10 steps to buying a used school bus: Maintenance, safety, and more

If you’re in the market for a used school bus, you’re not alone. From schools and daycares to churches, construction firms, and van life dreamers, more people are looking for affordable ways to move groups safely and reliably.

1. Know what kind of bus you actually need 

Every bus has a job it was built for. Pick the wrong type, and you’ll either overpay or underdeliver. Here's the three main types of vehicles and what they're typically used for:

• Type A (Van-based): Seats up to 30 passengers. Perfect for daycares, nonprofits, or city use where maneuverability matters.
• Type C (Conventional): Seats 36–78. The standard yellow bus most people picture.
• Type D (Transit-style): Seats up to 90. Flat-nosed, high-capacity, and built for heavy use.

Also in the mix are MCI coaches (popular with tour operators), Thomas Built, IC Bus, and Collins models, which are frequently seen in school districts and commercial fleet services.

2. Match the bus to your roads, routes, and storage 

The best bus for your needs isn’t just about seats. It’s about roads, parking, and what your passengers need.

• Urban settings? Go smaller. A 25-ft. Type A will fit tight streets and limited parking.
• Rural routes or long hauls? Bigger Type D or coach buses are better for comfort and distance.
• Tight facilities or home storage? Measure your space first. For example, a full-size 40-ft. bus can require a pad up to 50 ft. long, 16 ft. wide, and at least 14 ft. tall.

Fuel costs also scale up with size. Smaller buses offer better mileage but may require multiple trips. Decide what matters more: efficiency or capacity.

3. Understand the real costs—and set your budget

Expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $20,000 for most used school buses. Models under 10 years old or with ADA lifts and A/C often fetch more. Coaches like those from MCI or Van Hool will cost more but are built for comfortable highway miles.

4. Research bus brands before you shop 

Know your names. MCI, Blue Bird, Thomas, IC, and Collins all have pros and cons. In general, MCI coaches are highway legends. Blue Bird and Thomas are school bus mainstays. IC and Collins dominate smaller commercial runs.

5. Ask the right questions about history and condition

As a former U.S. president once said, “Trust but verify.” So, before falling in love with a listing, I recommend getting nosy. Research the model and ask the seller:

• What’s the exact mileage?
• Has the engine or transmission been replaced?
• Any rust or frame damage?
• Are there DOT inspection records?
• Is the title clean and transferable?

Most buses that served school districts should have had rigorous maintenance schedules—but verify that's the case. A bus that looks clean on the outside might have hidden frame rust, especially if it operated in snowy states.

6. Inspect for safety, before you regret it 

Student transport requires higher safety standards. Even if you’re not carrying kids, these features matter.

• Emergency exits – Make sure they open and alarm properly.
• Seat condition – Do the seats have torn foam or broken frames? Walk away.
• Brakes and tires – These are non-negotiable elements. Ask when they were last replaced and get proof.
• Lights and stop arms – Are they functioning and compliant?
• Air conditioning and heat – These are especially critical in extreme climates.

Some buyers upgrade to add seat belts or camera systems. If that’s your plan, get quotes first. Retrofits can get expensive.

7. Plan your maintenance before you buy 

Buses, especially older models, aren’t plug-and-play. Expect regular upkeep, even on low-mileage units, and build a basic maintenance budget into your purchase. Here's a few items to anticipate for your bus:

• Oil changes – Every 5,000 miles (or 250 hours)
• Tire rotations and alignments – Especially on longer units
• Coolant and filter swaps – Keep systems efficient
• Brake inspections – At least twice a year

8. Get a pre-purchase inspection 

Want peace of mind? Hire a third-party mechanic who understands commercial vehicles. It might cost $300 or more, but it could save you $3,000 in engine or suspension repairs.

9. Avoid common buyer mistakes

Used buses sell fast, but don’t rush your purchase. Here’s what experienced buyers do:

• Research comps: Compare prices on busesforsale.com to see what similar units sell for.
• Ask about prior use: Was it hauling kids or parked for three years?
• Beware of ghosting: If you’re buying locally, confirm appointments and ask for paperwork up front.
• Set realistic expectations: You might need to repaint, replace seats, or do emissions upgrades before your bus hits the road. Factor that into your offer.

10. Check the paperwork 

Before you purchase a new bus, check that the seller has the basic documentation you need, including the title, registration, and emissions. Verify the legal details on these documents, too:

• Title: Make sure it’s clean and transferable.
• Registration: Know what your state requires.
• Emissions: Make sure your bus' test is up-to-date, as some states require a recent test.

Don’t assume the seller has everything in order. Ask before you drive across the state.