Used School Bus Costs: A Smarter Guide to Buying, Operating, and Owning

Thinking about buying a used school bus? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a school administrator, a tour operator, a church group, or a skoolie dreamer, used school buses offer practical, affordable, and surprisingly flexible transportation. But there’s more to buying than just the sticker price.

This updated guide for 2025 gives you the insider’s breakdown. I go from the true cost of ownership and key pricing factors to long-term operating expenses and why maintenance isn’t optional. Let’s get you on the right bus. And we’ll show you how to do it with your eyes wide open.

1. What’s a Used School Bus Going to Cost You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. From my experience, condition, age, mileage, maintenance history, and features all play a role. and so does your need.

• 10–15+ years old (High mileage, basic condition): $3,000–$10,000
• 5–10 years old (Well-maintained, moderate mileage): $10,000–$25,000
• < 5 years old (Low mileage, updated safety): $25,000–$50,000
• New/near-new: $50,000–$90,000+

Optional features like wheelchair lifts, A/C, GPS, or custom interiors can drive prices up but might be worth it depending on your use case.

Quick Tip: If you’re considering a bus like a 2018 Blue Bird All American with under 100,000 miles and a clean service history, expect to pay at the higher end of that range. But you’ll also likely get years of use with minimal repairs.

2. Mileage Isn’t Just a Number

A bus with 250,000 miles and pristine maintenance records can outlast one with 100,000 miles and no oil changes. Look deeper:

• Ask if the engine or transmission has been rebuilt.
• Check for frame rust, especially underneath.
• Verify a clear title and review any DOT records.
• Confirm emissions compliance, especially if buying an older diesel unit.

3. What Are the Real Costs of Operating a Used Bus?

Buying it is one thing. But like any used vehicle, keeping it on the road is another. Here’s where the dollars add up or get saved.

Fuel Costs:

• Gas buses get 6–8 MPG. Better for short trips.
• Diesel buses get 8–10 MPG and are better for long hauls.

Example: Drive 10,000 miles a year? You could save $1,000–$2,000 annually with diesel. Over the lifetime of the bus, those cost savings add up.

Annual Maintenance:

• Oil changes: $150–$200
• New tires: $1,200–$2,000
• Brake service: $300–$600
• Surprise repairs fund: Always keep $1,000–$3,000 on standby

Quick Tip: A pre-purchase inspection might cost $300. But it could save you thousands in the long run.

4. Bus Insurance, Registration & Paperwork Varies by State

Each state has different requirements based on use, weight, age, and even the type of fuel. For instance, unlike other states, California requires particulate matter exhaust filters for some diesel buses.

• Insurance: Expect $2,000–$4,000 annually, depending on use and location.
• Registration: Ranges from $100–$300+. Type D buses may cost more.
• Pro Tip: If you’re buying a bus for commercial use (e.g., shuttle service or tour), your insurance rates will be 20–30% higher than for private use.

5. What Impacts Bus Resale Value?

• Clean maintenance records = Trust
• Modern safety and emissions features = Compliance
• Fewer cosmetic issues = Better first impression

Buy smart and maintain well, and you can easily recover part of your investment if you ever decide to sell.

6. Don’t Skip Maintenance. It’s the Heartbeat of Your Bus

Just because it runs today doesn’t mean it will tomorrow. Prioritize:

• Regular oil and coolant checks
• Tire rotation and alignment
• Brake inspections (especially before winter/summer seasons)
• Suspension checks for ride quality

And document everything. Good records aren’t just for you. They also help when you resell.

7. Lease vs. Buy: Why Owning Still Wins

Leasing Pros:

• Lower upfront costs
• Some maintenance covered

Leasing Cons:

• Usage restrictions
• No equity
• Long-term = more expensive

Buying Pros:

• Full ownership and customization freedom
• No mileage limits
• Long-term cost savings
• Resale value

Unless you only need a bus short-term or for a project, buying used is almost always the better deal.

8. Get Started with Confidence at BusesforSale.com

Whether you’re looking for a 77-passenger IC CE, a wheelchair-equipped Thomas, or a low-mileage MCI coach for commercial runs, BusesForSale.com has what you need.

We offer:

• One of the nation’s largest school bus inventories
• Real humans who know the industry
• International delivery
• Smart filtering by type, capacity, and features

Start your search today at BusesForSale.com and let the wheels start turning.