Used school buses are usually sold when they are no longer useful to a school system. Most school systems retire buses when they reach a certain mileage, so buyers can often find used buses that have no problems beyond their mileage exceeding the school systems' own regulations. However, it is still recommended to have an inspection performed on the bus even if the school system say there's nothing mechanically wrong with it.

A lot of non-profit organizations requires some form of mass transportation but cannot afford to buy a new vehicle that carries a large amount of people. Used school are more affordable than new buses or luxury buses and thus are a good alternative. Also, buyer can be assured that they are getting a vehicle that is specifically built for safety since school buses are built to safely transport children to and from school.

Used buses are also ideal vehicles for churches and church groups. Such groups generally find that having buses for transportation is a great help when organising day trips. School buses are also great for childrenís camps, due to the fact that not only day trips, but also certain camp facilities (like lakefronts) may require mass transportation.

Small used buses can make perfect vehicles for daycare and after-school programs that pick children up from schools. Commercial driverís licenses are not required for many smaller buses so any staff member with a license can drive them.