Purchasing an used all terrain vehicle is a serious undertaking. With the economy in the shape that it’s in, many four wheeler owners are looking to unload their atv’s for extra cash. All used four wheeler buyers should beware though. The last thing you want is to buy someone elses problems.
When using the used four wheeler buying tips below, you can help ensure that you won’t be laying down your cold hard cash for someone elses problem.
The first thing you’ll want to do is check out the tires. You’re going to check to see if they’re worn. This could indicate tires that need replaced or an ATV that has been abused. Also, if the tread is worn down, you’ll looking at the purchase of four new atv tires!
It’s always a good idea to take a friend with you when looking at an ATV. If it can be done, find a way to lift the ATV so you can see the underside. Make sure to look at all the shock points and check for any rust or damaged areas. This includes cracks in the frame. Look for signs of fresh paint.This may mean a recent repair.
When {buying|purchasing} a used 4×4 atv, check out the cv joint boots. If they are cracked, this can allow water to get inside. This will cause rust and lead to major damage, which leads to major repair cost!
Check the engine oil as well as the oil in the differentials. Chocolate colored oil, or milky looking oil, means water. This could lead to a whole host of problems.
Worn sprockets will show excessive wear on one side. The same is true if the sprockets have a hook appearance. Worn sprockets are no fun and need replaced.
You’ll want to check the wheel bearings for excessive wear. This is where a set of jack stands will come in handy. Do this on the front and back. Bad bearings will eventually lead to spindle damage. Bearings are known to go out when you’re furthest from the trail head.
Move the handle bars back and forth to check for worn tie rod ends. These can be expensive to replace.
If you don’t know what the air box is or where it’s located, get educated. This is one area you need to check out. To find the air box on most models, simply look beneath the seat. What you don’t want to see is a bunch of dirt or water inside the air box. This is bad news.
Don’t forget to check for rust in the gas tank. You check for this by taking a flashlight and shining it into the tank. Rust in the gas tank isn’t good news. It means there was water in there at one time.
Check the electrical system by turning on the lights. You also should make sure any cigarrete lighter plug works. These are used for accessories.
Once you’re done checking out the machine, take it for a ride. Listen for any unusual noise. Note how it handles and be on the lookout for any loose parts.
The exhaust should have a spark arrestor. Many owners remove these. However, National Forest and other public trails require spark arrestor’s to be in place. Owners without them can be fined and prevented from riding in these places.
Another important thing you want to check is the age of the atv itself. You may be able to pick up older atv’s inexpensively, but many times you’ll have difficulty in locating discount atv parts for these older machines. If you can try to stick with atv’s that are only a few years old.
Follow these used atv buying tips and you’ll increase your chances of purchasing a quality used atv that will give you many years of service. They’re not hard to follow. You just need to remain focused and don’t let the Seller pressure you into making a rush decision or ignoring the tips above.
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