School Buses, Ambulances and Fire Trucks Under $5,000: Government Auction Prices (2026)

School districts, cities and fire departments sell their old buses, ambulances and fire apparatus at public auction, and most of them sell for under $5,000. Buyers turn them into campers ("skoolies"), mobile workshops, food trucks, and farm or volunteer fire vehicles. The prices below are winning bids from completed U.S. government auctions over the last 12 months.

What They Sell For

"Median sale" is the middle winning bid. "Middle half" is the range the central 50% of sales fell in. Each row links to that vehicle's page, with recent sales and prices by state.

School Buses

A retired school bus is the cheapest way into a large vehicle. Over the last 12 months the median school bus sold for $1,725, and the middle half sold for $975 to $3,358. Districts usually retire buses on age or mileage, so many still run.

Before you bid:

• Diesel or gas, and the engine. Most full-size buses are diesel. Ask whether it starts and moves under its own power, because towing a 35-foot bus is expensive.
• Rust. Check the floor, wheel wells and frame. Buses from road-salt states rust from underneath.
• Paint and lights. Many states require you to paint over the yellow and the "School Bus" lettering, and remove or disable the stop arm and flashing red lights, before you drive it as a private vehicle.
• License. Driving a bus built to carry 16 or more people can require a commercial license, depending on your state and how the bus is titled. Many skoolie owners re-title the bus as a motorhome once it is converted. Ask your DMV before you buy.

Shuttle buses (cutaway vans with a bus body) and transit buses come from city and university fleets. Shuttle buses are smaller and easier to drive and park.

Ambulances

Over the last 12 months the median ambulance sold for $3,300. Ambulances come in three body types:

• Type I: a box body on a pickup-style truck chassis, often a Ford F-450 or Ram 4500 and often diesel.
• Type II: a high-roof van, such as a Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter.
• Type III: a box body on a cutaway van chassis, often a Ford E-350 or E-450.

Type I and Type III boxes are popular for camper and workshop conversions because the box is insulated, wired and already has cabinets. Medical equipment is removed before sale. Emergency lights and markings must be removed or covered before you drive it on public roads.

Fire Trucks

Fire trucks sell for more because there is a working market for them: volunteer departments, farms, and collectors. The median pumper sold for $6,775 and the median brush truck for $9,894.

• Weight. Most pumpers are heavy trucks with air brakes. Depending on weight and use, your state may require a commercial license to drive one.
• Pump and tank. If you want the truck to pump water, ask for the last pump test date and whether the tank leaks.
• Parts. Fire apparatus is built on custom or semi-custom chassis, and parts for older trucks can be hard to find.

What You Pay on Top of the Winning Bid

• Buyer's premium. GovDeals charges 7.5-12.5% and Public Surplus charges a premium set by the seller. See the fee comparison across 16 sites.
• Transport. A bus or fire truck that won't drive needs a heavy tow or a lowboy trailer, which can cost more than the vehicle.
• Title and registration in your state. Our guide to buying surplus vehicles covers titles and pickup.

Live buses, ambulances and fire trucks are on the vehicle auctions page and in truck auctions near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a used school bus cost at auction?

Over the last 12 months the median school bus at a U.S. government auction sold for $1,725, and the middle half sold for $975 to $3,358. Buyer's premium, tax and transport come on top.

Can you buy a school bus for under $5,000?

Yes. Most school buses at government auctions sell for under $5,000. Expect higher mileage and some rust at the low end.

Do you need a CDL to drive a school bus you bought?

It depends on your state, the bus's size, and how it is titled. A bus designed to carry 16 or more people can require a commercial license. Many owners re-title a converted bus as a motorhome. Check with your DMV before you buy.

How much does a used ambulance cost?

Over the last 12 months the median ambulance at a U.S. government auction sold for $3,300, and the middle half sold for $1,408 to $4,610. Newer diesel Type I units sell for much more.

Can a private person buy a fire truck?

Yes. Fire departments sell retired apparatus at public auction and anyone can bid. Depending on the truck's weight and your state, you may need a commercial license to drive it.