As fleets age and maintenance costs rise, transportation providers across the country are replacing their older vehicles to ensure safer and more efficient service.
But finding the right vehicle is only part of the equation. If you are buying a bus for the first time, the bus dealer you choose can make or break your investment.
From vehicle quality to after-sales service, working with a reputable dealer ensures easy access to support while your fleet stays on the road and meets the needs of every passenger.Â
These factors are essential to making an informed purchase decision, not just a quick one.
Here are seven ways to spot a trustworthy bus dealer before making your next purchase.
What should you look for in a reputable bus dealer?
A reputable bus dealer offers more than just vehicles; they provide education on how to use bus components, dependable service, accurate pricing and a bus or van that fits your fleet’s unique needs. Here are seven key factors to consider before making your next bus purchase.
1. Safety-Focused Training
A trustworthy bus dealer provides information on how to operate the various components of the bus.Â
At Schetky Bus & Van Sales, we educate your team on how to use the key components of the vehicle, ensuring they’re familiar with what they’ll interact with.
While we don’t offer driver training, we give your team the knowledge to operate the buses confidently.
This level of training reflects the excellence you should expect from any professional bus dealer.
2. Comprehensive Service, Maintenance & Warranty Support
A reliable bus dealer stands behind their vehicles after the sale. Ask about their service capabilities, parts access and warranty policies.
Schetky, the best bus dealer in the United States, carries one of the largest inventories of bus parts in the industry and offers factory-certified maintenance services.Â
We do not offer warranties on used buses; however, we provide ongoing support and maintenance to help keep your fleet in optimal condition for years to come.
You can purchase a new bus or van with warranty-backed protection, giving you confidence long after delivery.
3. Diverse Inventory That Meets Passenger Needs
The demand for special needs transportation is steadily increasing. In School Bus Fleet’s 2024 Special-Needs Survey, 59% of school districts reported an increase in special needs ridership, up from 53% the previous year, reflecting a continued upward trend across the transportation industry.
Ensuring you choose the perfect bus is essential to meet your customers’ needs, especially when transporting seniors, students with disabilities or other specialized groups.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales offers the best ADA-compliant vehicles tailored to meet specific needs, including paratransit and wheelchair-accessible commercial buses, low-floor transit models and vans with walker storage, all based on Ford chassis options.Â
A reputable bus dealer with decades of experience will help you find lease and financing options for vehicles built with your passengers in mind.
4. Established Industry Experience
When evaluating a bus dealer, experience matters.Â
Schetky has served customers across the Western U.S. since 1942, delivering proven results for schools, municipalities, senior living communities and private operators.
Decades of industry knowledge mean better recommendations, smoother transactions and fewer post-sale issues. In short, a reputable bus dealer is one that’s been trusted by generations.
5. Access to OEM Parts and Fast Repair Turnaround
Downtime is costly.Â
A top-tier bus dealer should be able to provide you with the correct part quickly and resolve issues promptly.
We maintain an expansive OEM parts inventory covering all major bus manufacturers and models.Â
With strategically located service teams and expertise in fleet repair, we also offer mobile repair services to keep your buses on the road without delays.
Whether it’s a quick fix or a more complex issue, our mobile teams bring the repair shop to you, minimizing disruptions and ensuring your fleet stays operational.
6. Honest Sales Process
No one wants surprises after a purchase. A professional bus dealer is honest about the sales process, documentation and compliance.
We understand the lengths you may need to go through to get pricing approvals, and we make this easy and without surprises.
We offer accurate pricing and make sure you won’t encounter any hidden fees or last-minute increases.
All vehicles from Schetky are DOT-certified, inspected and presented with complete service records.Â
For used buses, we provide a comprehensive vehicle history report, including odometer records, any reported accidents and up-to-date maintenance documentation.
This report ensures buyers can make confident, informed decisions when evaluating vehicle condition and long-term value.
7. Nationwide On-time Delivery and Regional Support
Predictability matters, especially after the sale. A dependable bus dealer offers support where and when you need it.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales offers a hassle-free, on-time delivery service to all 50 states, ensuring your vehicles arrive as scheduled, with tax, title and licensing taken care of on your behalf.
We support fleets with regional mobile service teams. From preventive maintenance to emergency repairs, we’re here to help your operations at every stop.
Why Your Bus Dealer Matters
Your passengers rely on you, and you should be able to rely on your bus dealer.Â
From safety training and certified service to ADA-accessible inventory and honest sales process, the best distributor dealer does more than sell buses; they support your mission.
Schetky Bus & Van Sales combines more than 80 years of experience with an unmatched variety of products and exceptional service nationwide.Â
From school students to seniors and patients, we have the right vehicle and the right support team to keep your fleet moving.
Explore our inventory today and find the perfect bus for your fleet.