Purchase Used Shuttle Buses
The first steps in the process of buying a used shuttle bus are the most crucial.
Steps
- Think about what you are going to be using it for and the specific requirements you are looking to fulfill. If you do not focus on what you want and need you may end up being distracted by something you don't really need! There are many different types of buses to choose from, the most popular sort being the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus is also known as a minibus in different areas and this vehicle has a great variety of configurations. A shuttle bus is a great way of transporting groups of people or large families around, but as with any used vehicle there are a few things you need to think about first in order to get exactly what you want.
- As with all used vehicles, with a shuttle bus you really do get what you pay for. If you get it right a shuttle bus will serve you well and be a great investment for you but you need to know what to look for. First you need to be aware of the different types of shuttle buses available. You can choose from church buses, tour buses, handicapped buses and circulating shuttles which are the sort of buses that run on a continuous basis, back and forth from the airport, for example.
- Once you have decided on what sort of bus would suit you best then you need to access the condition of the vehicle. Of course a used bus is going to have a higher mileage than a new one, but that doesn't mean you should accept a vehicle if it has a very high mileage. The higher the mileage the more problems you are likely to get with the bus as it has been used a lot and it may have experienced some wear and tear. Used buses are usually diesel powered and it is worth remembering that a diesel engine averages more than double the life of gas powered one as measured in miles. This means that you can allow for higher mileage with a diesel vehicle. You also need to be extra careful when inspecting Ford diesels that were built from 2004-2009 as it has been well documented that the engine has been very troublesome.
- You can often make a great investment by buying a shuttle bus despite the high mileage as it will last the distance and reconditioned buses can be found for 30-40% of new vehicle prices. You need to inspect the bus yourself to make sure the engine and the body of the vehicle are in good condition so don't be afraid to look under the hood and even get under the vehicle to see if everything is in working order. Check the tires as well. Always make sure that you fully inspect the vehicle before making a purchase.
Tips
- If you are looking for a shuttle bus to accommodate persons with special needs such as a medical transport bus, senior center bus, adult day care bus, or a medical transport, you will find that many shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts so they are perfect for these situations.
- The type of seating is also important as this is where you will spend most of your time sitting down so make sure that the seats are appropriate for the sort of passengers you will be transporting.
