Buyers Tips
Tips For Buying A Used ATV
Why Buy A Used ATV
If you are looking to buy a used ATV then you have come to the right place! Buying a used ATV can be a risky yet extremely rewarding endeavor and if you play your cards right you can save thousands of dollars and end up with a great machine that will last for years. But buyers beware if you miss a few basic warning signs you could end up with a lot of headache and costly repair bills that will make you wish you had just bought new. To help you avoid making a bad purchase check out the tips below on what you should look for and consider when buying a used ATV.
The Tires
The condition of the tires should be noted when inspecting a used ATV. If the tires have started to crack then they are less safe to drive on and should be replaced fairly soon. Keep in mind that paying for a new set of decent ATV tires is going to set you back at least $400 bucks. This could be a good negotiating point as tires are easy to replace and you would likely want to upgrade them eventually anyway.
Ball Joints and Bearings
Next check the ball joints and bearings. They tend to wear out over time and can cost you nearly $150 each to have professionally replaced. If you can bring a jack and jack one side of the ATV up. Then grab the lifted tire at the top and bottom and rock it in and out feeling for play. Any play here is a sure sign worn bearings or ball joints and should be noted.
Shocks
When buying a used ATV you will want to check the shocks for any leakage. Typically a worn shock will start to leak oil around the top and this leaked oil tends to collect dust. Worn out shocks can not only make for a bumpy ride but they can cause your ATV to be less stable. Keep in mind that having new shocks professionally installed can cost you well over $100 each. The state of the shocks can be a good bargaining point when negotiating a price.
CV Boots
CV boots play a vital role in keeping grease inside the CV joints while keeping dirt and water out. If the CV boots show visible signs of crack or tears then there is a good chance that the rotating CV joints inside have been damaged. You want to thoroughly check all boots and note any damage you may find. CV joints can easily cost you over $200 each to have professionally installed. damaged joints should be a factor when negotiating a price or deciding if you want to buy.
Engine Leaks
Engine oil leaks can be costly to repair and may indicate that a machine has been poorly maintained. You will want to check the obvious places like the head gasket and valve covers for any signs of fresh oil that could indicate a leak. If you can, subtly have the seller reveal where the ATV is typically parked. Then you can inspect the area and possibly find signs of oil leaks on the ground. Pay close attention as their possibly may be signs of trying to cover up a leak like freshly brushed gravel. If the head gasket is leaking and the owner has tried to cover it up then you probably want to just walk away
Check The Oils
Checking the oils is a simple step that can quickly tell you a lot about the machines maintenance and current state. Check the engine oil dip stick and ensure the oil is filled to the proper level. A low-level measurement could suggest low-level maintenance. You will also want to carefully examine the oil for any small metal shavings. The presence of metallic particle could indicate severe internal damage. Repeat the same for the transmission oils as well. If you find severely low levels or any indication of metallic particles then you should probably walk away from the deal.
Air Filter
When buying a used ATV you will definitely want to check out the status of the air filter. This can be an easy indicator of the level of maintenance the machine has received. If you open up the intake box and see a rats nest or a horribly dirty air filter then you know the owner does poor maintenance. If someone cannot do as much as keep a clean air filter then you know they have likely neglected all other maintenance.
Run a VIN Check
So you have done your homework and determined that the ATV is in good condition and the price is right. The final step you want to complete before going into negotiations is to run a comprehensive VIN check to determine if the ATV is stolen. Any serious and honest seller should be willing to let you complete this check. Any hesitation by the seller should be a red flag and you should walk away. Do not let them rush you by saying that you have to decide right away or it is going away soon as those should be clear indications that something is not right. For quick and reasonably priced online VIN check we recommend our friends at VIN Check Pro
Bill Of Sale
When you purchase a used ATV you always want to make sure you get a legal Bill of Sale that clearly defines the sale and purchase of the ATV. As the buyer, this protects you from someone trying to make a false claim against ownership of the ATV and provides an excellent paper trail. In some states, an ATV Bill of Sale can be used to register your ATV and get an OHV license. Click Here to download a customized Bill of Sale from our friends at eForms now!
Conclusion
I hope you found these tips on buying a used ATV helpful! Hopefully, they can help you avoid any a headache when you decide to pull the trigger and make that purchase. Now that you have some extra cash from deciding to purchase a used ATV its time to upgrade! If you are looking for some awesome ATV accessory ideas head over to our list of 18 Must Have ATV Accessories.
