Bus and Charter Manufacturers Basics

Choosing the best method of obtaining buses from bus manufacturers and dealers
By Kristina Seleshanko Whatever your bus needs are--whether you need to find charter buses for sale, tour buses for sale, school buses for sale or some other kind of commercial bus for sale--there are several options for obtaining one bus or a whole fleet of them. Before you approach any dealer or bus manufacturer, be sure you understand bus and charter manufacturers basics.

It's always wise to do thorough research before setting foot on a bus manufacturer's or dealer's lot. This research should include a complete understanding of what your needs are, what sort of bus will best fulfill those needs and what your budget is. Then:

1. Research how best to buy from luxury bus manufacturers or other commercial bus manufacturers.

2. Buy from a charter bus manufacturer or other commercial bus dealer.

3. Lease from charter bus manufacturers or other commercial bus dealers.

Research bus and charter manufacturers basics

If your business has the means, buying a new bus has many pluses, including less likelihood of mechanical problems, more attractive appearance and a vehicle under warranty. When buying a used bus, you must take extra care; never purchase one without first having a qualified mechanic look it over thoroughly. Also, ensure that replacement parts are readily available.
Try:  For pointers on buying used buses, be sure to read "Bus and RV Prepurchase Checklist" at Bus for Sale Guide. Other articles on this website also offer useful tips for purchasing new and used buses. American Chronicle has a concise and useful article on buying buses for churches, but the ideas presented are equally applicable to other organizations.

Buy from tour bus manufacturers or other commercial bus sellers

Once your research is complete, there are a wide variety of manufacturers and dealers to choose from. Look not only for a business that can sell you the type of bus you need, but one that also offers outstanding warranties and service.
Try:  Transit Plus sells both new and used buses for commercial use and has national delivery and nationwide warranties. Nations Bus sells a wide variety of new commercial buses for almost any purpose.

Lease from commercial bus makers and sellers

Sometimes it makes more sense to lease a bus, particularly if you want to free up cash or credit lines. Other benefits to leasing include the fact that the bus will always be under warranty, it will carry a lower tax rate (at least in many states) and perhaps you will have the ability to use a newer vehicle because there is no down and your monthly payments are lower.
Try:  BusGroup offers commercial bus leasing and provides good basic information on the benefits of leasing. Creative Bus Sales also offers leasing options.

• When purchasing used from bus manufacturers and dealers, try to find vehicles from states with mild climates.