How School Buses Retire and What to Know Before Buying One
Photo: S. Hermann & F. Richter via Pixabay
If you’ve ever wondered how long schools use their buses and how to go about purchasing a decommissioned one, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up answers to your questions to increase your knowledge and help you determine whether a used school bus is a smart decision for you.
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When buses retire
In America, buses are typically used for 12 years before schools retire them, according to LiveAbout blogger Christopher MacKechnie. Old school buses are often sold at in-person or online auctions, though occasionally you might find a car dealership that is selling one.
Some schools repurpose old buses to enhance school programs and recruit new students. For instance, some buses are used for STEM activities or as mobile cafes to supply free lunches to students in need.
Things to consider when buying a used bus
Because old buses are significantly cheaper to purchase than RVs, some individuals buy them and renovate them for this purpose. Before you go out and buy a retired bus, though, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For starters, you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license before you can legally buy and operate a used bus, says MacKechnie. It’s also a good idea to check state and federal guidelines about buying a used vehicle, reports School Bus Fleet Magazine’s Calie Shackleford. This will give you a better idea of what parts and systems on the bus that you might have to update to stay on the right side of the law.
It’s worth noting that routine maintenance on used buses can be expensive. Per MacKechnie, regular service on a bus that’s 12 years old or more can cost more than $10K. So, make sure that you have a plan and the resources needed to finance the purchase of the bus as well as any maintenance.
Another thing you’ll want to do is do your research on the vehicle’s history. Shackleford advises starting with the bus’s mileage and reviewing its service history. She also recommends bringing along a mechanic to inspect the bus you’re thinking of buying. With the mechanic’s help, check important parts like the engine, transmission, and brakes to ensure that they work and show no signs of damage.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.