Bus and RV Prepurchase Checklist - don't buy a bus or rv without going over this list, it will save you a lot of trouble
Bus
and RV Prepurchase Checklist
This prepurchase checklist will take some time to work through but will serve as a very valuable resource to assist you in evaluating a bus, motor home, or RV for purchase. Use this GENERAL list along with the more SPECIFIC information on your particular platform of choice found at Tour Bus Issues, Conversion Bus Issues, School Bus Issues, RV Issues.
Oil Analysis - Ask seller to provide
you the records showing that the engine and transmission oil have been analyzed
on a regular basis. If they have not done this then the price should reflect this.
Irregardless of records you should pull your own
oil analysis which can detect:
fuel dilution of lubrication oil, dirt contamination in the oil, antifreeze in
the oil, excessive wear of internal components (by finding excessive traces of
metal), wrong type or grade of lubricants. Some wear is normal, but abnormal levels
can give an early warning of impending problems and help prevent a major breakdown
later. Early detection will reduce repair bills, reduce catastrophic failures,
increase machine life, reduce nonscheduled downtime. For example early detection
with oil analysis can allow for corrective action such as repairing an air intake
leak before major damage occurs. One of the major advantages of an oil analysis
program is being able to anticipate problems and schedule repair work to avoid
downtime during a critical time of use.
Rust - When buying a used bus remember - rust cannot be stopped. Rust does not rest. Rust MUST be taken seriously no matter how cheap your bus candidate is. If you think you can sheet metal and bondo your way to a permanent fix, think again. A little rust on the body surface may be acceptable for the price. Do not however, accept structural rust, flaking frames, rusting-out fenders or hood hinge mounts, anything that would be a major problem when (not if) it gets twice as bad as it is now.
Service Records - Ask for service records, original paperwork, and recent repair receipts. Everything in the paper trail will help you determine value and avoid potential problems. It will also reward you with some eye opening information. Oh, you mean you didn't know an engine swap could cost $3,000? Surprised that a brake job with rotors and new lines was $1,200? Receipts and paperwork are very valuable.
Carefully look through the paperwork and avoid the purchase of buses with no paper trail at all. Look for weird situations. Finding a receipt for an AC charge might be good, if its recent. Come across receipts for an AC charge done three times in the last year and you have a problem.
NOTE: If the VIN number on the service records or receipts does not match the vehicle you are purchasing then obviously that paperwork is meaningless.
Suspension Sytems - All bus suspension systems are engineered uniquely for every chassis. Engineers review the axles used when in the initial design phase, they study ride heights and frame and width variables so each suspension, either mechanical, air or independent, and each one ends up being a one of a kind custom solution. There is no way around it. The suspension system should be inspected and be in proper working condition, should be built by a quality company, and you should make sure you can find replacement parts easily because bus suspension systems are expensive to repair.
BUDGET - for parts an labor on ANY mechanical part for which you don't have a good history, receipt trail, or ability to inspect. In other words if you can't verify its condition then don't buy the bus unless you can afford to replace it, part by part. That means: AC, brakes, hydraulic lines, engine compression, transmission condition, steering and front end parts, electrical system from the wiring harness to the gauges, alternator and fuse panels, tires, body, and glass, air compressor buildup and recovery times, and many other items your mechanic can advise you about.
Bus Parts for the major brands are available for even 30 to 40 year old buses. More obscure brands, those made in foreign countries and imported, and models with short production spans can present major problems however. Parts availability issues are one of the reasons you sometimes see beautiful $20,000 - $40,000 buses sitting idle. These are huge complicated machines depending on the proper functioning of thousands of used parts. Be sure you have at least TWO sources for bus parts lined up BEFORE buying any bus.
Financing a tour bus - this makes and breaks most tour operations, not the choice of bus make. However many companies offer better financing for certain preferred builders and even certain models, especially those that have the lowest depreciation. The purchase of any bus used for business should not be done without a thorough evaluation of the finance options that are attached to it. Some banks won't finance a commercial bus until it has passed a DOT inspection.
Bus Insurance - this can be a real "dream breaker". How will you tell the church board that you you got a great deal on the bus for them and fixed it up real nice, but...well nobody will insure it cause it's too old, or the brakes are after market, or there was a recall on it. Tour operators and Limo companies - if you cannot insure your coach at a good rate you will never be able to turn the kind of profit needed to deal with depreciation, attrition, maintenance, and sales operations. Bus converters how would you like to finish your bus conversion with $50,000 in renovations only to learn it's uninsurable with normal companies due to "gross vehicle weight issues".
Do NOT underestimate this part of the process. Get an insurance quote in writing from at least TWO major carriers before signing to purchase a vehicle of any type. Insurance cost is important when comparing two different vehicles also. If the older vehicle costs twice as much annually in insurance costs would it be worth it to buy the newer one?
The "why are you selling" question - ALWAYS ask this question. Look the seller straight in the eye, do not look away, and say these exact words "why are you selling this bus?" Then WAIT! Do not look away, do not say another word until you are satisfied with the sellers answer. Watch the sellers reaction when they hear your question. Even someone who does not practice this technique can often spot a "seller" who is hesitant and may be covering something up, offers a wierd answer, is caught off guard, slips up and tells you something they did not intend to, etc.
It is very important NOT to misinterpret the sellers answer, however. Some sellers are embarrassed that they don't have the ability to finish repairs, or depressed they don't have time to use it, or broke, or whatever. Just because they may seem sad does not mean they are selling you a problem.
If you are spending more than $10,000 get the help and advice of a professional salesman, used bus dealer or broker, they can usually save you money. Looking for a Bus for Sale - check out this guys site he knows a good deal about buses, has helped me with important advice, and says he can find you any bus based on your needs and price range. He's helpful, and provides his phone number on the site too. Also see Bus Links for other dealers I know are reputable, experienced and intelligent enough to be worth every penny they may cost you in "markup". I say "may" cost you because usually they SAVE you money. They purchase the buses wholesale, can mark them up for a fair profit, and still offer them to you retail for less than you will find on the street.
Looking for something to do with your old car once you've bought a new one? Find out the steps to donate your car to a person less fortunate. If you reside in California, check out this Los Angeles car donation page and learn how to get a tax deduction when you donate your boat or car.
Our bus for sale prepurchase checklist is helpful when shopping for a coach.
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