Free Time Guidance

Buying a used atv can be a fun thing. However, beware of the owner who is trying to unload a lemon or an atv that is needing major repairs.

The easy to follow tips below will help a new atv buyer or a seasoned buyer choose a used atv that will provide them with fun fourwheeling for a long time. Just be patient and look over the machine real well. Ask questions and take the machine for a spin.

What do the tires look like? If they’re worn out or full of plugs and patches, this could indicate abuse or lack of proper maintenance. Also, if the tread is worn down, you’ll looking at the purchase of four new atv tires!

Take a long a buddy so the atv can be raised for inspection. You’ll want to look for cracks on the underside of the frame, new paint, damage to the shock points or signs of fresh paint (indicates recent repairs).

4×4 atvs need a special looking over. You need to check the cv boots for cracks. This can mean water and dirt in the cv joints. This will lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Check the engine oil as well as the oil in the differentials. Chocolate colored oil, or milky looking oil, means water. This could lead to a whole host of problems.

Worn sprockets will show excessive wear on one side. The same is true if the sprockets have a hook appearance. Expect to replace both the chain and sprocket if you find either of these.

Support the front end with jack stands. Then try to move each front wheel in and out from top to bottom and side to side to check for worn wheel bearings and ball joints. Do the same for the rear.

To check for worn tie rod ends, try and move the handle bars back and forth. There should be little to no play.

The air box is one place many used atv buyers fail to check. You can find it beneath the seat by removing it. Dirt or water inside the air box is bad news.

Don’t forget to check for rust in the gas tank. You check for this by taking a flashlight and shining it into the tank. Rust can decrease the life of your engine dramatically.

Turn the lights on/off and make sure all work.

Take the atv for a spin. Does the atv start right up or is it sluggish? Try a few hard stops. Do the brakes function properly? Does it handle well? Look and listen for anything out of place.

Does the exhaust have the spark arrestor in place? Many owners remove these. However, National Forest and other public trails require spark arrestor’s to be in place. Owners without them can be fined and prevented from riding in these places.

By following these simple tips, you’ll go a long ways in ensuring that the used atv you purchase will give you trouble free performance for a long time.