Bus and RV Prepurchase Checklist

It will take you some time to look through the prepurchase checklist. However, this time won't be wasted as you will learn more about evaluating a bus or RV.

The checklist below has been designed with the aim to help those who have never bought buses and don't know what to pay attention to.

1. Oil Analysis: the first thing you should pay attention to is the oil analysis. Ask the seller to show you all records about the regular oil analysis of engine and transmission. It is a good idea to provide your own analysis to make sure that there are no problems, which haven't been reflected in the bus value. The earlier you detect any kind of possible problems with internal parts, the less risk you are going to take in the future.
2. Rust: Remember that little rust will grow and become a large one. Even if the price of the vehicle is pretty good, think twice before you buy heavily rusted bus. Pay special attention to the important areas like engine and transmission mounts.
3. Service records: don't buy a bus until you check out all original paperwork. Make sure that there are all repair receipts available. Paper trail will be helpful for having a clear picture of the current bus condition and its real value. Pay attention to the VIN number, which must match the bus and its paperwork.
4. Suspension system: check out if the suspension system is in the proper working condition before you take a decision to buy a bus. Keep in mind that it is rather expensive to repair the suspension system, that's why make sure that you will be able to find the replacement parts without any difficulties.
5. Budget: Plan your budget and consider the best possible option taking into account your financial status. Choose a bus, which repair won't cost you much money if you can't afford this.
6. Bus parts: Before you choose a bus, you are recommended to look for the bus parts suppliers. The famous brands provide parts for old buses, which are 30-40 years old even. However, if the bus you are going to buy wasn't produced by the well-known brand, you may experience difficulties with getting bus parts. It is better to find not less than two sources where you may get the spare parts.
7. Financing a tour bus: It is a good idea to check out finance options before choosing a bus. Take into account that not all banks provide financing of the commercial buses in case there is no DOT inspection.
8. Bus insurance: The insurance of a bus is one of the most important points to think of before you give preference to the old or newer bus. If the price for the vehicle was pretty good but there wasn't insurance, it can't be called a great deal.
9. Ask the seller why the bus is on sale: Always ask the seller what is the reason, which made him to sell the bus and be attentive looking at his reaction. If a person isn't ready for such question, there is a chance that he will share some information he didn't want to reveal.
10. Use the professional bus dealer help: Are you going to spend over $10,000? Use the help of the experienced bus dealer to find the best match worth its money.