Purchasing A Pre-Owned ATV

A brand new 2007 ATV with all the bells and whistles is out of reach for most of us. We occasionally have to start off by buying used automobiles, motorbikes, or any other large vehicle for fun or pleasure, just as we do with cars, motorcycles, or any other large vehicle for recreation or pleasure. There’s nothing wrong with buying a secondhand vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV. If you’re going to buy secondhand, you’ll need to know what to look for, especially if it’s a vehicle like an ATV, where you know the prior owner may have subjected it to some severe trail abuse. Before you start scouring the ads, you’ll need to make a few considerations.

What is the purpose of the ATV? ATVs for adults are built differently than those for children. Do you intend to use the ATV solely for leisure purposes? Do you want to race or just go off-roading with your family for fun? Do you wish to utilize your ATV for utility purposes?

If you’ve never bought an ATV before, the best place to start is at a local dealership. You may not be able to afford one off the showroom floor, but you can still go look and get information from the dealer. You may ‘try’ the various ATV classes at the showroom. Sit in a few to get a feel for how they fit; each ATV is unique, and you may discover that some are more comfortable than others. Even if you’re testing out newer models, there won’t be much of a difference between them and previous models.

You’ll have a better notion of what make and model you’re searching for in a used ATV after gathering all the information you can from the dealership. Check to see if the dealership has a bulletin board with additional ATV resources while you’re there. If you contact a club or other group, they may be able to connect you with people who are looking to sell ATVs. Classified advertising and specialist classified periodicals, such as those for vehicles and motorbikes, will be useful resources as well. The internet is, of course, the best place to look for secondhand autos. eBay, for example, will undoubtedly have a lot to offer, you won’t be able to see the ATV up close.

When you discover the ATV you want to buy, make sure you check it out in person. Take notice of the condition of the plastic on the fenders when you first see the ATV. The ATV’s general look will give you a decent indication of how well it was cared for by its former owner. You can guarantee that if the fenders or other plastic pieces are cracked or wrecked, you’ll have to replace them, and replacement parts and accessories are costly. If components do need to be replaced, you must consider how much you are willing to spend on renovating the ATV. Look for any rips or tears in the seat’s fabric.Again, a torn seat isn’t a major issue and is easily fixed, but do you want to pay the extra cash to do so?

The following section of the inspection will need some effort. To examine the undercarriage, you’ll need to lift the front end of the ATV up. Examine the frame for any damage while the ATV is elevated. Make that the frame and any connecting welds are free of cracks and dents. Make a note of any rusty places and inspect them for cracks as well. Check the handlebars for any slack, and the same goes for each wheel. Worn wheel bearings or broken ball joints might be the cause of loose wheels. Check the oil, brakes, air filter, and air box, among other things.

Inquire whether the owner has any records of oil changes and upkeep. Some owners may be able to provide you with a copy of the owner’s manual. If you have the opportunity, take the ATV for a test drive to see how it handles.

Finally, if your state requires a title, inquire if the owner has one and if it is clear. A bill of sale including the VIN (vehicle identifying number) is required in most jurisdictions. Whether your state mandates a bill of sale or not, having one is usually a good idea to protect both you and the previous owner in the event of a dispute. Be aware that, in most circumstances, you are purchasing the ATV “as is,” which means the previous owner is not liable for any issues you discover after you have purchased and brought it home.