A bus purchase is a large capital expenditure and it is important to understand your needs and requirements
before making that purchase. Examining your needs rather than your wants may be the deciding factor.
Budget
Vehicle Capacity
In most states a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for any bus that is equipped to carry morethan 14 passengers plus driver.
Options
Have you considered all options that you want or require?
Safety
Is safety an important factor in your decision-making process?
Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB) is required by Federal law.
Financing
Whether you require information regarding the financing of a new or pre-owned vehicle, a Commercial Bus
Sales representative is available to assist you.
Leasing vs. buying
Advantages of leasing
Advantages of buying
If you do not carefully analyze your current and future bus needs, you may break your budget or make a wrong
purchase that could result in shopping for another bus prematurely. At Commercial Bus Sales we strive to
work closely with you to make your bus purchasing experience pleasant and your purchase a correct one.
before making that purchase. Examining your needs rather than your wants may be the deciding factor.
Budget
 | Have you determined a budget? Prices range from $45,000 for a basic new 15-passenger bus and | |
| can be as much as $400,000 for a 50-plus passenger motor coach. | ||
| Would you consider a pre-owned bus? There is a wide range of used buses in the marketplace and | |
| prices vary based on year, mileage, condition, options and manufacturer resale value. | ||
| Should you lease or buy? What are the benefits and disadvantages? |
Vehicle Capacity
| How may people do you plan to transport? | |
| Will you be transporting the handicapped? A lift may be required which alters seating capacity. | |
| Have you considered future growth when determining seating capacity? | |
| Do you have drivers available that are licensed to drive larger vehicles? |
In most states a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for any bus that is equipped to carry more
Options
Have you considered all options that you want or require?
 | Gas or diesel engine | |
| Chassis - General Motors, Ford, Navistar, Freightliner | |
| Luggage - Rear luggage storage, interior overhead racks or both | |
| Seats - Low back, mid back or high back | |
| Seat fabric - Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 | |
| Arm rests | |
| Seat recliners | |
| Side sliders | |
| Seat belts - retractable or manual | |
| Head rests or foot rests | |
| Reading lights | |
| Manual or electric entrance door | |
| Exterior key switch for entrance door | |
| Rear door | |
| Air conditioning size | |
| Rear heater and size | |
| Radio – AM/FM, AM/FM cassette, AM/FM/CD, TV monitor(s) | |
| PA system | |
| Stainless steel wheel inserts | |
| Remote controlled and heated mirrors | |
| Restroom | |
| Wheelchair lift package | |
| Fabric headliner |
Safety
Is safety an important factor in your decision-making process?
| Fifteen passenger vans have been deemed unsafe | |
| Insurance companies and legislators are implementing requirements to phase them out | |
| Buses are built to carry passengers safely |
| Lower center of gravity | |
| Dual rear wheels for stability | |
| Steel cage construction | |
| Grab rails and wide aisles |
- Note: If you are transporting children to and from public schools a “Type A" school bus or Multi
Financing
Whether you require information regarding the financing of a new or pre-owned vehicle, a Commercial Bus
Sales representative is available to assist you.
Leasing vs. buying
Advantages of leasing
- Drive a newer or better bus with lower monthly payments
- Drive a new bus every few years
- No trade-in worries at the end of the lease
Advantages of buying
- When interest rates are low, it makes better sense to purchase a bus than lease
- No mileage penalties with a purchase
- More flexibility – you are able to sell the bus at any time
If you do not carefully analyze your current and future bus needs, you may break your budget or make a wrong
purchase that could result in shopping for another bus prematurely. At Commercial Bus Sales we strive to
work closely with you to make your bus purchasing experience pleasant and your purchase a correct one.
| Considerations when buying a bus |
| CommercialBusSales |
| If we don't have it in stock we can get it. You can use our FREE Bus Locater Service to access hundreds of available buses ready for immediate delivery. |
| For personalized service call toll free: 800-510-0522 |
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