Are You Buying a School Bus?

If you've decided to purchase a school bus, our team at RWC Group has a few tips so you can make a confident purchase. It is important to make sure that certain parts of the bus are in good condition, so you aren't dumping a ton of money into it in the near future. For more information, visit one of our locations in Arizona, Alaska, California, and Washington.

Look for Rust

If you want to purchase an older school bus, it is important to look for rust. Look under the bus first and then inside it, along the rear wall and around the steps. Also, check for rust around the lights. If you see any, it can be sanded and treated, but a lot of rust is probably something you should avoid.

Check the Frame

The frame, or the chassis, should have a thorough inspection to make sure it is solid. There shouldn't be any damage to it. Purchasing a bus with a damaged frame can be extremely dangerous and very expensive to fix.

Check for Leaks

While you're checking under the bus, look for leaks. In the front of the bus, check for oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze leaks. Checking under the hood to make sure everything is clean will also alert you to an oil leak. 

Check the Engine

Spend time letting the bus run before you drive it to ensure it doesn't have problems. Make sure you don't smell smoke or burning oil when the bus runs. Also, check the oil to see how healthy it is. You may just need to get the bus an oil change.

Check the Transmission

When you test drive the bus that you want to purchase, listen to how it shifts. Shift through all of the gears to make sure they all shift smoothly and there aren't any issues. Also, check to make sure the transmission fluid is the proper color and at the right level.

No matter what you decide, a school bus is a major purchase. If you want to get a bus to transport many people or convert it into something extraordinary, consider making a list of everything you need to check and stick to it until you find a bus that passes everything on your list. For more information about school busses, contact us at RWC Group located in Arizona, Alaska, California, and Washington.