Finding the right second hand minibus can be difficult as the options are often limited. Focus your search by listing your minibus requirements and divide the list into two categories; desirable and essential. Remember to factor in other expenses such as minibus insurance and running costs.
If a specific vehicle is found, here are ten tips to keep in mind:
1) Check the body of the vehicle. Look for any signs of repair that may indicate the vehicle has been in an accident.
Inspect under the wheel arches, suspension struts, and along the door jams for evidence of rust.
2) Check engine oil with dipstick. If it is golden and relatively clean, the vehicle has been well cared for. Black tar-like oil indicates that it has not been changed for a long time.
Look under the vehicle, checking the engine, driveshaft, and gearbox for signs of fluid leaks.
3) Inspect the interior of the minibus. Look under seats and carpets for signs of corrosion.
4) Check the tires of the minibus. Look for signs of unusual wear, as this can indicate a problem with the suspension.
Any unusual bulge or bulge on the tires is usually a sign of internal damage. Inspect the rubber on the sidewall of the tires for signs of cracking. Cracking and cracking usually becomes apparent on tires that are more than five years old.
Make sure that the minibus tires have a tread depth of at least 3 mm. Less and soon they will have to be replaced.
5) When buying a second-hand minibus, consider the cost of making alterations. Adding wheelchair access facilities can cost more than the purchase price of the vehicle.
6) Before completing a purchase, please confirm that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the 17-digit number printed on the vehicle registration document.
The VIN number can be found on the minibus’s engine, at the base of the windscreen or on the driver’s door.
7) Pay special attention to the mileage in a second-hand minibus to avoid buying a registered vehicle. ‘Clocking’ is a term applied to the illegal practice of reversing a vehicle’s odometer.
A shiny, worn steering wheel on a low-mileage minibus is often a gift. Also check that the dashboard has not been tampered with.
8) If the minibus has an accessible lift fitted, it must be built to British Standards (BS) 6109 and have a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 300kg. The lift shall also comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment regulations 1998.
9) As the minibus may have been manufactured before the new legislation on safety and seat belts for minibuses came into force, please check that it complies with the relevant regulations.
10) Take the minibus for a test drive. Check the brakes, clutch, accelerator, gear lever and steering. Make sure all electrical equipment is working properly.
When you’ve found a minibus that meets all your requirements, consult a minibus insurance specialist to find the best deal for your minibus insurance.
