Can a Civilian Buy an Ambulance? Complete Guide

Hi! Want to know if you can buy an ambulance? The answer is yes! This big guide will help you learn all about owning an ambulance as a civilian. We’ll look at rules, costs, and what you can do with one.

What You Will Learn

• If civilians can legally buy ambulances
• Where to find ambulances for sale
• How much ambulances cost
• What to do with an ambulance after you buy it
• Important legal rules to know

Can Regular People Buy Ambulances?

Yes! Regular people can buy and own ambulances. You don’t need to be part of an emergency service to have one. But there are rules you need to follow.

Types of Ambulances Civilians Can Buy

There are different kinds of ambulances you can buy:

1. Retired civilian ambulances from cities or private companies
2. Military ambulances like HMMWV (Humvee) models
3. Used ambulances from online sellers
4. New ambulances (but these cost a lot more)

Important Facts About Civilian Ambulance Ownership

Where to Find Ambulances for Sale

You can find ambulances in many places:

1. Government Auctions

Look for retired ambulances from:

• City fire departments
• County EMS services
• Military surplus sales (for Humvee ambulances)

2. Private Sellers

Check these places:

• Online marketplaces
• Specialty vehicle dealers
• Ambulance Medical Support Vehicles dealers

3. New Ambulance Dealers

If you want a brand new one:

• Contact ambulance manufacturers
• Visit Zero Emission Electric Ambulance dealers for modern options
• Talk to Emergency Medical Services suppliers

How Much Do Ambulances Cost?

The price of an ambulance can change a lot:

Used Ambulances

• Retired civilian: $5,000-$50,000
• Military HMMWV: $28,000-$200,000
• Older models: Even less, but may need repairs

New Ambulances

• Basic models: $80,000-$150,000
• Advanced models: $150,000-$300,000
• Custom builds: Can cost even more

Remember: Prices went up 50% since 2020 because of supply issues and higher costs for parts.

Legal Rules for Owning an Ambulance

When you buy an ambulance, you need to know these rules:

1. You must remove or cover emergency lights in most states
2. You can’t use sirens on public roads
3. You need to take off emergency markings like “911” or “EMS”
4. You need regular car insurance (which might cost more)
5. You need a regular driver’s license (no special license needed)

What Can You Do With Your Ambulance?

People use civilian ambulances for lots of things:

Popular Uses

• Mobile home conversion
• Food truck or coffee shop
• Camping vehicle
• Mobile business office
• Film production vehicle
• Festival support vehicle

Things to Think About

• Gas mileage is not good (8-10 MPG for bigger models)
• Parking can be hard because they’re big
• Repairs might be hard to find for some parts
• Insurance might cost more than regular cars

Questions to Ask Before Buying

When looking at an ambulance, ask these things:

1. “How many miles does it have?”
2. “Does it have a clean title?”
3. “What maintenance records do you have?”
4. “Are there any leaks or engine problems?”
5. “Has it been in any accidents?”
6. “Why are you selling it?”

Special Types of Ambulances

There are different kinds of ambulances with special features:

Type I Ambulances

• Built on truck chassis
• Have separate cab and patient box
• Best for rough terrain

Type II Ambulances

• Built on van chassis
• All one piece design
• Good for city use

Type III Ambulances

• Van cab with custom box on back
• Most common type
• Good balance of space and size

Military Ambulances

• Like HMMWV M997 models
• Very tough and good off-road
• Can be bought through surplus sales

Steps to Buy an Ambulance

Follow these steps to buy your own ambulance:

1. Decide what type you want
2. Set your budget
3. Search online and at auctions
4. Inspect any ambulance before buying
5. Check the title and history
6. Negotiate the price
7. Arrange transportation
8. Register it as a regular vehicle
9. Get insurance
10. Remove emergency markings and equipment

Common Problems With Used Ambulances

Be ready for these common issues:

• High miles (many have 200,000+ miles)
• Electrical problems from added equipment
• Rust in older models
• Leaks in the patient compartment
• Engine wear from long idle times
• Poor fuel economy
• Hard-to-find parts for older models

Converting Your Ambulance

Many people change their ambulance into something new:

Conversion Ideas

• Tiny home on wheels
• Mobile workshop
• Camping vehicle
• Food service truck
• Mobile business
• Film production support

Basic Conversion Steps

1. Remove all medical equipment
2. Clean and sanitize everything
3. Repair any damage
4. Plan your new layout
5. Add furniture and equipment
6. Update electrical systems if needed
7. Paint inside and outside

Are Ambulances Good Vehicles?

Ambulances have good and bad points:

Good Things

• Very strong build
• Lots of storage space
• Electrical systems already installed
• Durable parts
• Standing room inside
• Often have good maintenance records

Bad Things

• Poor gas mileage (8-10 MPG)
• Can be hard to park
• Repairs can be expensive
• Insurance might cost more
• Loud to drive
• Might look strange in your driveway

Final Thoughts

Buying an ambulance as a civilian is definitely possible. They can make great project vehicles or unusual rides. Just remember to follow the laws in your area and be ready for higher costs to run one.

With ambulance prices up 50% since 2020, it’s important to shop carefully and know what you’re getting. But for the right person, owning an ambulance can be a fun and unique experience!

Extra Tips for Ambulance Buyers

1. Join online groups for ambulance owners
2. Get a mechanic to check before buying
3. Look for models from reputable brands
4. Check if your neighborhood allows parking large vehicles
5. Make sure your garage is big enough (if you have one)
6. Learn about your state’s rules for retired emergency vehicles
7. Consider heating and cooling costs for the large space
8. Look into Mobile Medical Support Vehicles for modern alternatives