bus buying - American Bus Sales
Menu
Toll Free: 866.574.9970
MENU
Home Inventory By Type By Category By Passenger Capacity Services Leasing Rentals Financing Contact

Tag: bus buying

Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing a Bus

Posted on by American Bus Sales
Buses

Purchasing a bus is a significant investment, whether for a school, a business, a church group, or personal use. The process can be overwhelming due to the variety of options, features, and considerations involved. At American Bus Sales, we understand that making the right choice requires careful planning and thoughtful questioning. To help you make a confident and informed decision, here are the essential questions to ask yourself before purchasing a bus.

1. What Is the Primary Purpose of the Bus?

The first and most crucial question to consider is: What will the bus primarily be used for?

Understanding the purpose of your purchase will guide many of your decisions.

• Are you buying a bus for school transportation, charter services, or private use?

• Will it be used for long-distance travel or short commutes?

• Are you converting the bus into a mobile office or a tiny home?

For instance, if your bus is for school transportation, safety features like seat belts and advanced braking systems should be top priorities. On the other hand, a charter bus for long-distance travel might require additional comfort features such as reclining seats and onboard amenities.

2. How Many Passengers Will It Need to Accommodate?

Capacity is a vital factor when purchasing a bus. Think about the number of passengers you will regularly transport. Buses come in various sizes, from smaller 15-passenger models to full-size buses that can accommodate over 50 passengers.

If your primary use is for a sports team or a church group, a medium to large bus might be necessary. On the other hand, for smaller groups or shuttle services, a minibus may suffice. Overestimating or underestimating capacity can lead to inefficient use or overcrowding.

3. What Are Your Budget and Financing Options?

Before diving into the buying process, establish a clear budget. Buses vary significantly in price based on size, features, and whether they are new or used. Consider the following:

• What is your initial budget for the purchase?

• Will you finance the bus, lease it, or purchase it outright?

• Are you prepared for ongoing maintenance and operational costs?

At American Bus Sales, we offer flexible financing options to accommodate different budgets. Our experts can guide you through the best approach for your specific situation.

4. Should You Buy New or Used?

Both new and used buses come with their advantages and drawbacks. A new bus may offer the latest technology and warranty coverage, but it can be costly. A used bus is more affordable but may require more maintenance. Ask Yourself:

• Do you prioritize having the newest features and minimal wear?

• Are you comfortable investing in minor repairs for a used model?

• What is the bus’s resale value, and how long do you plan to keep it?

Buying from a reputable dealer like American Bus Sales ensures that even used buses are thoroughly inspected and refurbished, giving you confidence in your investment.

5. What Are the Maintenance and Operational Costs?

A bus purchase doesn’t end with the initial price. Maintenance, repairs, fuel, insurance, and registration costs can add up. Consider:

• What type of fuel does the bus use, and how fuel-efficient is it?

• Does the model require specialized maintenance?

• Are replacement parts readily available and affordable?

• How frequently will the bus be in operation?

We recommend researching the model’s reliability and typical maintenance needs. At American Bus Sales, we provide guidance on low-maintenance models and ensure our buses have been maintained prior to sale to help manage long-term costs.

6. What Safety Features Are Essential?

Safety should always be a top priority when purchasing a bus. Depending on the intended use, you may need specific safety features such as:

• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)

• Electronic stability control

• Backup cameras

• GPS tracking systems

• Emergency exit protocols

Buses intended for school or child transport should meet stringent safety standards, including seat belts and child safety seats. Charter and transit buses might focus on passenger comfort and vehicle stability.

7. What Are the Licensing and Regulatory Requirements?

Different types of buses require specific licenses and registrations. Make sure you know:

• What class of driver’s license is needed for your bus?

• Are there local or state regulations governing bus use?

• Will the bus be subject to periodic safety inspections?

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines or operational delays. At American Bus Sales, we can help our customers understand licensing requirements.

8. Do You Need Any Custom Features or Modifications?

Depending on your needs, you may want to customize your bus. Consider options like:

• Wheelchair accessibility and ADA compliance

• Custom seating layouts

• Audio/visual systems for entertainment

• Wi-Fi connectivity

• Branding or custom wraps

Our customization team at American Bus Sales can work with you to ensure your bus is tailored to your specific requirements.

9. What Is the Resale Value of the Bus?

While purchasing a bus, think about its future resale value. Buses with good maintenance records, popular models, and additional features tend to retain value longer.

10. Who Will Be Driving the Bus?

Not all drivers are qualified to operate every type of bus. Consider:

• Does your team include licensed bus drivers?

• Will you need to hire or train drivers specifically for this bus?

• Are your drivers familiar with the specific model’s handling and controls?

Final Thoughts: Make Your Bus Purchase with Confidence

Purchasing a bus is a substantial commitment, but asking the right questions will set you on the path to success. At American Bus Sales, we take pride in guiding our customers through every step of the buying process. From selecting the right model to securing financing, we’re here to help you make the best choice.

Reach out to our team today for expert advice and browse our wide selection of new and used buses. Your next journey starts with the right bus, let us help you find it!

Give us a call today at 866.574.9970 or visit our website for more information! We look forward to hearing from you and getting you on the road in your dream bus!

Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
Website: https://americanbussales.net/
Phone: 866-574-9970
Address: 12802 North 103rd E Ave, Collinsville, OK 74012

What’s The Right Bus For You?

Posted on by American Bus Sales

All buses are not created equal. There are many different types of buses available that have their own strong points and weaknesses. The key to finding the perfect bus for you or your group is knowing what kind of bus suits your organization or fleet’s travel needs.

This guide will help you get a feel for what each of the major types of buses are best suited for and what will be the best choice for your fleet or group.

Charter Bus / Deluxe Motor Coach

Right Bus

The motorcoach goes by many names including tour bus and charter bus. They are usually recognizable for their large size and sleek exterior and are the perfect travel solution for group charters, long-distance transportation, and large group shuttles. These tend to include ample storage space so passengers can ride in comfort and can typically carry 42-61 passengers, making them the best choice for large groups.

Since these coaches tend to be for longer trips, it is not uncommon for them to come equipped with more luxury features such as TV/DVD players, comfortable and spacious seating, and an onboard restroom.

Mini Bus

Right Bus 2

Minibusses or shuttles are the exact type of bus you are looking for if you plan on taking short trips with a relatively small group. Usually sitting 14-38 passengers, minibusses are the bus of choice for many church groups, wedding events, corporate outings, and hotel transportation.

Most minibusses offer the comfortable seating you can expect from deluxe motor coaches, but in a more cost-effective package which makes it a better choice for smaller groups and growing businesses.

School Bus

School buses are recognizable for versatility and safety. The classic yellow school buses come in a wide range of sizes and are equipped with extra safety features to keep your passengers safe. They are best suited to provide economical solutions for local group travel and school district transportation.

School buses may not feature the luxury or comfort of motor coaches and minibusses, but they provide reliable and economic travel solutions for medium to large groups who need regular transportation over relatively small distances such as church groups.

Party Bus / Trolley

Right Bus3

Are we looking to have a great night out or provide transportation to people on the most exciting days of their lives? Party buses and trolleys are what you need. Party buses and trolleys can offer everything passengers could want to have a wild time, including alcohol for passengers who are of age, custom seating, and neon lights. That makes them the perfect choice for weddings, graduation parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or just a fun night in the city.

Which Is Right For You?

These are just a few of the most common types of buses we offer. The key to finding out what model of bus is perfect for you is knowing how you plan to use the vehicle before you buy it and how many people you will be transporting. If you can tell us the answers to these questions, we can find you the perfect bus, coach, or shuttle you need.

What You Should Know Before Buying a Bus

Posted on by American Bus Sales

Buying a Bus
Photo by Cory Voglesonger

Most people looking to buy a bus have only two concerns when they come to us. They have a budget they need to meet, and a set number of passengers they need to be able to transport. While those two factors are always a heavy influence on finding the bus that best suits your needs, there is actually a lot more to buying a bus than you might initially think.

Most importantly, we will not sell any bus unless we are sure it will live up to the regulations where it is going to be used. Regulations vary from state to state, so it is important to do some research on the regulations of your local area. These ordinances may cover anything from the number of seat belts or booster seats required to the graphics that have to be visible on the exterior of the bus. The body construction of a bus also has to comply with federal regulations.

When checking your area’s regulations on buses, it is necessary to also update yourself on the latest laws regarding what certifications are needed for drivers in your area. Drivers may be required to have a Commercial Driver’s License depending on the size and weight of the bus, and drivers may need extra training in order to be DOT compliant.

Once we know your bus will adhere to the local and federal regulations, you should take some time to consider the type of engine that will best serve your needs. While it is well known that diesel engines can run and perform longer than the average gasoline engine, you should consider how the bus will be used. Diesel engines can cost nearly twice as much to replace, and maintenance can be similarly costly.

For the average customer, a gasoline engine will provide all of the power and longevity they could want, but if your bus will be going more than 20,000 miles per year, a diesel engine may be the better option. The number of miles you’ll be putting on your bus every day can also impact operating costs.

Of course, you can never forget about the actual needs of the people you will be transporting with your buses. If your passengers may have special needs, it is important to ensure your bus can accommodate their limitations and provide them the same quality of transportation. Your bus may also be subject to further regulations to guarantee that it will be accessible for special needs passengers.

With the biggest factors out of the way, you should also ask yourself or your drivers what is most important in a bus. While the functional and regulatory aspects are extremely important in determining the right bus for you, smaller considerations such as the styles of bus seats or air conditioning systems can be equally important to the people who will be regularly using the bus.

Riding in a bus in a warmer climate can be especially uncomfortable in mid-summer, and the driver and passengers will likely be very thankful for the a/c. On the other hand, those up north may be more concerned with ensuring their bus has reliable heating for the long winter months.

In the end, there is a lot to take in mind when trying to find the right bus for you. We keep up on state and federal regulations to help make the process easier, but it never hurts to do some research beforehand. And, while we are happy to connect you with a quality bus that fits your price range, the bus you really want will have more than just an alluring price tag.
 

Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
Website: https://americanbussales.net/
Phone: 1-866-574-9970
Address: 12802 North 103rd E Ave, Collinsville, OK 74012