Planning on buying a minibus? No matter the reason for the purchase, you will need to take your time to find the right vehicle to transport a large group of people. Buying new can be expensive, so the used market is often the best solution. While it can be cheaper, a used minibus is likely to have clocked many miles and may not be backed by an extensive warranty.
So, what should you look for when buying a used minivan to find a vehicle that you can rely on?
1. Establish Your Needs
First, you need to establish what your needs are from the minibus. If you are buying a vehicle that will be used for transporting senior citizens, for example, then it needs to be easily accessible with comfortable seating and you may require a lift or ramp for wheelchair access.
2. Examine the Inside & Out
Much like when buying a used car, it is important to take time inspecting the inside and outside of the vehicle. You should check every inch of the exterior for signs of damage, especially around the wheel arches and around the corners of the windscreen looking for signs of corrosion.
3. Test Drive
Following this, you should always take the vehicle for a test drive before entering an agreement. This will give you the chance to test that all aspects of the vehicle work properly and also that you feel confident and comfortable behind the wheel.
4. Mileage & Service History
It is also a good idea to look at the mileage and service history. If you plan on using the minibus on a regular basis, you should avoid any vehicle with over 120,000 on the clock as it will be more likely to break down and have a short lifespan. The service history will indicate whether or not the vehicle has been properly cared for and highlight any issues that have arisen over the years.
5. Vehicle History Check
It is also a smart idea to get a vehicle history check carried out when purchasing a used minibus, especially from a private seller. This will highlight any hidden issues with the vehicle, such as outstanding finance, previously recorded as stolen or mileage discrepancies. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the vehicle that you are investing in is reliable and does not have any issues that could come back to haunt you.
This post should come in handy for anyone looking to buy a used minivan and help you to find one that you can rely on.
Also read: How To Test Drive A Used Car Before Purchase
