So you’re in the market for a used minibus but not sure where to look? Some of the questions you may ask are, Can I Drive a Minibus? What donor vehicle is best and which convertor does the best job? When you are looking at top brands for reliable used Minibuses there is a wealth of information out there. In this blog we aim to help you (although we are slightly biased, more later) navigate the market.
Before a Minibus is built, it starts off as a panel van from a donor manufacturer. Popular makes include Ford, Mercedes, Peugeot and Vauxhall. At CVM World we manufacture our Minibuses from a variety of donor vehicles with whom we have a direct trade relationship with. These include Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Vauxhall), Ford and Mercedes.
At Minibus World we believe the top brands for reliable used Minibuses are the ones we have been doing business with for over a decade!
1. Peugeot Boxer
The Peugeot Boxer is a practical, cost-effective and popular choice for schools, charities, and community transport. Known for its spacious interior and fuel-efficient engines, the Boxer is well-suited for both short trips and longer journeys. Easy to maintain and affordable to run, it’s a brand we regularly recommend.
2. Citroën Relay
Sharing much of its engineering with the Boxer, the Citroën Relay offers the same reliability and versatility, but with its own distinctive look and feel. A favourite among organisations seeking value, the Relay is easy to drive and delivers excellent comfort for passengers.
3. Vauxhall Movano
The Vauxhall Movano is another proven performer in the Stellantis family. Renowned for its flexibility and variety of seating layouts, the Movano has long been a top choice for schools and groups needing a dependable, easy-to-handle minibus. With strong aftersales support across the UK, it’s a brand you can rely on.
4. Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato offers strength and dependability in abundance. With robust engines and a practical design, it’s well-suited to those needing a hardworking minibus for regular use. Its wide availability in the UK market makes it a strong contender for anyone looking at a Stellantis built vehicle.
5. Other Trusted Names
While CVM World specialises in Stellantis brands, we also understand that organisations sometimes consider other makes. Vehicles like the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remain well-known options in the used minibus market, offering their own mix of reliability and comfort. The VW Transporter is another to be considered.
There are a number of Minibus convertors throughout the UK and not everyone is equal. Here are our top tips when choosing a vehicle convertor.
When you consider top brands for reliable used Minibuses you must consider both the donor vehicle manufacturer and the Minibus convertor. Do your homework on both before you buy. As with a car, service history and documentation are important, as is the support you receive from the vehicle supplier.
Part of the Car, Van and Minibus World group (CVM World), we have been manufacturing Minibuses since 2007. Since then, over 5,000 vehicles have been through our factory in Knypersley, Staffordshire, in the heart of the country. This blog will hopefully convince you why choosing a Minibus from Minibus World is a great choice.
Manufacturer Approved – Minibus World is a Stellantis Pro-One Partner, the highest accolade that the manufacturer of Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and Citroen van convertors can receive. In addition, we are Type Approved by the VCA which means our vehicles have been tested for quality and safety.
Experience – with over 18 years’ experience of building Minibuses for Schools, Charities, Care Sector, Clubs and Societies, Public Transport, Community Transport and the Emergency Services; we know a thing or two about building a Minibus! Our skilled technicians understand building a Minibus inside and out, which results in consistent quality.
Quality – only Minibus World offer the CVM Advantage, 12 unique features which ensure our Minibuses stand head and shoulders above our competitors. The Advantage includes: 3 year conversion warranty, fully carpeted for durability and sound proofing, insulated and gloss white roof to retain heat and amplify light, colour coded seat piping and seatbelts to complement your brand.
Choice – at Minibus World we have a wide range of new and used vehicles, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric, in stock, so choosing a Minibus couldn’t be easier. Our new website is clear and easy to navigate, offering a wealth of information and images. And if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for – we will build it for you!
We could start by saying we’re a family business and we care about our customers, but you might respond ‘so what’. So, check out our Google reviews and website testimonials to see what our customers say. Our team are here to help, seriously. A Minibus is a big investment and it’s important to choose the right one for your organisation.
At Minibus World we’re with you every step of the way. From selecting your vehicle, what options you need, accessibility considerations, finance, insurance, signwriting and delivery. We’re a one-stop-shop for Minibuses.
You can view our range of vehicles for sale here.
How to operate your minibus side step is a common question we get asked every day, especially with the variety of options available. At Minibus World, we offer three types of side steps to suit different needs: a manual side step for straightforward use, an automatic sidestep for added convenience, and a twin fold-out sidestep designed for greater assisted access. Each type has its own benefits, and knowing how to use them correctly ensures safer, entering for all passengers.
1. Simply press the pedal located to the right of the side step to release it.
2. Board all passengers once the side step is ready.
3. To stow the side step, push tread in with a slight upward force with toes on the red line until it’s safely in place underneath the minibus.
1. Click the switch located to the right of the steering wheel to turn on the automatic side step.
2. Simply open the side door and the step will come out from underneath the minibus.
3. Once finished boarding, just close the side door and the step will return to underneath the bus.
1. To fold out the step, hold both left and right grab poles, slightly lift and pull out the side step.
2. Board passengers once the step is safely folded out.
3. To stow the fold out step away, simply hold both left and right grab poles and lift the step up until it’s safely back into place inside the minibus.
Understanding how to operate your minibus side step is essential for ensuring passenger safety and convenience. Whether you’re transporting children, elderly passengers, or individuals with mobility challenges, mastering the correct use of the Stayco side step is key to the operation of your minibus.
If you’re ready to upgrade your vehicle or need professional advice, click here to explore our range of minibus accessories and services.
A minibus is a significant investment, whether used for school transport, community services, or business purposes. Once you have chosen the one you want, diesel or electric, 9 or 17-seater, wheelchair access or not, make and model; how do you option your Minibus? Just like with a car, the right options can make the ownership experience more enjoyable and contribute to resale values and desirability.
At Minibus World we have a wide range of options to tailor your minibus for any adventure, be that carrying the football team, shuttling to and from school, airport runs or caring for the elderly. A Minibus World vehicle offers versatility for any situation and can be configured accordingly.
Here are our top 5 tips for choosing your optional extra’s on your minibus:
With a minibus passenger safety is a priority. A Minibus World minibus comes with individual seats and seatbelts, is a ‘type approved vehicle’ so tested to a high level and also our manufacturer partners produce safe vehicles. But you can always do more.
We offer a seatbelt alert system, grab style headrests, a safety pack with speed limit recognition, smart beam headlights, active safety brake, distance alert system and lane departure warning system. You can have ISOFIX, our safety kit which includes high vis jackets and torches and additional luggage straps. All our minibuses, new and used, are fully inspected prior to handing over to ensure they are safe and secure.
If you are planning long trips, at Minibus World we have a host of options to make the journey go quickly. Our comfort pack (available on Ford Transit Trend Model comes with cab air con, (including glove box), alarm, cruise, touchscreen sat nav, DAB digital radio/CD player, Bluetooth with USB). In addition we offer a stand-alone air conditioner and heater, diesel heater, tinted windows, fridge and more.
If you are planning longer trips in your minibus you will notice the difference in a Minibus World vehicle. Extra insulation, fully carpeted and a white reflective roof are just some of the details that make up the CVM World Advantage. Insulated from noise, heating retained for longer and a feeling of space, all important on a long trip.
Modern minibuses can have all the toys, from a dashcam to record incidents outside to CCTV to record incidents inside. Parking sensors and reversing camera, solar panels and upgraded navigation.
An approved tachograph can be fitted to commercial minibuses, navigation systems can also be upgraded.
We believe in mobility for everyone at Minibus World, so have developed a range of features to get everyone onboard. Starting with grab rails we move on to manual and electric steps, electric lifts for wheelchair accessibility and additional restraints to ensure all occupants are safely onboard.
To maximise indoor space we offer an underfloor lift, or alternatively if wheelchair access isn’t a priority we have both electric side and service doorsteps. Seats can also be specified with grab handles, for easy movement once inside the minibus, and folding handrails which protrude outside the side door for ease of access while ascending either the manual or electric step.
With a full minibus you might have lot of people with even more luggage. We have the solutions. From a roof rack and ladders to additional storage (lockable), overhead storage, quick release seating and foldable seats.
Specify from locking storage to a caged bulkhead, seat covers to protect from a muddy sports team, vinyl seating for easy wipe down or additional cant rails and restraint. Whatever your practical requirements, we can configure your minibus to suit you.
Since 2007 Car Van and Minibus World have been producing high quality Minibuses, Welfare Vans and other specialist vehicles from our factory in the heart of Staffordshire. We partner with Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroёn) and Ford to manufacture and supply a range of vehicles. We know how to help you option your Minibus.
Quality, reliability and responsiveness. We’re not just talking about our vehicles, but every aspect of partnering with Minibus World from Sales, Finance, Customer Care, Production and Aftersales. The CVM World Advantage also sets us aside from competitors.
We understand every customer has unique requirements and are big enough to be market leading, but remain flexible. If you value great advice, ongoing support and a business where quality and customer service come first, we are here waiting for your call at Minibus World.
