Used Coach Bus for Sale Buyers Guide
When you are
ready to buy a used coach bus or used commercial motor coach to
use in your operation, or as church transportation, you should be aware of some
of the issues at stake among the many types, makes, and models. If you haven't
read our Seven Commandments for buying ANY bus
- read that first! These commandments of advice will save you thousands of dollars
and a lifetime of headaches. This page does NOT address the issues for converting
a bus to an RV - see Conversion Bus Issues
for that information. If you haven't seen our bus
make and model quick reference chart - read that next! It identifies most
major makes and models of buses, complete with a list of advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, older used coaches offer huge advantages in price, parts are readily
available for the most popular brands, and they are easy to locate and purchase.
However, they can be substantially more expensive to finance and insure under
certain circumstances.
Bus Parts for the major brands
are available for even 30 to 40 year old buses from licensed dealers. More obscure
brands, those made in foreign countries and imported, and models only produced
one year, present problems however. Financing a used coach bus -
this makes and breaks most coach 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. Insurance for a used
coach bus - this can be the other BIG "deal breaker". If you cannot
insure your used 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. Do NOT underestimate this part of the process. Also realize you may
have to pass your states and others DOT regulations. Get an insurance quote in
writing from at least TWO major carriers before signing to purchase a bus of any
type. Size is an important issue when considering your purchase.
Many prefer the larger 102" wide coaches but they are more expensive than
the standard 96" wide units. Make sure there are no height restrictions,
weight restrictions, or special licenses needed to run the one you are considering
on the roads you will be running on. Coach operations have a very special
interest in "seating capacity" as it pertains to profitability. Longer
buses cost more, but generate more revenue when running full. Weight
issues for your used coach should not be ignored, or underestimated. Heavier coaches
usually cost more to operate but may hold up better. If you are trying to
locate a used coach bus for sale, there are also some other things you'll need
to keep in mind. The bus industry has many facets, and when looking for a used
coach bus for sale, you will need to have an understanding of your needs.
Used coach bus for sale hunting can lead
to many listings. There are some used coach buses that are similar to shuttle
buses, there are double-decker buses and coaches
that all meet the various needs of those looking to get into the tour industry.
Depending upon your own specific needs, you will be able to sift through the used
coach bus for sale listings and find what you are looking for. There are
many major bus lines that specialize in tours, but many small local companies
also offer charter tours, and perhaps that is what led you to search for a used
coach bus for sale. Used coach buses can be used for school trips, college trips,
to sporting events, to big cities, to concerts, historic sites, shopping excursions
and other events. In addition, many large conventions can use coach buses to get
attendees to and from the airport, hotel and other points of interest. Often
times, you will see used coaches in the classified section or travel pages of
your local newspaper. These include trips to sporting events, where a busload
of patrons can enjoy the game without the drive, parking and traffic themselves.
And, many companies like this will include everything in a package - that is usually
a tremendous deal - tickets, transportation, lunch and maybe even something else
like a souvenir. Depending on what part of the country you are in, there may be
daily runs to places like Atlantic City. With that, casinos have a deal with the
charter bus companies that give all gamblers money toward their bets. Still, more
bus companies will offer overnight trips to destinations within a few hours drive.
And, many private clubs or groups will hire a charter company to make travel arrangements
for a trip. Need help finding a good bus
for sale - check out Used
Bus List where you can buy and sell as many buses as you want for FREE!
Since
many used coach buses for sale are equipped with lots of extras, they make for
a comfortable drive- almost like being in a plane. The seats usually will recline,
there is a restroom - with or without a sink, plenty of luggage storage, overhead
lights, one or several televisions with VCR/DVD capabilities for each passenger
and more. These amenities can change from bus to bus, so be sure to check all
the features when shopping for your used coach bus. Some major companies that
manufacture coach buses are often sell off their older model buses through companies
like UsedBusList.com to get the newest coach buses. This means savings
on quality used coach buses for smaller, more local companies. So, whether
you are looking for a used coach bus for charter tours, sightseeing excursions,
day trips or overnights stays, you will have lots to choose from when searching
for your own used coach bus for sale.
See bus for sale prepurchase list when coach shopping then browse buses for sale |