How to Buy a Good Used ATV? 

Choosing a vehicle that suits your goals isn’t easy, especially when the market offers such a variety of models that can fit almost any budget. However, for those outdoor enthusiasts who wish to test the waters without breaking the bank, the most reliable solution would be to purchase a used vehicle.

The biggest advantage of quad bikes is that they tend not to wear down as quickly as other vehicles. So, you can expect a used ATV to be nearly as good as a brand-new model. If you can provide proper maintenance to your quad, you’ll get a chance to win a killer deal and save a lot of money.

So, there is a checklist to help you out when you decide to buy a used ATV.

1. Check the Body of the ATV

Inspect the plastic of the vehicle you are interested in and make sure there are no signs of cracks or any serious damage.

2. Check the Handlebars

Under no circumstances should you purchase an ATV with bent handlebars, as this is a sure sign that the vehicle has been in a road accident.

3. Check the Tires

If the model you would like to purchase requires a new set of tires, make sure the cost of this replacement is accounted for. Therefore, look for any cracks or missing chunks of rubber, indicating that the machine wasn’t maintained very well.

4. Check the Oil and the Oil Filter

You want to know the color of the oil, and how dirty it is. As much as you can help it, avoid vehicles that have metallic particles in the oil.

It may not be a deal-breaker, but still avoid ATVs that have opaque black fluids running in their systems, as this is a sign of maltreatment on part of the previous owner, which might cost you a pretty penny shortly ahead.

5. Make Sure You Are Satisfied With the Vehicle’s Modifications

There is nothing wrong with a brand-new ATV storage box or big, prominent bumpers that add up to the performance of the vehicle. However, what you should look out for is that these accessories do not affect the way the ATV rides at the expense of some of its crucial parts. Make sure the removed or replaced components do not damage the integrity of your quad.

6. Check the Battery

If it takes some time to start the engine, the battery isn’t in its best condition. It’s also worth bringing along your own battery to test whether the problem is just a dead battery, or there are any other serious issues.

7. Make Sure There Are No Unusual Engine Sounds

Avoid the quad with any sign of tapping noises inside the engine, signifying that it is pretty well worn out.

8. Look Out for Smoke Coming Out of the Exhaust

You don’t want to see black smoke, as this is a sure sign that there is an issue, which possibly requires costly repairs.

Before making a purchase, do some research and figure out what different ATV models are worth out there on the market. It’s also worth mentioning that used vehicles offered for sale along with their accessories might cost a great deal more. Therefore, be prepared that vehicles equipped with ATV gas cans or ATV cargo boxes are more expensive. But if you buy a bare-bones quad, you can always enhance its performance with CFMOTO accessories.