Well, we bid on a bus using a site my step-dad told me about (public surplus.com–thanks Steve!)
It was a beautiful 2005 E-450 with 12 seats and a wheelchair lift and spot. Just what we wanted. A surplus from a school district over on the peninsula.
While the auction ended up going higher than we wanted to pay, it was a good learning experience, and I know how the process works a little better now. I know how to factor in the buying fee, and how to not bid right away to drive up the cost when there are still a few days left on the auction. Patience, Lisa, patience!
I also learned that it’s important to factor title, licensing and travel expenses (when applicable) to the total cost so you don’t end up paying more than you have! Like I said, a great learning experience!
On a different note related to the process of buying a bus, it seems that commercial insurance on a private plan will be needed regardless of the number of seats, because the buses we are looking at are on a 1.5 ton base. Apparently many 12 or 15 passenger vans also require this. I didn’t know that!
Thankfully the quote we got for the E-450 base is not too much more than we pay annually for the Suburban, so it’s not outside of our budget. We were a little concerned over that, and it was a definite answer to prayer to see the quotes come in!
And who knows–if we find an E-350 base, it might be even cheaper!
The perfect bus for us is out there–it’s just a matter of tracking it down. I appreciate the help my brother-in-law and step-dad have provided! (Thanks guys!!) It may take time, and that’s ok. In the meantime, we will keep chasing leads and saving money.
Have you ever bid on a surplus vehicle? How did it go for you?
