Maintenance and Moving Parts on Used School Buses

If you’re looking for used school buses for sale, one of the issues you will run into almost immediately is how to discern the quality of one school bus from another, especially when similar models are being considered. First, one of the advantages of buying a used school bus versus other types of buses from private parties is that the vast majority of school districts follow regular maintenance programs for their vehicles with documentation on everything ranging from oil changes to engine repairs. One of the primary reasons for this regular maintenance is that school districts have a fiduciary duty that requires safe transportation for students, an obligation that is documented in detail should that information ever be requested.  

These maintenance and repair logs can help you eliminate the lemons without even looking at a school bus with disclosures on the frequency of breakdowns, repairs, and down time. Another essential piece of information that can be found in these logs is the total mileage and service dates, details that will reveal the consistency of the maintenance schedule and the type of work that was performed with each service.

Be wary of mileage counts that are in excess of 250,000 miles as buses with even the most durable engines can break down due to other problems that come along with high mileage. A couple of mitigating factors for a high mileage used school bus would be the presence of a diesel engine and a high frequency of regular maintenance work.

Next, insist on having the engine run from a cold start to gauge for trouble signs such as smoke, rattling, and other unusual noises. Cold engines, especially diesels, can have a bit of a rough start that will ease as the engine warms up. Assess the ease at which the transmission shifts gears, listen for grinding and check for other potential issues. Be sure to check brakes and look for any problems that may exist in the electrical system.

With a full assessment of maintenance/repair records and a visual inspection of how your prospective pre-owned school bus runs, you’ll be able to choose the best school bus for your needs with confidence. For more information, visit: http://www.busmartinc.com/