Whether you’re planning your family outing or gearing up for an adventure with your friends, ATVs provide reliable transportation no matter what the terrain. If you are planning to ride your ATV/UTV on the street, check out this guide first. Their versatility makes them a go-to vehicle for many adventurers. If you’re thinking of buying one, it’s important to know all the facts, including whether you should buy a used ATV.
The answer is not always simple. Some things to consider are your budget limitations, how often you plan on using the vehicle, and who will use it. Paying for a new ATV may be an easy way to go, but you should consider whether or not that’s the best choice for your budget. Know how often you plan to take it out, and how much maintenance you’ll need to make sure it lasts long enough. If you’re looking for a model that is particularly easy to ride and maintain, a used ATV may be the better choice.
When it comes to buying a used ATV, there are different things to take into consideration before deciding on that perfect machine for you or your family members’ needs, but here are a few tips on how one can buy a used UTV or ATV for cheap.
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Where Can You Find Used UTVs and ATVs?
Although it may seem like a bargain, buying a used ATV is not the same as buying a used car. In fact, buying a used UTV is typically a better deal than a new one. The cost of a new ATV or UTV will depreciate slowly over time, depending on how many years it’s been used. Usually, they depreciate by $500 as soon as they get purchased. Then over time, the depreciation slowly decreases.
There are many people out there who are willing to spend $1,000 less than the brand new price one would get for a used UTV. The price would stay just about the same for a few years before actually losing value. These vehicles typically don’t wear down as quickly as cars do. That is why UTVs and ATVs depreciate slower than cars.
Ultimately, the most vital thing about buying used ATVs and UTVs is to be patient. One can always find some really good deals if they spend a few months – such as during off-season – searching through Craigslist, ATV Classifieds, ATVtrader.com, online marketplaces and other local marketplaces.
How to Search for a Used UTV or ATV?
When searching for used UTVs or ATVs on online platforms and marketplaces, always know the alternative search terms in order to stand out from the rest. Most people miss good deals by ignoring the potential matches just by how they use search terms.
Some people tend to forget to include keywords when they make listings. An ATV can also be called a four-wheeler, a quad, while a UTV can be called a side by side (SxS), ROV, amongst other things. Sometimes they can even be referred to as commercial golf carts or work trucks.
Just by searching “Quad,” “ATV” or “Four Wheeler” could make the whole difference and present many options that one could have easily passed on. The key to closing a great deal is to finding the options most people can’t see. If you want to broaden the search, one can narrow it down more by searching for the model and manufacturer but leave terms such as ATV or UTV altogether.
Some listings could be posted by amateurs who have no idea of how to describe the super sport vehicle. They tend to make listings with the make and model, provide terms many basic customers will use, or forget to mention broader terms. This ends up flooding the options and make them look all too monotonous.
Here are some key terms you can use to narrow your search better:
- Honda: TRX, Foreman, Recon, Rubicon, Pioneer, Rancher, FourTrax
- Can-Am: Outlander, Commander, Maverick, Renegade,
- Polaris: General, Sportsman, Scrambler, Ranger, RZR,
- Yamaha: Viking, Grizzly, Raptor, YFZ, Kodiak, YXZ
- Kawasaki: Brute Force, Prairie, Teryx4, Mule
- Suzuki: Kingquad, Vinson
- Arctic Cat: Wildcat
- John Deere: Gator
- Textron: Alterra
Where to Look When Searching for a Used UTV or ATV?
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an online platform that allows businesses and people to sell products on the world’s biggest social media networks. The platform allows auto dealerships to sell certified, pre-owned or used vehicles on.
One can access Facebook Marketplace on a phone app or right on their computer. As it is increasingly becoming more popular, one can find many UTVs and ATVs listed that cannot be found on Craigslist. Proven to be safe from scammers and spammers, this platform makes it easy to access used rigs at an affordable price.
To find good deals on the Facebook platform, one can adjust the settings and include alerts to notify you when a new match gets posted. This is a convenient way of searching for all the different terms without having to do it all over again.
With such notifications, you will be the first one to know when a used UTV or ATV of your choice is posted right up. Always be alert when the notifications come in. Being the first buyer to interact with the seller will always set you up for a good deal.
Craigslist
Craigslist is one of the most popular sites to buy just about anything. The same is no different for used ATVs and UTVs. One probably has to surpass all the spam and compete with many buyers who also visit the site. However, there’s a better way to deal with buying used ATVs and UTVs on Craigslist.
One tip to use is to download an app called CPlus for Craigslist. This app offers some powerful features that even Craigslist doesn’t offer. In addition to filtering your search options, one can also set up notifications of their saved searches just like Facebook Marketplace offers.
This feature allows you to get notified when a new ATV is posted and be the first to see it. When you find the deal first, you might get it at a really good price, as opposed to having to compete with other buyers who only raise the price for negotiations.
ATV Classifieds
ATV Classifieds (like this one) is simply an online website that doesn’t quite sell ATVs directly. Instead, this platform appears as an online marketplace where buyers and sellers can meet to conduct trade. With this website, one can narrow down their search to used ATV sellers around your location to sieve out all other unnecessary options.
Local Classifieds
Depending on where you reside, the local classifieds can be a good place to look for used ATVs and UTVs. Most areas have local classifieds that one can look for used rigs online. Even though there may be many people on such platforms, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of finding good deals.
Car Dealerships
Car dealerships also invite people to come in and trade whatever they have and get a chance to walk away with new or used models. Sometimes car dealerships get stuck with used UTVs, ATVs or trailers that they may want to get rid of as fast as possible. You can now get a chance to benefit from a good deal with huge discounts.
ATVtrader.com
ATVtrader.com is another great site one can use to narrow down their search according to what they are looking for specifically. The drawback is only that most of the results one finds are going to be of dealers. This will make it hard to find the best deal. However, if you actually don’t mind buying from a dealer, ATVtrader.com is the platform to use.
Check Online Forums
Check out online forums (like this one) to see if anyone’s selling their used ATV. If you find someone who lives relatively close by, it might be worth paying a visit to see if they’ve got what you’re looking for. If they’re more distant, it might still be worth buying from them and driving out to pick up the ATV rather than buying from somewhere closer but with more mileage.
Ask around!
Find out who’s got an older or gently used truck and figure out if they’re looking to sell it or lease it. Maybe a friend or family member has one that they could let you use or sell to you at a discounted price
What to Check for When Buying a Used ATV or UTV?
Just like buying an old car, buying a used ATV or UTV can be quite scary. One may not be sure how well the vehicle was taken care of and what mechanical problems lie underneath.
You might get it at a low price but the whole rig has to be in mint condition. Here’s how to conduct a proper inspection to ensure you have a good used UTV or ATV on your hands:
Ensure it’s not stolen
The unfortunate reality is that ATVs are quite easy to steal compared to cars. UTVs and ATVs can easily be hauled in the back of a truck or trailer and taken away. Not only is this detrimental to the owner, but it can also be risky to an unknowing buyer. The police have the right to confiscate it and return it to the owner as stolen property. Furthermore, this can land you in some serious trouble.
Here are tips on how to know if the ATV or UTV is stolen:
- The deal is too good to be true because the price is way lower than its current value
- The UTV or ATV has no title
- The seller’s name is not the one on the title
- The seller insists on meeting in public
Always ensure that you learn about the seller and ATV, check the VIN, check with your police department if you suspect anything, or check with online platforms such as NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau), Carfax, Stolenregister.com, Stolen 911-ATVs, and more.
Check the tires
Always look for any suspecting cracks using a flashlight. Observe the tread blocks and sidewalls, while also being aware of any absent chunks of rubber. Once the tires develop cracks, it gets potentially dangerous to use. Even if only one tire is cracked and undergoes through the same wear as others, replace the entire set. This could cost you more than $480 with labor costs included.
Check the ballpoints and bearings
Hold the tire at the 12 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions and rock it in and out. If you notice any significant movement, the vehicle has a bad wheel bearing. Worn out bearings can cause serious injuries. They cause slobby steering and instability when turning. When one side is worn out, the other one is just on its way. You will have to part with $140 for each ball joints and wheel bearings on each side.
Check the shocks
Look out for any leakage or moist around the shocks. If its oily, the shock is likely just about to break down. Worn shocks have the effect of reducing the vehicle’s stability. One has to part with $150 for each.
Check for engine leaks
Oil leaks from the head gaskets and valve cover can cost up to $150 – $300 to replace. Be sure to check those areas before making your purchase. Use a clean rug to wipe around the valve cover gaskets and head to notice if it needs replacements.
Check the brakes
Always check the ATV’s brake pads thickness and condition using an inspection mirror and flashlight. Examine the rotor for deep cuts and watch out for caliper leaks.
Tips on how to get a good deal on a used ATV/UTV
As you try to buy a secondhand ATV or UTV, it can be difficult at times to find the best one with great value at the lowest price. Here are some tips on how to get a good deal for your dream ATV or UTV:
Research the available ATVs and ATV dealerships around
When you want to get a good deal, always research to find out what you would expect out of one. Even if a good deal includes low cost, one should also consider the area you are currently staying and the season you are making the purchase.
When you buy an ATV/UTV off-season, you will likely get a higher cost as compared to the normal buying season such as during summer. It has got all to do with supply and demand.
One also has to be determined to know what the dealerships are willing to offer in their area. This can sometimes be influenced by the number of dealerships driving competition and climate in your area. If small dealers are cutting down on costs, it might only mean that business is not stable or they are doing really well and don’t mind selling at low costs. Either way, you can benefit from that.
Patience is key
Running to making a quick search will limit your options because one is always in a hurry to get things done. Having patience with an ATV dealer can help you land a sale on the release of a new model. If you know that your favorite manufacturer is about to release a new model and you don’t mind going with the previous one, you can expect to get a discount deal.
Provide strong points of interest about the ATV you want to buy
When negotiating the price of the used ATV, ensure that you provide strong points of interest to convince the dealer that you are more knowledgeable and confident in what you are looking for. Always know what you are looking for before entering the dealership. Showing this level of confidence and ensure that you don’t mention the most obvious things.
Even if the price might be the biggest deal-breaker, be more open to a flexible price range as long as maintenance or other services are included in the deal. It’s wise to know the exact model you need, otherwise, you might be persuaded to buy a model that the dealer just wants to get rid of immediately.
Have reasonable expectations
Finally, have reasonable expectations on what you believe a reasonable price for the used UTV/ATV should be. With this, you can always be guaranteed that the dealer will respect you and try as much as possible to win you over. Be realistic with what you can get out of the deal and watch how the dealer will be significantly satisfied with the deal you make. Give good reasons why you think the price is the best and you can walk away with the deal of the year.
What is the best time to buy a used UTV or ATV?
Before buying a used ATV/UTV, always know that patience is key. If you want to get a great deal out of it, the best time one can buy a used ATV is during the release of the new year’s models, or just right before. Because many manufacturers release new models around May or June, this is the best time to go for it. Similarly, for side by sides, the same applies. Just keep an eye before or during the release of the next year’s models.
Manufacturers who release the next new models tend to provide the best rebates and warranties to close their financial year with a bang! These awesome offers are given out so that the dealership gets the chance to clear all the previous year models and replace them with the latest models.
There are even better times to buy a used ATV or UTV. One of the best deals you can get out of a used ATV or UTV is when the model has been at the lot for the longest time. At times, dealerships can even have models not sell for over two years. The longer the dealership retains the unit, the better the chance you have of making a good deal out of it.
Don’t shy away from going to dealerships that don’t only focus on selling UTVs or ATVs. Those that are near lake regions or large water body regions tend to also sell boats along with these machines. This is where you can literally strike gold if you look closely.
Another great time to buy a used ATV or UTV is during shows at convention centers. Alongside these machines, they also tend to have the latest gear and complimentary features on display. Many dealerships tend to show up for these occasions because they know they can strike gold in just a day.
When it comes to the best time of the year to buy a used UTV or ATV, we recommend the earliest days of summer. During this time, especially when the latest models are set to be released, there is always a rush for used ATVs being traded into the dealerships. The dealership might want to transfer them and you will have a good platform where you are guaranteed to find nothing but the most legit machines in the market to buy from.
ATVs are quite flexible when it comes to their price range. So don’t worry about not finding a good deal. If you’re not sure how to time when the deals start coming through, the best way to be aware of when the latest models will be released and when they will start giving incentives, rebates or warranties is to follow your best dealership or manufacturer on their social media handles. It could be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even TikTok. Just ensure you follow them on their most active account.
