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5 Questions To Ask Before Buying A Used School Bus


Whether you dream of designing a skoolie or simply need to transport a large group of kids, there are plenty of great reasons to buy a used school bus.

But knowing which one best suits your needs can be daunting.

Here is a list of several questions you can ask yourself to narrow your search and simplify the process.


What Capacity Do You Need?

School buses come in different shapes and sizes. If you’ll never need to transport more than 20 people, there’s no sense in buying a bus that can haul 80. You’ll overpay at the initial purchase and every time you fill up. Also, remember to check capacity and license requirements for your state.

On the other hand, you don’t want to constantly make multiple trips because you underestimated.

Knowing your capacity and state requirements ahead of time will prevent you from regretting your purchase.


Will You Need A Wheelchair Lift?

Although this is a common feature, it is not guaranteed on all school buses. If any of your passengers have limited mobility, make sure you have a lift to accommodate them.


Which Style Do You Prefer?

In general, school buses are available in two distinct styles: dog-nosed and flat-nosed.

Dog-nosed buses, also known as traditional or conventional, are shaped like a car. The hood extends out in front of the vehicle. You have easy access to the engine when needed.

Flat-nosed buses, on the other hand, give you a completely different look. They also provide you with engine flexibility. It could be in the front or the back. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, rear-engine buses are quieter but front-engine buses tend to offer more space.

The weight of the engine and length of the bus will also impact how the bus handles depending on where it is. If possible, test drive multiple options to determine which you like best.

What Mileage Is Too High?

The year a bus was made only tells part of the story. It’s important to also know the mileage.

With constant use, many of the used buses available are nearing 200,000 miles. The higher the number, the more money you can save on the purchase price. But the need for repairs is also likely to increase. If you are not confident in your ability to perform regular maintenance, it may be worthwhile to spend more on a bus with fewer miles.


Who Should You Want To Buy From?

Plenty of buses are listed for sale from individuals. But if you buy directly from a person, there’s always the potential for dishonesty and you lose that peace of mind that comes from working with a company. Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing carries a full line of new and used Thomas Built Buses ranging from 14 passenger activity buses to large-sized commercial vehicles.





Located in Silver Lake, Indiana, Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing has been delivering exceptional customer service since 1962.