When buying a shuttle bus, you could find yourself facing the same problem as other vehicle owners, and that’s deciding between getting a new bus or a used one. Different factors such as budget, reasons, intended use, and location could compound things and make what seems like a fairly simple question more difficult to answer. Add in the variety of shuttle buses, whether new or used, and you could end up taking longer to decide. 

If you have the budget for one and you’re willing to wait a few months for companies to deliver a new bus, then that’s the way to go. But what if you need the bus soon, don’t have enough money for a new one, or are looking for a more cost-efficient purchase? Then you should consider a used shuttle bus instead. Besides aligning with certain needs, why should you get a used bus? Here are several reasons.

 

Used shuttle buses are more cost-efficient

First, used buses could cost as little as a third of what a new bus could cost, making it the better choice for those who just started or are looking to start a new business involving a shuttle bus or two. This way, you have more money to spend on other things that are just as important for the business. 

Second, new buses depreciate quickly. Typically, a new bus will be worth around 25% less than what you paid for it after a year; that same bus will be worth half of the purchase price in around three years. Used buses, on the other hand, don’t depreciate as quickly so if you need to resell a used shuttle bus, you’ll be able to recoup at least as much as you first invested in it. You could make more if there are added amenities or any sort of improvement to the shuttle bus. 

You can get a used bus quicker

New buses sometimes call for some custom work before they’re shipped out, depending on what the purchaser is looking for. This means it could take up to a year before you see your new bus, and that’s fine if you can afford to wait. But if not, then you should look for a preowned bus. You may be able to find one for sale quickly and be able to drive it off the parking lot the same day you make the purchase. 

Even if you need it refurbished and customized in some way, the work won’t take as long as it would with a new bus. You’ll just have to wait for up to two months before the bus is ready for you to use.

There’s more variety

Buying a new bus really puts a strain on your finances, so that means if you need more than one, you’ll have to wait sometime before buying a second one. However, that constraint doesn’t apply when buying used shuttle buses. Because used buses cost less than new ones, you can actually buy two at practically the same time, allowing you to fulfill two different needs in one go. 

For example, what if you need a shuttle bus to move groups of people from one location to another, but also need one for longer trips? It’s possible to buy both buses when you buy them secondhand, therefore saving you the time and allowing you to start earning back what you spent in the first place. You might even save more cash in the long run, if you play your cards right. 

In addition, you’ll have more options when looking for a used bus, from different makes and models to different sizes. This is a good thing if you want to mix and match instead of having to buy from the same manufacturer or dealer.

Used buses are environment-friendly

It’s true that neither new nor used buses have the best mileage, but that’s not all that counts when looking into how environmentally friendly a vehicle is. Buses are the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation because they can carry a large number of people. A big shuttle bus can accommodate at least 20 people, and a coach bus or school bus can carry up to 40. 

Whichever bus you purchase, you’re bound to get around 200 miles per gallon per passenger, therefore contributing to your community’s efforts to go green. For example, if you use a shuttle bus to pick up employees at designated waiting areas and drive them back once their shift is over, that’s at least 10 cars not using the roads at the same time. 

It’s not just the gas consumption, either. When you choose to buy a secondhand bus over a new one, you don’t contribute to the demand for new buses, thereby reducing production waste. That’s also one less bus that gets sent to the junk pile. 

Used shuttle buses are economical

Apart from the purchase of one being environmentally friendly, a used bus is an economical choice when you don’t need the vehicle every day. After all, why would you spend a considerable amount of money on a vehicle that’s only going to be used, say, thrice a week, or perhaps even less than that? 

In other words, if long distances and constant use aren’t part of the plan, it’s better for you to buy a used bus rather than a new one. There are several things to consider before committing to buying a used bus, including the overall condition and any features it has or will need, but it would still be a worthwhile purchase.

As you can see, purchasing a used shuttle bus over a new one brings with it certain perks in addition to being the more logical and beneficial choice for start-ups and small businesses. Again, there’s nothing stopping you from buying a new bus, especially if you have the budget for it. But if you’re trying to make the most of your available dollars and a bus isn’t the only investment you need to make, then a used one will meet your needs just as well.

 

Ready to buy the perfect vehicle for your business? Check out the best deals on shuttle buses for sale here.