used school bus does come with more risks than buying a new bus, there are steps you can take to help lessen that risk. At American Bus Sales we offer used school bus financing to help you fit your bus purchase into your budget. Additionally, we offer extended warranty options on all used school bus purchases. These will help ensure that your bus is covered down the road when problems inevitably arise.
Shopping with American Bus Sales
We know buying a new-to-you vehicle can be a daunting task. We want to help you through that process. We will partner with you in your search for a bus and will treat you as our priority. Our commitment to customer care is one of the reasons many of our customers are referred to us by past customers, and this commitment extends past the purchase decision.
American Bus Sales is proud to offer excellent extended warranty options on all used school bus purchases. Additionally, we want to service your bus like we would service our own. This means we will get your bus serviced and back on the road as soon as possible. Our expert technicians service buses in all 50 states and will get your bus back in your hands before you know it.
American Bus Sales is here for whatever you need. Whether it is a simple inquiry, desire to purchase, service request, or rental request, just give us a call at 1-866-574-9970! Our friendly team of experts can answer any questions you might have.
