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Biggest Tip for the First Time Bus Buyer
First time bus buyers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Some do hours of research before even picking up the phone, while others do a quick Internet search, calling for information about the first vehicle that peaks their interest. No matter who is doing the research, there is frequently to be a key element buyers leave out when considering their purchase.
Quite we often get calls from individuals who either do not know their budget or who have unrealistic expectations about the price of a bus. Buses are expensive, and finding one for $5,000 in great condition is not the norm; though we wish it were. Expect to pay upwards of $22,000 for a used unit and more than $60,000 for a new unit. Of course, this all depends on availability, especially with used inventory, but those numbers are good minimums to get you started. From there you can begin to determine your overall budget.
Before you call the dealership, know your monthly budget and track what you will be able to comfortably afford each month. Vehicle repossession will reflect poorly in all areas of your credit, and you don’t want to stretch yourself or your business too thin trying to afford a monthly payments. Also calculate the maximum down payment you can afford, as that will help reduce monthly costs. If you need to wait a few more months to save for your ideal transportation, then do it; you’ll thank yourself later. Remember that a bus budget will be much more expensive than a car, so don’t expect monthly payments to match.
Since the initial price isn’t all that is involved, you’ll need estimate routine maintenance and operating costs. Your vehicle will need to visit a certified technician regularly to change the oil and perform a thorough inspection. This ensures small problems don’t grow into larger problems, which could result in costing you more in the long run. Don’t forget fueling up with gas or diesel more than a few times a month, and plan accordingly for those expenses. Gas and diesel prices will also fluctuate throughout it’s lifetime, so think about the implications of fuel prices rising or falling.
Lastly, consider who will be driving day-to-day. Getting a Commercial Driver’s License requires an investment in finances and time. Before you even file your paperwork, it is a good idea to test with the same class of vehicle for the license you are applying for. Unless you are lucky enough to know someone with a similar model, you’ll need to attend a local school to get familiar before conducting the official driving test. Then you’ll need to pass written and driving tests when applying with the DMV. Both processes will cost money, so check out requirements for your individual state. There are also possible yearly fees to maintain your license.
Should you choose to operate with a driver, carefully contemplate their qualifications, and look into insurance, and employment costs. Get recommendations plus talk to others in the industry, as no one wants to be stuck with a driver who may endanger passengers.
Of course, there is always a slew of information to consider when purchasing your first bus. If you start with the finance, it can be simple to narrow the choices from there. Once you have an estimated monthly budget in mind, feel free to contact us or search the inventory to learn more. The more prepared you are when you call, the better we’ll be able to help you locate the best vehicle to match your needs.
