How to Test Drive a UTV
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t walk off the lot with buyer’s remorse is to take your UTV for a test drive! In case you’ve never had to test drive one of these vehicles before we’ve written up a handy guide to help you know what to look for. When you’re ready you can make an appointment for a test drive here, then come visit us at our dealership in Jacksonville, Florida.
Prep
Unfortunately, you can’t just show up to the dealership any time and take a model for a spin, you’ll need to call and make an appointment. Before you do, make sure you’ve browsed your dealer’s available models and selected your favorite. When you call to make the appointment your sales person will need to know which model you’re interested in testing.
When the day of your appointment arrives do your best to ask your salesperson as many questions as possible! The more informed you are the better off you’ll be. If you’re testing a used model you’ll definitely want to ask about the vehicle’s history report. If you’re testing a new model you’ll want to ask about the vehicle’s included warranties.
Experience
Your UTV driving experience is an important factor in selecting the right model. If you’re somewhat inexperienced, an overpowered engine could result in difficulty steering and even a potential accident. If you’ve got quite a bit of experience you’ll likely want something with a bit more power, as a weaker engine might not be able to perform the way you’d like it to. As you drive, pay close attention to how the UTV accelerates and steers. Keep a sharp eye out for slipping or skidding, as this is a sign your UTV might not be right for you, or even have a serious mechanical issue. Before you leave you’ll also want to ask your salesperson about the engine’s specs.
Brakes, Suspension, and Engine
If you’re purchasing a new model keep in mind that the UTV you’re driving likely isn’t the same vehicle you’ll walk off the lot with. New models are supposed to remain completely unridden, so what you’ll be riding is simply a display of sorts. However, it’s still important that you try to test the models' various parts to ensure that they’re working properly. If they aren’t, it’s likely only a matter of time before your model will have the same problems.
As you drive, stop and start regularly to check both the brakes and acceleration of the vehicle. Be sure to listen to the engine throughout the entirety of the test drive for any concerning noises or hiccups. This is especially important when the machine first starts and idles. Lastly, try to go over a few bumps in the road as you drive to check the suspension. If your UTV bounces more than once after coming down, it needs to be recalibrated.
We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your upcoming test drive! We here at Cycles of Jacksonville have some of the highest quality off road vehicles around and are confident all our inventory will pass the test. We proudly serve the nearby cities of Orlando and St. Augustine, Florida, and we look forward to helping you with all your UTV needs!