Interested in Buying a Secondhand Bus? Check These 5 Key Components

Buying a secondhand bus is a smart way to expand your fleet without stretching your budget, especially for bus operators (PO) or travel agencies. For instance, a used medium-sized bus may cost around Rp400 million, while a large one is around Rp450 million. That’s a significant difference compared to a brand-new bus, which can reach Rp1.1 billion (around Rp700 million for the chassis and Rp400 million for the body).

To get the most from your investment and ensure your fleet runs optimally, here are five essential components you should always check before making a purchase.

1. Vehicle History: Interprovincial Route (AKAP) or Tour Use

Checking the bus’s history is the first step to understanding its workload and engine condition.

• AKAP Buses: These are typically used for long, frequent trips across provinces.Even a 2- to 3-year-old AKAP bus may already have clocked over 300,000 kilometers.

• Maintenance Record: Review how regularly the bus was serviced. Reputable bus operators usually follow strict maintenance schedules, and vehicles from larger companies often undergo major refurbishment before being sold.

• Tour Buses: These buses generally have lower mileage and are used seasonally. They tend to be better maintained, with clearer interiors and more polished appearances.

2. Engine Condition: Seals and Overhaul History

The engine is the heart of a bus, and inspecting it carefully helps you anticipate long-term maintenance costs.

• Overhaul Status: Check whether the engine is sealed or unsealed. An unsealed engine indicates it has undergone an overhaul, while a sealed one usually suggests no major repairs have been needed.

• Repair Record: Find out when the engine was last disassembled, what issues were addressed, and which parts were replaced.

• Age and Mileage: The newer the bus and the lower the kilometers, the less likely you’ll face major engine repairs soon.

3. Mileage and Usage Hours

Mileage provides the most honest picture of a bus’s workload.

• Prioritize Low Mileage: Choose a bus with fewer kilometers on the odometer—this typically means less strain on the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering components.

• Compare Bus Types: Tour buses often have lower mileage than AKAP buses.

• Verify Data: You can check accurate mileage and engine running hours from the Multi-Information Display (MID). This data is more reliable than the production year alone.

4. Suspension and Steering System

These systems carry the bus’s weight and determine ride comfort—and they often become problem areas after three years of operation.

• Bus Age: Buses that have been on the road for over 3 years may have worn-out suspension or steering components.

• Rubber Parts: Inspect all rubber parts such as bushings, rubber mountings, and shock absorbers. These are often the first items that need replacement after purchase.

• Potential Issues: Poorly maintained rubber components can cause rattling noises, reduce passenger comfort, and even damage nearby parts. Always do a test drive to check suspension and stability.

5. Body Quality

The bus’s body affects its appearance, safety, and future repair costs.

• Choose a Quality Build: Tour buses manufactured by renowned companies such as Adiputro or Morodadi Prima typically feature sturdier frames and superior designs. They might cost slightly more, but the added durability and premium build quality are worth it.

• Do a Thorough Visual Check: Inspect for any signs of structural damage, corrosion, or prior collision repairs.

Final Consideration: Long-Term or Short-Term Use?

When buying a used bus, think about your operational goals. Do you need a long-term fleet with top engine performance, or are you looking for short-term use with minimal upfront costs?

Choosing the right bus means carefully evaluating its history, engine condition, mileage, suspension and steering, and body quality. Be selective—the bus you choose directly impacts your business’s efficiency and profitability.

This is how you choose a secondhand bus. If you’re looking for a reliable place to buy, consider joining IBID’s secondhand bus auction. All buses auctioned through IBID are thoroughly inspected and verified, so you won’t need to worry about technical issues. 

As an experienced auction house, IBID continues to innovate and provide trusted opportunities for both consignors and bidders.

You can also consign your own vehicle through IBID—part of the Astra, a reputable auction company established in 2007. In the automotive sector alone, IBID has sold more than 27,000 vehicles and held over 500 auctions annually through 2016. Today, IBID conducts weekly auctions across 10 branch offices and over 30 cities in Indonesia.