SHUTTLE BUSES – INVENTORY AND HELPFUL GUIDE TO BUY THE RIGHT NEW OR USED SHUTTLE FROM NATIONS BUS SALES IN 2022

Let’s start with safety features to check before purchasing a shuttle bus (new or used) in 2022:

1: Paperwork, legalities, test driving, and emergency exits

Start with conducting a thorough analysis of the bus. A bus which has safety features like flashing lights and cross-sign mirrors embedded in it is the ideal option. Check all paperwork, including the maintenance records. As a rule of thumb, check the records of the last 10,000 miles of a used shuttle bus. The legalities of purchase and travel differ from state to state, so make sure to adhere to the unique set of laws of each state, even the ones you are travelling to.    

Instead of test driving the shuttle bus through a mechanic, always test drive the bus yourself, and make sure to feel all gears when doing so

2: Shuttle bus seats, shuttle bus interior, and airbags

Now diving into some specifics, the shuttle bus seats are very important in terms of safety. Seat belts on shuttle bus seats are paramount; if not, a technique termed as ‘compartmentalization’ wherein the shuttle bus seats are adequately distanced so as to provide crash protection is also enough. For the shuttle bus interior, ensure secure brake lines, a functioning HVAC system,  fire extinguishers, cameras, and driver assist functions. Of course, no shuttle bus interior is complete without airbags. The final note is to observe the accessibility of the emergency exits.

Now let’s move on to weather-proofing checks before buying a new or a used shuttle bus

1: Propane-fueled buses and grading of diesel engines

Travelling in cold states such as Alaska, Vermont, etc. is a great reason to invest in propane fuel (or LPG, as it’s known in certain places). Propane fuel prevents condensation and is environmentally sound. However, it costs more. Diesel grading varies according to severity of the cold, so make sure to maintain the right diesel grading. Check the filter while you’re at it, as the diesel passes to the engine through the filter.

2: Tyre types, battery, radiator, and oil

For year-round use, siped tires are more suitable than, say, studded tires. Harsh roads demand chain installation on tires to enable traction (if you want to know which shuttle bus tires are best suited for hilly regions, click here). Battery fluid evaporates faster in the summertime, and bus breakdowns are common in winter, so look for a battery that has a long life. Used shuttle buses can have clogged radiators. Shuttle bus servicing is always recommended when dealing with weather-related issues. Summertime also necessitates frequent oil changes to prevent engine overheating.

Next up are the legal compliances to check before buying a new or used shuttle bus for your business in 2022

Much of your legal compliances score, if we may call it that, will depend on whom you are buying from. The right dealer will provide you the history, along with the other information such as warranties, and financial considerations, right down to the shuttle bus dimensions

1:  Bus History

Regarding history, check the mileage (real mileage, not the paper one), service history, when the engine was last changed – it may happen that the mileage report documents the age of the bus starting from when the engine was last changed.

2: Warranties and financing

As mentioned above, adhering to local state laws in addition to the federal laws is a must. Points like shuttle bus insurance and cost must be within the purview of the state and federal legislative jurisprudence, The shuttle bus licensing requirements may vary according to the intended use of the shuttle bus, so have your business model mapped out beforehand, Click to get a more detailed explanation of the warranties and financing aspect

3: DOT inspection

The Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections are worthy of being mentioned separately. The set of tests that determine the functioning order of the shuttle buses are the core of legal compliances.

Moving on to warranty-related things to check before buying a new as well as used shuttle bus

Warranty considerations work two ways – you have to keep one end of it and the warranty provider will keep the other. What do we mean by this? Explore here.

1: Warranty plan and a service contract

It is imperative to note that buses, unlike the car industry, do not have a single, comprehensive warranty structure in place. All shuttle bus parts, be it chassis, body, or tires, are covered under separate warranties,  

Now, another important point is that warranties differ from service contracts. Since the explanation is detailed, we recommend you browse the above linked article for the same. The article also compares the warranty coverage and protection of new and used shuttle buses.

2: Some facts

Here are some warranty-related facts: You may not use the dealer for maintenance and repairs, and yet they cannot refuse any repairs or maintenance you want from them, if your request/demand is covered under the warranty. Using aftermarket or recycled components does not invalidate the warranty unless the dealer/manufacturer can prove that the part being asked to be repaired has been originally damaged due to the installation of an aftermarket or recycled component. Lack of service records may cause your warranty claims to be rejected, on account of vehicle neglect.

Maintenance questions to ask yourself before buying a new or used shuttle bus

1: Budgeting

Prepare your maintenance budget beforehand. Shuttle bus AC repairs, shuttle bus window replacement – such kinds of maintenance points are to be expected. To deal with these, enrol your bus into a regular preventive maintenance program. Budgeting also means charting out the location of the service provider. You need one in your proximity. 

What are the Top 9 Maintenance-related questions you should ask before purchasing a new or old shuttle bus?

2: Checklist

Comply with the 6 DOT level inspections. The intent of the bus should be known beforehand. A rule of thumb is that maintaining used shuttle buses is significantly harder and surprisingly costlier than maintaining new shuttle buses. A warranty goes a long way in managing maintenance costs.

How about converting a shuttle bus into your own home?

Recreate your vehicle, and convert it into a home! But before you make this life-changing decision, you must carefully consider what the right kind of shuttle bus is, and the tools/equipment you require to be able to execute the dream.

1: Ideation is the king

The shuttle bus interior conversion needs pinpoint ideation and calculation. The flooring, sections, electricals, furniture, kitchen, accessories, the shuttle bus bathroom – everything can be fitted within the shuttle bus provided you have the right guide on how to go about building an elegant nest on wheels. Even the shuttle bus gas tank size needs to be ideated perfectly!

2: Insurance, costs, and a warning

A shuttle bus with bathroom, appliances like refrigerator, kitchen cooking range, and water and power supplies will be considered by an insurance company for coverage. A DIY project may not be covered by insurance at all, Professional guidance is highly recommended in shuttle bus camper conversions. The shuttle bus camper conversion costs can range between USD 13,500 to USD 15,000, taxes included. If you want help choosing the right shuttle bus to convert into a home, Nations Bus Sales is the place to go to. The final warning for those considering this proposition seriously is to note that the expenses are not one-time; they will continue to trickle in. Do not exhaust your budget in one-go.

When it comes to purchasing a used shuttle bus, what are the 15 things you should know beforehand?

We’ll list down a couple here:

1: Original Title

A bus is granted an MSO (Manufacturer Statement of Origin)/ MCO (Manufacturer Certificate of Origin) once its production is complete, which is also known as its title, Scrutinize the chassis year when verifying the title, as the chassis year of a used shuttle bus may be a different year, for various reasons. Prior to purchase, obtain a copy of the title from the seller.

2: Third-party mechanic

For a used shuttle bus, get a neutral third-party mechanic for inspection, even though the dealer may offer their own mechanic for inspection. That might cost you a little more, but the ROI is way better. Compile a list of the pain points you want the third-party mechanic to inspect beforehand.

3: Financial aspects

Nations Bus Sales provides you professional financial advice based on your particular use case in addition to providing its own fleet of new and used shuttle buses for sale. You can reach out via call at  +1 800 523 3262 or email at sales@nationsbus.in 

Read through the entire list of ‘15 things to know before buying a used shuttle bus’.

What are the most attractive features in a shuttle bus?

To attract customers and to retain them, one needs to embed the shuttle bus with exciting, attractive features.

1: Power Outlets

In the age of technology, no enjoyment is to be had if people are disconnected to their mobile phones, especially in a developed geography such as the United States. Make sure that your bus has enough power outlets to keep the gadgets running. These include laptops as well, which consume more power than the average mobile phone.

2: Wi-fi!

The phones and laptops are as good as dead if the bus does not have wi-fi to go with it. High-speed wi-fi, with proper signal range that reaches all seats, is an absolute must. 

From AC to television & speakers to lighting facility and shuttle bus bathrooms, skim through the most attractive features in a shuttle bus containing 12 key points for bus owners.