| With so many ATVs out there designed for different | | | | and see what sort of machines your fellow riders are |
| purposes deciding which one is right for you can be | | | | using. Get their opinions. An interesting all round |
| tough. This guide will help you determine what type | | | | machine that suits quite a few different |
| of ATV will be most suitable. It then goes on to | | | | environments is the Polaris 400 4x4 which has a 2 |
| explore what to look for in a used ATV to help you | | | | stroke engine (very unusual in a 4x4). A great all |
| make the right buying decision. | | | | round ATV for most trail blazers. It's biggest limitation |
| It never ceases to surprise me how many ATV | | | | is push and pull where a 4 stroke engine definitely |
| owners do little research before visiting a dealer or | | | | has an edge due to it's greater torque. |
| buying an ATV for sale online. Are they mad? A little | | | | What riding experience do you have? Make sure that |
| research will ensure you don't make the same | | | | the machine you buy matches your experience. If |
| mistake and enable you to get the machine that best | | | | you've never ridden an ATV before please book |
| fits your needs, abilities and budget. The more | | | | yourself on a proper and extensive training course. |
| research undertaken the happier you will be with | | | | It's a great investment and will help you get the |
| your purchase. More times than I care to | | | | most from yourself and your machine. |
| remmember I have made a purchase only to find a | | | | As I have expressed a preference for used ATV I |
| couple of weeks later a product that would have | | | | thought it would be helpful to put together a check |
| suited my needs much better. You simply can't | | | | list of things to look out for and check with the |
| afford to let that happen with an expensive product | | | | owner before you buy. |
| like an ATV or Four Wheeler. | | | | Start by checking there is a full service history. Don't |
| The first thing to consider is your budget. How much | | | | even go near a machine without a service history - |
| can you afford to spend on your ATV? If you | | | | you've been warned. |
| haven't previously owned one don't forget to make | | | | Electrics - check or ask if they all work and make |
| an allowance for the ancillary equipment that you'll | | | | sure there are no shorts, removed or damaged |
| need e.g. helmet, boots and gloves etc and a proper | | | | accessories. |
| training course. Your budget will determine whether | | | | Wheels - Check/Ask about the condition of rims - |
| you should buy new or used although my preference | | | | damaged rims are a sign that the bike has taken it's |
| would always be a used ATV as there are plenty of | | | | share of knocks and bumps. |
| great deals available ATVs available and you don't | | | | Bodywork - Check/Ask about damage to bodywork |
| take such a hit on vehicle depreciation. | | | | and check things like flaps, instruments and levers. |
| The next most important consideration is the | | | | Rear Axle - Check/Ask if there are leaking seals and |
| intended use of the ATV. You are unlikely to want a | | | | the level and condition of the oil. Watery or muddy |
| 4 stroke 4x4 if you are looking for a machine that is | | | | looking oil is a sign that there is a problem with seals. |
| suitable for racing. Likewise you won't want a 2 | | | | Front Axle - Here you want to check/ask if there |
| stroke lightweight racing machine for towing things | | | | are loose steering joints, excessive bearing wear or |
| around the farm. This might sound obvious and it is | | | | suspension link movement. |
| obvious but I've lost count of the number of times | | | | Engine - Surprisingly ATV engines don't cause that |
| I've seen machines bought that did not meet the | | | | many problems but watch out for, or ask about, |
| owners requirements (especially online purchases). | | | | smoking exhausts (sign of worn valves). Clattery |
| So for towing and farm work check out 4x4 | | | | noises heard whilst revving can point towards a worn |
| machines. These are the most expensive new so a | | | | camshaft or drive. Again notice the condition of the |
| used atv can save a couple of thousand dollars but | | | | oil. If it is dark and thick it has not been changed with |
| remember to use the checklist below to make sure | | | | sufficient regularity. |
| everything is in order before you buy. In my opinion | | | | Who owns it? ATVs are stolen all the time so always |
| Arctic Cat make some of the best 4x4 machines. | | | | examine the engine and chassis number and check |
| If its a speed machine that your looking for you'll | | | | that no financing is in place by doing an online check. |
| want to be looking at Yamaha and Kawasaki who | | | | This can uncover if a used atv is stolen, accident |
| produce some awesome models that balance power | | | | damaged, had a registration transfer or has |
| and speed with good handling. | | | | outstanding finance. |
| There is also a need to take account of your local | | | | Follow these simple guidelines and you will greatly |
| riding conditions. Where do you intend to ride your | | | | reduce the risks of choosing the wrong used ATV |
| ATV? If you don't know check out the local trails | | | | for you needs and avoid buying a pup. |