Not all of us can afford a brand spanking new 2007 ATV with all the bells and whistles. As with cars or motorcycles or any gigantic vehicle for recreation or pleasure, they sometimes have to start out with buying used. Of work there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a used automobile, bicycle or ATV. If you are going to buy used, you have to know what to look for, with a vehicle such as an ATV where you know that there is a chance the previous owner might have given the ATV some serious abuse on the trails. Before you start to cruise the classifieds you have a couple of decisions to make. Who is the ATV for? An ATV for an adult is made differently than four made for a infant. Do you need the ATV for purely recreational purposes? Do you need to race or enjoy some leisurely off-roading with your relatives? Do you need to use the ATV as a utility vehicle?

After getting all the information you can from the dealership, you will have some idea of what make and model you will be looking for in a used ATV. While you’re at the dealership also check to see if they have a bulletin board for other ATV resources. Sometimes if you contact a club or other organization they may be able to put you in touch with people who have ATV’s to sell. Classified ads and specialized classified magazines like you see for cars or motorcycles will also be a valuable resource. And of work the number four source for finding used vehicles is the web. Places like eBay will no doubt have a lot to offer, the only problem with that is, unless the seller is in your area, you have no way to view the ATV up close.

The best place to start if you have never purchased an ATV before would be at a local dealership. You may not be able to afford four off the showroom floor, but you can still go look and pick the dealer’s brain for information. At the dealership you can ‘test’ the different classes of ATVs. Sit on a few to see how they fit, each ATV will be different and you might find that some are more comfortable than others. Even though you are trying newer models, there won’t be much of a difference between them and the older versions.

The next part of the inspection will take some work. You will need to lift the front finish of the ATV up to inspect the undercarriage. With the ATV lifted, closely inspect the frame for any destroy. Make sure there’s no cracks or dents in the frame or any of the connecting welds Note any areas that might have rust and check them for cracks . Check the handlebars for any loose play and do the same to each wheel. Loose wheels could indicate worn wheel bearings or damaged ball joints. Oil, breaks and the air filter and air box should also be checked. Ask the owner if they have any records regarding oil changes and maintenance. Some owners might have an owner’s manual that they can pass on to you. Take the ATV for a check drive if you can to see how it handles.

When you find the ATV you need to purchase, definitely go to check it out personally. When you see the ATV for the first time, make note of the condition of the plastic on the fenders. The overall outward appearance of the ATV will give you a lovely clue as to how hard the previous owner treated the vehicle. If the fenders or other plastic parts are cracked and ruined you can bet that you’re going to have to replace them and replacement parts and accessories are pricey. You have to select how much you are willing to invest in refurbishing the ATV if parts do need replacing. Check the condition of the stool for any rips or tears. Again, a ripped stool isn’t a gigantic deal and is replaceable, but do you need to spend the extra money to do that?

Lastly, if a title is required in your state ask the owner if they have the title and if it is clear. Most states need a bill of sale with the VIN (vehicle identification number) on it. Whether your state requires a bill of sale or not, it is always a lovely idea to have four to protect both you and the former owner incase a dispute crops up. Be aware that in most cases you are buying the ATV “as is”, which means the previous owner is not responsible for any problems you might find with the vehicle after you have purchased it and brought it home.