It all sort of depends upon how old the bus is. Anything newer than model year 2000 and some models in the 1996-1999 model years will have an OPID port of some kind. Plugging into one might tell you a lot or you may not find out anything because you don't have the proper software.
Some easy checks that do not require tools:
- Check fluid levels and condition of fluids. ATF needs to be cherry pink and not smell at all like caramel. Lube oil will be nasty black but should still be heavy and not smell of diesel fuel--if it smells of diesel fuel the lube oil will be very light. Coolant should be clear and be bright orange or green. Power steering fluid needs to be cherry pink or kind of yellow and not dark at all--if it is black it hasn't been changed in a loooooooong time and could be a potential problem area. Any fluid that looks murky or milky indicates expensive problems.
- Check the brakes. If it has hydraulic brakes the brake fluid needs to be clear and almost no color. If it is not clear or has any color the fluid is old and is contaminated with water. There is potential for expensive brake repairs due to rust inside the cylinders or calipers. Also check the brake lines for rust, damage, and the rubber parts for weather checking and cracks. If it has air brakes you will need to familiarize yourself with air brake checks--how long to air up, when does the governor cut in and out, when do the alarms go off, when does the spring brake apply, how long are the throws on the brake cams, etc.
- Check the tires and wheels for any missing lug nuts, cracks in the wheels between lug nuts or between the lug nuts and the center, bends or damage to the flange, any exposed cord or damage to the sidewalls, tread depth, and age of the tires.
- Check the suspension for any missing or broken parts.
- Check the steering for any excess play.
- How easy was it to start the engine? Was the engine warm when you got there?
- When you put it in gear is there any hesitation? Does it go immediately from forward to reverse and back again?
Understand you are not looking at a brand new or nearly new vehicle. From your checks you can determine whether or not you want to mess with that particular bus. If it still has potential for you, the items that are of concern can be negotiating points to work the asking price down.
When most Type 'C' buses cost new in excess of $70K and most Type 'D' buses cost new in excess of $95K, if the used bus has an asking price of $5K the seller most probably knows the bus is well used. How much of that price you can knock down is how well you can negotiate. Most dealers will give between $1,500.00 and $2,500.00 on trade in on new buses so you won't be able to go much lower. But if the bus is 15-years old, has in excess of 100K miles and the asking price is $10K there is most probably a lot of wiggle room on the asking price.
Good luck and happy trails to you!
