In the past, we’ve discussed an assortment of things prospective bus owners should consider before they make a final purchase. While coaches and shuttles are similar to school buses, if you are considering buying a shuttle you should keep in mind that the vehicles have their own unique concerns you should address. To help you find the shuttle that is right for you or your organization, today we’re going to cover the things you should know before purchasing a used shuttle coach.
1. Age
Newer is usually better, but an older shuttle in great condition may perform better than a younger but hard-used vehicle, with not much difference in the price tags. Keep the age in mind, but don’t write-off a shuttle for being a few years older than you were initially hoping.
2. Mileage
Shuttles are used for a huge variety of services, and the mileage they accumulate absolutely reflects this. Shuttles that have been owned by churches tend to have 6 – 8,000 miles per years in use, while nursing homes can put 10 – 25,000 miles on a vehicle per year. Shuttles used for transit can get much more, occasionally tallying up 50,000 miles per year.
3. Seating Capacity
The number of people that need to be transported decides many aspects of your future vehicle. Vehicles larger than 15-person capacity require a Commercial Driver’s License by federal law, as well as several other safety features. That means getting a shuttle won’t automatically protect you from needing a specialized license, unless it is small enough.
4. Appearance
Older vehicles will naturally look more warn down from the weather. While the amount of wear can give you some clue as to what condition the vehicle is in as a whole, it should also be remembered that natural wear on the outside can be misleading.
5. Flooring
The flooring found in shuttle buses are plywood, and all buses are undercoated. However, some buses are more prone to leaks than others, and the floor should be thoroughly inspected before purchase. Walk the floor, and be aware of any soft spots you might feels, especially around the entrance and wheel chair doors.
6. Air Conditioning
One aspect age can tell you is what amount of rear AC and heat is installed in a shuttle. Most dealers can tell you the size of the rear AC and its performance just by looking at the outside of a bus. You’ll want to make sure you find a bus with adequate AC or heating, especailly if the shuttle will be used in more extreme climates.
