11 Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a Used ATV
ATVs are one of the most thrilling and efficient investments you could ever make in your lifetime.
"Thrilling" because it opens the gateway for a hobby of off-roading and course racing with an adrenaline rush you won't get anywhere else.
"Efficient" because you'll never have to worry about hauling heavy things to-and-from ever again.
Regardless of your intended use of it (hopefully more of the former), you can find an ATV that fits in your price range thanks to the inventory of a used ATV.
They all need a home, but here are some tips on how to find the right one for you!
1. Search for a Quote Online
Did you know that Kelley Blue Book, the same company that quotes used car prices, also quotes used ATV prices?
This can be a very valuable resource to you if you know the make and model you're looking for.
Have this ready to present to the seller at the point of purchase and see if they can match its price, most will!
2. Purchase In Cash
This is the same technique as you would use when going to buy a used car from a dealership.
Typically, having cash-in-hand shows a) how serious you are about potentially walking out with a used ATV and b) gives a definitive budget that the seller has to stay below.
One thing to think about: an ATV costs more than your bank will probably allow you to withdraw in one day, so be prepared and adjust accordingly.
3. Thoroughly Inspect the Tires
You've always heard horror stories of car tires cracking and aging poorly... used ATV tires are no different.
Because of that, you'll want to make sure the current tires of the used ATV you purchase are in great shape.
Bring a flashlight with you while you shop around in-person. Shine it on each tire, paying special attention to each tread block and possible cracks forming around it.
4. Patience Is a Virtue
Many people searching for a used ATV make the mistake of giving themselves an almost-immediate time window to buy one.
Meaning that they expect to have the used ATV of their dreams test-driven, purchased, and finalized within the week that they begin their search.
The reality is that finding the perfect fit for you will most likely take more time than that. If you rush to purchase an ATV right away, then you're at the mercy of the inventory that's currently available.
However, your dream ATV may only be a week or two away from being in-stock at your local dealership.
The point is, don't rush yourself into an ATV that doesn't seem like the perfect fit, it's only a matter of time until the right one comes along!
5. Check Out the Shocks' Condition
One area of the used ATV that goes often overlooked in the buying process is the checking on the conditions of the shocks.
This doesn't have to be a super-elaborate process. Merely look for any wet areas near the top of the shock.
If you notice any signs of it being wet, run your finger on it to check for oil. If you find oil, that means the shock is near the end of its life and needs to be replaced
6. Buy In the Off-Season
If you're relatively new (or completely new) to the ATV community, you may not know that the ATV season typically ranges from Spring to Fall.
That means that when the snow starts to fall, the pricing of an ATV may fall slightly, which will obviously help you out.
It will also increase the used ATV inventory on most dealerships as they purchase from ATV owners that resell them during the off-season.
7. Inspect the Engine
You don't have to be an ATV expert to know the engine is vitally important.
If you're buying from a dealership, this isn't as much of a worry. But, if you want to just give yourself peace-of-mind, check the engine with a clean rag.
Simply wipe it around the head and valve covers, if oil comes off of it, then the gasket is near the end of its life... which can be around a $200-$300 fix.
8. Look Beyond the Big Brands
Everyone knows about the Hondas, Polaris's, and Yamaha's of the ever-growing ATV community... Which is why those are the brands that everyone flocks to.
If it's your first time owning an ATV, and you don't have sworn allegiance to one particular brand, it would be advantageous to get a lesser-known brand at a cheaper price.
9. Inspect the Brakes
Take your handy-dandy flashlight and check the brake pads on any ATV you're interested in.
Do they look worn? Are they significantly thinner than most?
That's a sign that they either need fixing OR replacing soon enough, which will be around a $120 expense.
10. Check for Signs of Poor Upkeep
It's always tough to determine what level of consistent maintenance has been done to an ATV that's polished and under the bright lights.
However, check the air clean cover for the current condition of the air filter.
Because filters are an easy and inexpensive fix, you can take its current condition as a sign of the former owner's prioritization or lackadaisical attention to keep it in great shape.
11. Never Buy with a Loan
While it seems like an easy fix to get the dream ATV you've always wanted, a loan will have you paying much more over time.
Stick with the cash-in-hand technique to get a better deal AND stay within the budget you've set for yourself.
Dealers want you to find an ATV that you'll be happy with for years to come, and the price you're paying will play a huge factor in that.
A Used ATV Dealership You Can Trust
Shopping for a used ATV is an exciting time, soon you'll have the 4-wheel monster you've always wanted!
Be sure to check out this article on essential ATV safety tips to equip yourself with more things to be mindful of during your search.
For more inquiries, please reach out by phone at 618-327-4005.
