| You're in the market to buy an ATV (all-terrain | | | | offer. He/she will likely begin telling you it's worth |
| vehicle) and you're not sure where to find a cheap | | | | more than that, it's not your job to agree with the |
| ATV bargain, or even what it will look like when you | | | | owner, it's your job to convince the owner you may |
| find it. You're not alone, in fact over the past two | | | | walk away unless the price is lowered. A good |
| years as editor of I've received countless emails, | | | | method of lowering the price is by pointing out the |
| forum messages and PMs from people asking me if | | | | flaws, even a perfect ATV has flaws, even if it's in |
| an ATV they are interested in is a good bargain. | | | | mint condition you can seem saddened that it's the |
| Step #1 - Be patient, the ONLY way to recognize a | | | | wrong color or has the wrong tires which will make |
| cheap price or great bargain on a used ATV is to | | | | you spend more money etc. Focus on the negative, |
| take the time required to get a good understanding | | | | let the owner focus on the positive and hold your |
| of the current market value for the particular ATV | | | | ground. |
| you're interested in. Different ATV brands sell at | | | | Step #8 - Bring a friend when inspecting the ATV, |
| different prices from model to model and year to | | | | two sets of eyes trying to find flaws is better that |
| year. | | | | one. Two voices keeping the owner thinking is better |
| Step #2 - Know which ATV you want to buy. Its | | | | than one. Two personalities for the owner to try and |
| much easier to find a bargain on an ATV when | | | | get a read on is better than one. Just make sure the |
| you're actively monitoring just one or two particular | | | | friend doesn't wreck the sale by being too |
| models, if you don't choose the type of ATV you're | | | | enthusiastic or worse, having him agree with the |
| going to buy in advance, the ATV will choose you. | | | | owner and not you. Don't let the friend join the |
| Narrow down your search, be specific. | | | | seller's side because if that happens you need to run |
| Step #3 - Join an ATV forum and ask for member | | | | away quickly or your money will get left behind. |
| feedback, in fact join several and don't be afraid to | | | | Step #9 - If the deal is not an in-person transaction, |
| speak your mind and voice your concerns. If other | | | | and being paid cash in full, consider using an escrow |
| members have owned a particular ATV model and | | | | company like When a middle man handles the financial |
| know that it has specific traits you need to be aware | | | | part of the bargain BOTH parties are protected to a |
| of they'll let you know, the seller won't. | | | | greater degree. Escrow companies also help you |
| Step #4 - Take notes. Watch places that sell ATVs | | | | make every step clear, you'll know what to expect |
| regularly and take note of the prices being reached, | | | | next. When you use escrow you can also have an |
| the real prices, not the asking prices. eBay Motors is | | | | ATV inspected and the funds will be released only |
| a great help with this, you can sort auctions by | | | | after the ATV passes inspection by a qualified |
| ending soonest and filter your search to your specific | | | | mechanic. The seller is protected because the funds |
| model, do this for a week and watch the final prices | | | | won't be returned to you either unless the seller |
| closely. Write them down, the longer you watch the | | | | confirms the ATV has been returned. |
| more accurate your expected price range will | | | | Step #10 - This final tip is one that I've seen being |
| become. | | | | used more often and so i'll mention it as well but I |
| Step #5 - Ask for what you want. Sites like Craigslist | | | | personally feel it's a shady tactic, legal, but not my |
| and employee bulletin boards allow you to post free | | | | cup of tea. Have a friend make an appointment to |
| messages saying that you're looking to buy a specific | | | | see the ATV before you do. Let your friend get a |
| item. State the type of ATV you're looking for as | | | | read on the ATV owner, the ATV and perhaps see |
| well as the price you're willing to pay and its possible | | | | how rigid the owner is with price. Your friend can |
| that someone contacts you with an ATV that wasn't | | | | then report back to you before you inspect the |
| for sale otherwise. | | | | ATV and you'll be better prepared to close the deal |
| Step #6 - Compare, compare, compare. BEFORE you | | | | by knowing more about the seller. If your friend |
| spend your money is the time to compare ATV | | | | offers a ridiculous price, 50% off for example, the |
| features, pros and cons. Spend a little more time in | | | | owner would likely turn it down and the friend can |
| your favorite ATV forums just reading what others | | | | then ask "what's your lowest price?". You'll then |
| think of the ATV you're interested in. A good tip | | | | know to offer slightly less than the lowest price and |
| here is to avoid forums dedicated to just one brand | | | | hold your ground. |
| because you will only read biased reviews. ATV | | | | Buying an ATV is both fun and filled with risk. Make |
| Forums dedicated to one brand only are better | | | | sure the seller has the paperwork and title and |
| known as clubs, you want reviews, not a club. | | | | remember that there are three distinct events taking |
| Step #7 - Negotiate. No price is set in stone, In | | | | place. A money negotiation, a vehicle inspection and a |
| general I recommend knocking off 25% as your | | | | battle of wits to get the other party to give you a |
| opening offer and expect the owner to not like your | | | | better deal. |