What to Do Before You Buy a Used ATV
Buying a used ATV (also known as a quad or four-wheeler) allows you to get the vehicle you want at a much more affordable price. Thanks to depreciation, you can knock hundreds or thousands of dollars off of the initial asking price! This can allow you to get a higher quality four-wheeler than you could afford new.
But you'll need to do some proactive research and work in order to get a quality used ATV. Not all used rigs are a worthwhile investment. We've created the following guide to help you navigate the various quads on the market and determine which one is a good deal. Visit Nielsen Enterprises when you are ready to shop ATVs for sale near Lake Villa, Illinois.
Learn About the ATV's History
A quality ATV dealer will have plenty of information on a given model. Get a copy of the maintenance records and look for things such as large repairs after a crash. See if the ATV had regular maintenance or if the past owner failed to keep up with the important maintenance tasks (which could result in issues down the road). Learn as much as you can about the quad's history, such as how often the past owner rode it and what kind of terrain the four-wheeler frequented. You will also want to get a copy of the PIN so you can do your own research.
Examine the ATV
It's important to thoroughly inspect any models you are considering buying. You want to ensure the quad is going to run well (or that your budget can handle the cost of any needed repairs). You may want to hire a professional since they can find things the average buyer misses.
If you do the inspection, start with the oil. Dirty oil that hasn't been changed in a while suggests poor past maintenance and there could be other maintenance issues lurking beneath the surface. See if there is any evidence of rust, dents, or other damage. These problems can be expensive to fix and can lead to more problems later. Make sure any modifications or upgrades have been handled correctly. Sometimes people install upgrades that are not compatible with the quad or cause problems. For example, they might add a new exhaust to increase horsepower. But if they didn't adjust the carburetor, the engine could run too hot and eventually fail.
Go for a Test Drive
A model may look ready to go, but still suffer from performance problems. That's why it's important to test out the quad to ensure there are no hidden issues. Ask the ATV dealer if you can go for a test drive.
While you cruise around, be on alert for red flags. Does the vehicle not start right away? Does the exhaust emit a concerning amount of smoke? Does it turn to one side as you ride? These are all potential issues.
If the four-wheeler rides well, then the final step is to ensure it rides well for you. Are your height and arm span compatible with the quad? Or are you stretching or shrinking yourself to fit. Does the power potential match your experience level or do you need something more/less powerful?
We hope you found this guide helpful! When you are ready to explore ATVs for sale near Chicago, head over to Nielsen Enterprises. If you aren't sure which model is for you, let our expert staff help. We can find you the right ATV for your lifestyle and budget, so stop by today! We also proudly serve those in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.