It is a question that many Scouts, Brownies or even schools have to ask themselves at one time or another; is it worth buying a lightweight minibus for travelling everyone at the same time? For many groups and companies, train travel or coach hire simply aren’t a feasible option. Indeed, for many child-based groups, or even senior-based groups, it can come as something of a relief when they have their own adapted minibus to shuttle people around to events in the community. So, if you are still unsure whether to own a minibus, here are some of the advantages that can be found in ownership.
Affordable
Buying may not seem like an affordable option compared to occasionally hiring, but as is the way with a lot of items that you can purchase, it may work out better in the long term to purchase your own – particularly if your usage is increasing and instead of a ‘once a year’ trip you are now travelling once a month.
There has been a push in recent years from companies and the government under green initiatives towards leasing as the preferred option, and you may find that this gives you the best of both worlds. A smaller upfront cost will be needed than for buying, but you still have a vehicle ready to go at a moment’s notice, you will find that leasing from companies like The Minibus Centre will be cheaper than one-off hires too.
Storage Space
Suppose you are a scout leader who is looking for a way to get your group from point A to point B, but you have to pack a lot of equipment, such as instruments. An obvious advantage of buying a minibus, even a lightweight one, is that you will have that space on hand without needing to pay extra. This also means that you will be able to pack up your group, with all of the equipment, and drive them to point B with ease – so everyone arrives at the same time with everything needed – no negotiating train timetables or parent drop offs.
Flexibility
There is a flexibility that comes with ownership that allows you to use the minibus as and when you need to, for the trip you need to undertake. You do not need to negotiate an hourly rate with a hire coach or van, and you can use the minibus while you’re away not just as the main transport to and from your destination. So, there is no need to hire for an extra day or miss out on sites, you just pack up and go.
Financing Options
There are multiple financing options available to help people who want to purchase minibuses, and as mentioned before, there is also the option to lease instead of outright purchase. You should investigate all the fees and ensure you know what is fully included and what you will need to pay back under every circumstance – if you finish the contract early for instance.
Lower Tax
A lightweight minibus is classed in the UK as a vehicle which can seat between 15-17 people and weighs less than 3.5 tons. Thus, it falls under the standard driving license, so there is no need to take an additional test. It will also fall into the lower road tax brackets which will be cheaper for you to pay.
