All About Used Shuttle Buses

Shuttle buses are one of the most popular kinds of buses in demand today. These buses are sometimes referred to as minibusses or commercial buses because they are smaller in size and are often used for commercial purposes. While many in the market may opt for a new shuttle bus, we want to show you why buying used can be a great option. 

Why Buy Used?

While buying new can be tempting, used shuttle buses typically offer the same or similar features as new buses, but at a fraction of the cost. In fact, the main reason customers opt for a used shuttle bus is because of the cost.

Shuttle Bus Lifespan

The shuttle bus is a great, durable transportation option, which is why it is so widely used for commercial purposes. These buses typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years or 300,000 miles. This is more than sufficient for many businesses that need to shuttle customers and employees around the city. 

Depreciation

Depreciation should always be considered when purchasing a new-to-you vehicle, and shuttle buses are no exception. Depreciation is essentially how much value a vehicle or other asset loses over time. Depreciation typically operates on a curve that slopes down and starts to level off after a few years. What this means for you is that you can find used shuttle buses or other vehicles that have already depreciated their full amount. So if you buy the right used shuttle bus, you can essentially buy a bus, use it, and sell it for most of what you paid for it in the first place. New shuttle buses, however, will depreciate greatly as soon as you drive them off the lot, and that is money that cannot be recouped.

Cost

Shuttle buses are quite affordable. Depending on how they are equipped, new shuttle buses can start at around $50,000. However, you can typically find a used shuttle bus that has already depreciated for around $10,000 to $30,000. Buying used can give you added flexibility to add more shuttle buses to your fleet without the risk of losing money to depreciation in the long run. 

When purchasing a used shuttle bus from American Bus Sales, you can be confident you will find a bus in great shape at an affordable price.

Finding the Right Used Shuttle Bus

Finding the right used shuttle bus is no easy task. Not only do you have to find the right make and model that fits your needs, but you need to find one that will last, is in good shape, and fits in your budget. Here are a couple of tips on what to look for as you set out to make your next purchase. 

History

When considering a particular used shuttle bus, make sure you know its history. Be aware of the bus’s mileage, service history, accident history, and any past part replacements or repairs. Knowing these details ahead of time can save you a lot of money and hassle down the road. You can request these details from the seller and a reputable one will be able to provide this information

What Shape is it In?

The next thing you will want to check out is the shape that the bus is in. Many older used shuttle buses, especially ones driven up north, can have rust issues on the body and chassis. While a small amount of rust is expected and can be sanded out and painted over, large amounts of rust mean you could be looking at a complete chassis or body replacement in the future. Many times, a replacement is not worth the money, requiring a new bus purchase to keep your operation running. It is best to cover these bases up front by making sure the used shuttle bus does not have serious rust issues before purchasing.

Warranties and More

American Bus Sales is proud to offer extended warranty options on all used shuttle bus purchases. We know buying buses for your fleet is a big commitment, and we want to walk with you every step of the way to make sure you are covered. In addition, we offer financing, leasing, and rental options on our buses so you can find the right shuttle bus that fits in your budget.

Working with American Bus Sales

While these tips offer a good starting place, we know you will probably have more questions before you make that used shuttle bus purchase. We are here to help and to answer any questions you might have.

We are here for you even after your purchase is complete. If your used shuttle bus is in need of servicing, parts, or repair, you can rest assured knowing that American Bus Sales will get the job done. Our team of expert technicians is highly skilled, reliable, and trusted to get your bus back out on the road.

American Bus Sales has whatever it is that 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.