How to buy a used school bus for a skoolie conversion

If you are like us, when you first learned about the cool things you can do with a used school bus, your imagination was flooded with visions of a custom tiny house for epic family road trips, custom tiny spaces and maybe even music festivals!

That’s why we made the “The Ultimate Skoolie Guide To Buy a Used School Bus to Convert.”

Yes, you could buy a used school bus but…like…how do you know what to look for? And if you found an old school bus, how do you know if it’s a good bus for your skoolie conversion or a money pit?

You may have already started researching online and quickly realized there are a lot of scams or misinformation out there.

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Case study: Our personal experience

Where did we purchase our used school bus from?

We purchased a flat nose 2002 Thomas school bus at government auction through GovDeals.com, sight unseen, for $4,500 in Sept 2020 from Sumner County School Board in Gallatin, Tennessee.

We called a remote diesel mechanic to inspect the bus before we purchased it.

Watch the vlog where Eric sees our own bus for the first time.

What did we look for in our first bus?

We are a family of five with no pets and needed a full sized school bus. We wanted a strong engine for driving up hills and mountains.

The perfect bus for us ideally would look like:

• Cummins diesel engine (5.9L Cummins or 8.3L Cummins)
• limited surface rust
• mileage under 100K preferably
• no major mechanical issues with evidence of proper maintenance
• no handicap access
• 35 feet or longer
• good tread on the school bus tires

What we learned during our school bus conversion

Timelines Change

We thought we could complete our skoolie conversion in 4 months. Our skoolie life began 7 months from the time we started, and we still had a few projects left to complete when we moved in.

How much storage space do you need?

A key part in planning before you buy is determining how much storage space you will need, and not just on the interior.

Don’t forget the exterior since that is where you may be mounting things.

We got really lucky here because we had enough space underneath to mount our AC condenser and gray tank. Our bus came with 3 large storage bins already mounted, which allowed for ample storage and installation of our propane tanks.

Engine Location

We bought a flat nose bus, so our engine block sits next to the driver seat. A school bus engine puts off a lot of heat, like over 200 degrees Fahrenheit!

It is brutal in the summer without AC inside the bus, even with the windows down.

In hindsight, we would have preferred a rear mount engine or an engine mounted outside the front of the bus (also known as a “dog nose bus“).

Case study of our budget

Purchase budget

• Used school bus purchase price: $4,500 in September 2020
• Mechanical inspection with a mobile mechanic: $350

Build-out of our school bus conversion

• High-quality finishes, 6-panel solar array, DC fridge, professional inspections, labor: $50,000

On-going maintenance

• Surprise repair in May 2021 in Miami, Florida (brake line repair + new tire): $4,000
• General maintenance and upgrades by Mechanic in Worcester, Massachusetts: $10,000
• 5-days Hotel accommodation when we couldn’t live in the bus: $1,000

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Auction

A benefit to using an auction site is that you may have more payment options available to you, like credit card, than a direct sale to a seller who may only take cash or certified check.

Additionally, you may find more businesses than private sellers listing buses for sale on an auction site, since the auction staff can help them list and sell their used bus fleet quickly.

eBay

One person surveyed purchased their bus on eBay. When I searched on “school bus” in the eBay search bar, I was pleasantly surprised by the selection of used school buses available, including fully converted school bus conversions for sale.

eBay is a “household name” and reputable marketplace offering great buyer protection and payment options.

Gov Deals

This site allows government agencies to offer used goods. In fact they have tons of cheap school buses being sourced from school districts retiring their old fleets!

This site has become the national clearing house, and you can find used school buses for sale in basically of the USA.

An added benefit to purchasing through a middle man like this website is that you have some protection if the used school bus is in worse condition than stated.

Furthermore, the school districts and other government agencies selling off fleets of retired school buses have no personal interest in them. They are unlikely to hide flaws and failures on purposes to mislead a new buyer.

How to bid on buses on GovDeals.com

1. Click “Register” in the top right corner to create an account.
2. To find the used school buses, choose “Bus, Transits and Schools” on the home page.
3. For a more specific search, used the Advanced Search at the top of the page. Select the “Find vehicle” tab. I recommend restricting the maximum price range between $0 to $15,000 or whatever your budget allows (the default price range is $0 to $50,000), and the location to a maximum radius from your home base. If you’re in Florida, driving to Alaska for a used school bus is pretty unreasonable.
4. Decide on the used school bus or school buses that you want to bid on.
5. Register a credit card when bidding. If you win the auction, they will a deposit first and then eventually the full payment due.
6. Read the fine print since not every auction follows the same rules: we were allowed to inspect the vehicle before final purchase.
7. Some auctions carry a reserve. That simply means that if the seller doesn’t receive a high enough price (the “reserve price”) then even if you win the bid, you may not be allowed to buy the school bus. To avoid reserve auctions, you can filter those auctions out.
8. Expect active bidding at the end of the auction to occur, which may extend the clock. For example, if an auction is set to end at 5:00pm and bids continue coming in within 2-5 minutes of the auction’s scheduled end, then the time allowed to bid may increase by 2-5 minutes. This helps the seller receive the highest price from the most serious buyers.
9. When bidding closes and you win your used school bus, the feeling is a mixture of happiness, relief and anticipation of what is to come.
10. Make your deposit with the credit card on file.
11. Schedule a mobile mechanic to inspect the school bus at the fleet yard or review the mechanical records prior to complete payment.
12. Coordinate a time to pick up your school bus!

To locate the bus auctions, from the home page, navigate to the left side to Categories. Click “motor pool” then “school bus.”

JJ Merchant

One person surveyed got their bus here. This appears to be small auction site and there weren’t many active auctions at the time I visited. Maybe you can score a deal here if you keep checking back.

Public Surplus

This auction site is another government surplus site that has a variety of products for sale, including used school buses.

Business

Bus charter or bus operator

Two people surveyed said they purchased their bus from a bus charter or bus operator. These would be companies that maybe operate tour groups and a 3rd-party operator that provides buses to business or individuals for a fee.

Bus Dealer

AAA Bus Sales

Two people surveyed purchased their buses here. AAA Bus Sales in Pheonix specializes in sales, parts and services of buses.

Don Brown Bus Sales

Another two people surveyed relayed the positive experience they had working with Don Brown Bus Sales out of Johnstown, New York. There is also finance, service and parts divisions.

Employer

One person surveyed purchased their bus from their boss. If your employer runs buses, ask them if they plan on retiring any of the fleet soon.

Online marketplace

Eight people surveyed said they purchased their skoolie on an online marketplace, which was the most in our survey.

Facebook Marketplace

8 people surveyed purchased their old school buses on Facebook Marketplace.

There’s no middleman so you can negotiate with the seller individually.

Craigslist

One person surveyed said she bought her bus on Craigslist. This community-lead forum is a great source for finding your school bus conversion, if you’re willing to look.

Bus For Sale by Owner Classifieds

Below are listed a number of sites specifically referencing classified ads for nearly everything related to school bus conversion sales, like school buses for sale, bus conversions for sale, skoolies for sale, and converted bus for sale.

• Finished Skoolie For Sale
• School Bus, Skoolies and Bus Conversion For Sale Classifieds
• Bus/van/skoolies by Sarah – Tiny House Listings

Facebook Groups

We frequently see postings of school bus conversions in a number of popular Facebook Groups. Try searching within Facebook using terms like:

• Skoolie for sale
• School bus conversion for sale
• Skoolie Buy Sell Trade

I’ve compiled links to some of the Facebook bus groups specifically mentioning skoolie sales or bus sales in the description. Membership or joining the Facebook group may be required to see the posts.

• RV-Skoolie-MotorHome BUY/SELL/TRADE
• Skoolies for sale Public Group
• Skoolie Nation’s Buses for sale by owner
• SKOOLIE STUFF – BUY-SELL-TRADE
• Skoolies/Schoolies/School Bus Conversions For Sale USA
• Skoolies For Sale
• Skoolie Planet Bus Sales

The skoolie groups are such a wonderful way to get tips, set reasonable goals during construction, find help and vibe with your tribe.

Many share candid photos, videos, and information about conversions, offer advice and promote school bus sales.

Skoolie Builder

Depending on your budget and timeframe, using a reputable skoolie builder can be a lifesaver. I’ve prepared a list of skoolie builders who can manage partial and complete conversion in this blog. Some of these builders may also do sales of buses they’ve completed.

Natural State Buses

One person surveyed said they bought their school bus conversion from Natural State Buses builder located in Bentonville, Arkansas.

According to their website, they specialize in:

• Roof raises
• Window & door installation
• Spray foam insulation
• Demo
• Interior build-out

Trade

One person responded to the survey that they traded their old RV for their used bus, and I think that’s an awesome way to make a swap between like-minded people. This is also a cashless option.

Safe & Strong Construction

There are a lot of things to consider when buying an old school bus. However, there is one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about, and that’s whether the bus you are looking at buying is safe or not.

School buses are built to be extremely safe.

School bus manufacturers must follow strict safety regulations because these vehicles transport children.

I go into detail on why we purchased a retired school bus instead of an RV because of the quality of construction in this blog.

What sizes do school buses come in?

We can break the types of school buses into three sizes:

1. Full sized school bus
2. Mid sized school bus
3. Short school bus

Read this blog on how to determine what size school bus you need.

Full sized school bus

A full sized bus is greater than 30 feet long, with the maximum length reaching around 45 feet. These are the most common buses you see.

Since long buses are a dime a dozen, the sales price compared to that of a short bus may be less.

These size buses are best suited for four or more occupants, though reasonably under 6-8 people living on board.

Mid sized school bus

Mid sized school buses will fall somewhere between 20 feet to 30 feet. This size school bus is like Goldilock’s porridge: not too big, not too small, but just right. It provides enough interior space while not taking up too much space at say a parking lot.

This size bus can accommodate two to four occupants living on board. Any more than that, and you may wish you had a longer bus.

Short school bus

A short bus is less than 20 feet. They are less common to find, but are a great option if you’re a single person or couple that don’t need as much space or wants to be more invisible in public.

Short buses may be the perfect size for one to two people looking for something larger than a van, but smaller than a long bus.

How wide is a school bus?

The general width of a school bus is between 7-9 feet, including the mirrors. This is because school buses must navigate neighborhoods and city streets just like any normal vehicle would, and the government(s) place restrictions on the width.

How heavy is a school bus?

Most non-converted and school buses conversions weigh between 10,000 to 25,000 generally, depending on the size, finishes, and personal belongings. These are solid-built steel beasts, but you wouldn’t know it because the engine is made to pull it.

As a reference, our large converted school bus weighs just around 22,000 to 24,000 pounds. Read about our features and upgrades in this blog.

If you aren’t sure how much your bus weighs, you can take it to a truck weigh station. Read this blog on how to find a weigh station near you.

What are the best used school buses to buy?

One of the most common question asked by those looking to buy their first school bus is “what are the best buses to buy?” It depends on several factors.

1. Your needs (are you a single person or a family of 5?)
2. Your goals (do you have 2 months for the build or 1 year?)
3. Living situation (will you live part time or full time in your skoolie?)
4. Your budget (how much can you afford to spend on the school bus, repairs, build-out and on-going maintenance?)

What to know before buying a used school bus?

How much does a used school bus cost?

During our search, we found the cost of an old school bus starts at around $4,000 and can go as high as $15,000, depending upon the age and condition of the bus.

School buses are generally sold at a deep discount from their original price (over $150,000).

They are sold either because they are too old for their intended use or because the owner has upgraded to a newer bus.

How many miles will a school bus last?

School buses are designed to last for well over 500,000 miles. But that doesn’t mean that a school bus will last for well over 500,000 miles in every case.

The exact number of miles you can get out of a school bus depends on how the bus is used and maintained.

If the bus is used for just one purpose — transporting students — and kept at a reasonable speed (no more than 65 mph), it will likely last much longer than if it’s used as a workhorse to run errands and haul cargo.

School buses are also built with safety features to help them endure accidents. But even these safety features have their limits. If a school bus crashes at 35 mph, it may not be able to withstand the force.

If it crashes at 15 mph or slower, its safety features and construction can help the bus survive longer.

How do you make sure your school bus has a long life?

There are other things you can do to keep your bus in top condition and in good working order. We’ve listed a few below:

• Inspect it weekly for leaks (more frequently if driving regularly)
• Treat surface rust quickly
• Power it own to make sure the batteries have a charge and the air brakes (if any) engage
• Check oil levels
• Replace worn-out parts before they become hazardous.

Before buying guide

Decide what are key things you’re looking for like length, engine size and how far are you willing to travel to get it?

In order to make the best decision possible, you need to know what to look for and where to look. It is also important to know what you should avoid.

While some of these tips may not apply to every situation, they are easy enough to follow that they will help you identify a good purchase before buying.

Skoolie Buying Guide Questionnaire

• What’s your purchase budget?
• How far are you willing to travel to pick it up?
• Have you reviewed the bus’s mechanical history?
• Will you or a mechanic inspect the bus before purchase?
• How will you purchase the bus?
• Will you use it for full time or part time living?
• How will you insure it?
• How will you register it with your DMV?
• How much have you budgeted for maintenance and repairs?
• What are the bus weight maximums?
• What type or size of engine does it have?
• Where is the engine located: inside-front, inside-rear or outside.
• Is there a Handicap access?
• Does it have air brakes or hydraulic brakes?

How to inspect before buying a school bus

Inspection by a Mechanic

If you aren’t qualified to do an inspection before buying, find and pay a mechanic. The inspection will run you between $300-$500, depending on where the mechanic is coming from and the time it takes to perform the inspection.

We found that where there was a large fleet or auction of buses, there was usually a mechanic shop nearby. You can search for “diesel mechanics” near the area your bus is located.

The first thing you should do when considering buying a used school bus is to have it inspected by a mechanic. The second thing you should do is have it inspected by a mechanic. Thirdly, get another mechanic to inspect the bus. Fourthly, get two other mechanics to inspect the bus, just in case they missed something the first three times.

Trucks of this size and age are not often bought by individuals, but rather companies that deal in used school buses. There are several reasons why buying a used school bus from one of these companies is a much safer bet than doing so from an individual.

The most obvious reason is that they’ve been inspected by mechanics who know what they’re doing and who can answer any questions you may have about the state of the vehicle’s mechanical condition.

The body

You have to look at the outside of the bus for rust and in areas that may have contact with water in the interior like window sills and stairs.

Rust is really common with buses in the north that experience snow or that are more coastal, where the salt content is higher.

Rust can do significant structural damage to the steel frame of a school bus if left unattended.

Check the school bus tires for dry rot or cracks. Make sure that all doors open and close properly. If there is no air conditioning system then check if there is any water damage from condensation due to not having A/C.

Make sure that all of the lights, turn signals and other things are working properly.

The engine

Look at the engine of the bus for oil leaks and check for any signs of damage which would indicate that it was in a crash or flood or otherwise damaged.

Make sure to check underneath for oil leaks coming from any parts near the bottom of the engine block.

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Thanks for following our journey. Click here to check out more of our skoolie posts. – Ingrid & the HildeFam

We have quickly and easily insured our school bus conversion twice in Florida with no issues. The first time we insured our decommissioned school bus was the day before we bought her at auction, with all the seats and school bus markings. Next, we changed providers after we titled her as a motorhome and received better rates.

We read many articles and forums describing the difficulty some people had getting insurance on their skoolie or school bus conversion, and that just isn’t the case if you know who to speak with.

I even include a copy of our Florida skoolie insurance policy so you can use it to help you when you quote out your skoolie insurance.

Table of Contents

Insure your skoolie with an independent insurance agent

My biggest recommendation is to work with an independent insurance agent who understands school bus conversions.

We worked with two independent insurance agents, Marie Carney & Kelly Newsome, on different occasions to find us the best rates across all the automobile insurance providers in Florida.

The huge benefit to working with an independent insurance agent is she is not restricted to working with one insurance company. This saved us a lot of time because she did the research on which insurance providers would insure a school bus conversion, whether the conversion has not started or if it is fully complete.

The added benefit of working with an independent agent is you may also be able to bundle your car, motorhome and home policies together. We did this with our skoolie & car, which saved us money and just the headache of paying different providers.

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This is a breakdown of our personal school bus conversion insurance policy with Progressive.

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What questions did our insurance agent ask before insuring our skoolie in Florida?

What is the cost & rating base on skoolie insurance in Florida?

• Total annual policy amount: $1,011
• Rating base: $20,000

We paid the annual policy up front – we didn’t have the option to split the payments into smaller periods with this provider. We went with minimum coverage on the policy.

Are you living full time or part time in your school bus conversion?

We were planning to or already living full time in our policy, and the insurance wanted to make a distinction for this on our policy.

What are the coverage & liability thresholds to insure a skoolie?

Our policy covers:

• personal liability like medical payments, loss assessments and storage shed contents
• liability to others
• personal injury protection (PIP)
• uninsured motorist (stacked)
• comprehensive & collision (including in Mexico)
• replacement cost of personal items ($3,000 limit)

What evidence did we provide our insurance agent to show we were a motorhome?

We sent our agent:

• Our Florida title and registration
• Provided her with our VIN number

Since we are titled as a motorhome in the state of Florida, the process to insure our skoolie was the same as insuring a “normal” motorhome.

Progressive, at the time we bound, actually had a drop down option for school bus conversion.

This may come in handy if you do modifications like a roof raise on your bus tiny home.

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FAQs on Binding Insurance on a Skoolie in Florida

Can I insure my school bus conversion if I am not yet titled as a motorhome?

The short answer is yes. We purchased our decommissioned school bus in Tennessee and we received a temporary Florida insurance policy with Allstate Insurance, which allowed the insuring of a vehicle that wasn’t titled as a motorhome.

The cost to insure our school bus was reasonable though more expensive than after we completed the conversion and titled it as a motorhome.

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How do you retitle a decommissioned school bus as a motorhome in Florida?

The process to update our school bus title from “bus” to a “motorhome” was really simple in Florida. Read this blog on how we did it and the forms we used to do it in about 10 minutes.

Does a skoolie insurance policy cover personal possessions?

It depends on if you elect personal property coverage on the skoolie insurance policy or purchase a separate policy for personal property in your rig.

Check your current school bus conversion insurance declaration page to determine if there is personal property coverage on your policy. If you don’t have coverage, then you can contact your insurance agent to create a policy, like a renter’s insurance policy, that will cover your belongings and personal property like appliances in case of loss.

Can I obtain a motorhome coverage on my skoolie if it isn’t titled as a motorhome?

No. To obtain motorhome or RV coverage, you must have your school bus conversion titled as a motorhome.

If your decommissioned school bus is still being converted into a motorhome, you can and should have insurance on it. Check with an independent insurance agent that is knowledgeable about RVs and skoolies. I’ve referenced a few above.

Does my school bus conversion need to be inspected before getting insurance?

It depends state-to-state, honestly. Personally, we’ve insured our skoolie twice, once before the conversion was complete and it was titled as a motorhome with Allstate and then after with Progressive, and we never had to have it inspected in Florida.

How much does school bus conversion insurance cost?

We pay just over $1,000 for an annual motorhome school bus conversion policy with Progressive in the state of Florida (2021-2022). Our skoolie is titled as a motorhome in Florida.

We were previously insured in 2020-2021 with Allstate before our decommissioned school bus was even built out. That annual policy cost was about $1,200.

Additional Resources

If you’re needing more information on insuring your school bus conversion, then check out the Van, Skoolie, & RV Insurance blog on the Skoolie Supply website.

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Thank you for following our journey – Ingrid & the HildeFam