Here are 20 of the biggest mistakes made when buying a motorcoach.
 
1. Never buy a bus according to the age; buy according to the condition (unless you are looking for certain options that may not be offered until a certain year). Newer is not always better.

2. No two buses are alike even if they are the same make, year and model--something is always different.

3. Just because it is a “Southern” or “West Coast” bus doesn't mean it is rust free. Remember that all buses will have some superficial rusting in places. These coaches run up north and in the snow, also.

4. When looking at a bus, look from the bottom up. You would not build a house on a shaky foundation; neither would you want to build, much less ride, on a rusted-out frame. You have to look at all coaches for the rust factor. Depending on how the coach was maintained can determine how bad the rust factor is. Also ask if any rust problems were ever repaired and treated; if so, ask where on the coach and when was this done. Your main concern is the main frame section of the bus, as this is where you can get into a lot of money. Rust is like cancer--it spreads, so be careful.

5. Always ask to see if records are available on the coach. These would include any minor or major repair. If records are not available, ask if you can talk to the mechanic, shop foreman or the primary driver of the coach.

6. Ask the mileage on the engine and the transmission. Depending on the age, most of the coaches are high in mileage, but they are built to go long miles if they are properly maintained.

7. Do not rely on the odometer to give you the actual mileage. Odometers on buses are prone to break, so check and see when and if a hubometer was installed and what that mileage is.

8. After checking the frame and drivetrain out, then focus on the cosmetics, such as body damage, paint condition and interior condition. It is always easier to paint, change seat covers or redo the carpets than, say, rebuild an engine or do extensive frame work. A bad paint job never left anyone on the side of the road.

9. When looking for an Eagle Coach, remember that the majority of them were owned and run by what was then Trailways, which was later bought by Greyhound in 1990. Eagle Coach Company built their last bus in 1997. Parts are still available at certain places throughout the country.

10. When looking for an MCI Coach, remember that the majority of these coaches were owned and operated by Greyhound. These coaches are still being produced to date.

11. If you find a coach that has never been a Trailways or Greyhound, you normally get a bus that has less total coach miles and normally less wear and tear. Remember that just because it was a private-owned bus does not mean that it was kept up. It is better, but these coaches are not that plentiful.

12. Normally warranties on used coaches are not offered. If one is offered, ask if it is a nationwide warranty or if you have to come back to their establishment for repairs.

13. Engine warranties are tricky. Again, find out the particulars of the warranty. Most require a transfer fee when you buy the bus. You also should find out if the proper maintenance files are up-to-date. The warranties will require that certain types of oil are being used and that you have kept the bus on their required maintenance schedule. Not all warranties are what you may think they are.

14. After you have found the bus you think you like, if you have any doubts as to some of the information given to relating to the mechanical end of the coach, ask if you can get a non-biased opinion from another mechanic that is not on their "payroll." We always encourage our buyers to feel free to bring their own mechanics to check out the buses that we sell. We have mechanics that do work for us that are not on our payroll, and we offer their services to the buyer at the buyer’s expense to check out the bus.

15. If you do not have all of the money to buy the coach, know that when you go to your local bank for the money, most of the time they will look at you like you've lost your mind (especially if the bus is 15 years or older in age). Banks do not know how to put a value on buses. Several banking institutions offer this kind of financing, but be ready for some short terms in the time they expect you to pay it back.

16. If you are buying a coach for charter use, you are required to have at least $5 million in coverage; for private use, it can vary with the age of the coach, cost of the coach and the replacement value that is put on it.

17. Just because a bus is titled a 1995 or any other year it does not mean that the MSO (manufactures statement of origin) is the same year. In some states, you can take an older coach and "reman" it. After specific items and changes are done, a "new" title is issued in the year that the "reman" is completed. This is now when the bus is given a new title and year model. As long as the seller is telling you that the 1995 Eagle that you are purchasing has an actual frame date of, say, 1972 or 1985, then everything is fine.

18. Always ask the reason the bus is being sold. You do not want to buy someone else's problem. Many times the person or company may be upgrading or going out of business.

19. There are times when working with a client they may have found a coach that they think may be better or simply may have a lower price. We are always willing to check out the coach or company to see if the company is reliable and trustworthy and to see if the coach is what they expect.

20. Last, but not least, always deal with someone that can give you references. If you are not comfortable with the company you are dealing with, go somewhere else.

Marty Rhyne, a North Carolina native, has been involved in the buying and selling of buses for more than 20 years. He is president of Flagship, Inc., www.thebusman.com.

Product Roundup

Classic Coach by Champion Bus
The Classic Coach from Champion Bus features:
* Plush automotive interior, driver and co-pilot doors
* OEM heated/remote mirrors
* Plug entrance door
The Classic is built with a high level of safety assurance. The Classic Coach is available with lengths from 27 feet up to 39 feet and capacities up to 47 passengers.
www.championbus.com

ChurchBus.com
ChurchBus.com is a division of the largest bus distributor in America (Midwest Transit Equipment).  The company offers a large inventory of:
* 15-passenger (non-CDL) vans
* 25-passenger buses
* Buses with special needs accessibility
All are ready for quick delivery. Financing and leasing programs are also available. 
The company has a sales team representing 50+ years of pastoral experience and many years of bus experience. 
www.churchbus.com

Concorde II by Glaval
Glaval’s Concorde II is the newest option from the company’s full line of mid-sized buses. The Concorde II features:
* Sleek, aerodynamic styling
* Seating for up to 44 passengers
* Cutting-edge front upper panoramic window for better viewing
* Durable, steel-cage construction
* Rear kneeling feature, offering easy access to the luggage compartment
Built on the rugged Ford F-650 airporter-style chassis, the bus features a Cummins engine and 2200 Allison transmission.
www.glavalbus.com

Master’s Transportation
Master’s Transportation, Inc. is a leading bus distributor in the Midwest and a major supplier to the church market across the US. Master’s specializes in the selling, leasing and servicing of new and late-model:
* Van terras (15-passenger van replacement)
* People movers
* Shuttles
* Coaches
* Church/school buses
Churches can choose from more than 100 new/late model buses in stock (varying from 15-84 passenger size), or Master’s can customize a new vehicle to meet the needs from one of five bus manufacturers. 
www.busesbymasters.com

Don Brown Bus Sales
The goal at Don Brown Bus Sales, Inc. is to provide churches with the best products and services. The company offers:
* 30 years experience in the transportation industry
* Most available models of buses, helping churches find what they need 
* Close relationship with finance companies, to help churches find payments to meet their budgets
Because Don Brown Bus Sales carries more than 400 vehicles in inventory, churches don’t have to wait months to get a new vehicle. 
www.buscrazy.net

Prevost H-Series
The Prevost H-Series features one of the tallest decks in the industry, providing benefit to passengers and drivers. The series features: 
* Panoramic views
* Large under-floor storage capacity
* All-stainless steel upper framework
* Outer shell of corrosion-proof reinforced fiber composite
Prevost coaches offer superior amenities like a premium sound system, a GPS system, live TV reception and high-quality seating selection.
www.prevostcar.com

Carpenter Bus Sales
Carpenter Bus Sales sells new & used buses primarily to churches, schools and other ministries. The company represents the industry’s leading manufacturers such as:
* Federal Coach
* Glaval Bus
* ElDorado National
* Starcraft
* Collins
Carpenter Bus has a wide selection of buses in stock. Carpenter Bus offers an innovative test-before-you-buy program and is glad to take trade-ins.  
 www.carpenterbus.com