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Tips for Buying a Used ATV

Sep. 7 2021 Buying Guide By Cycles Of JacksonVIlle

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Are you thinking about purchasing a pre-owned quad and unsure where to begin? You’ve arrived at the right place. As your local powersports vehicles dealer, we at Cycles of Jacksonville know a thing or two about buying a used ATV. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you choose a used four-wheeler that’s perfect for you.

Keep reading to learn more, then visit us in Jacksonville, FL, where we have an extensive inventory of powersports vehicles for sale. We are happy to welcome our friends from Orlando and St. Augustine.

Decide What You Want

Before you visit a local dealership, do some research online to figure out what you need in a powersports vehicle. For example, if you want your ATV to help you with work on your property, you’ll need a model that has better hauling capacity and storage space to transport your goods. On the other hand, if you want to tear up the trails, you’ll need a quad with a higher speed capacity.

Create a Budget

Though used ATVs are cheaper than new models, you’ll still want to create a budget when exploring pre-owned quads. This will help you narrow down choices to models you can afford and avoid wasting time examining options outside your price range. When planning a budget, think about how much you can spend on your ATV lifestyle, and don’t forget to consider any essential gear you’ll need to get.

Check Vehicle History

The vehicle’s history can tell you everything about the given model—how often the previous owner rode it, the kind of terrain they frequented, and any repairs done after a crash. These findings can help you discover repeat maintenance issues or problems that are waiting to erupt. If you want to do more research, request the VIN of the ATV and carefully check all maintenance records.

Examine the Vehicle

Next, you’ll want to examine the quad thoroughly to see if:

  • The oil appears dirty or sludgy.
  • The frame has bends and scratches.
  • There is evidence of rust or other damage.
  • There are any upgrades or modifications that are incorrectly installed.

If you think you can't evaluate the ATV correctly, get a professional mechanic to look over it. They can catch any red flags and identify potential problems that can be costly to repair and can manifest in massive issues down the road.

Go on a Test Drive

Don’t just rely on visual inspection: go on a test drive. Here are some things to think about and watch for:

  • If you were comfortable with the ATV.
  • If it starts right away and handles well.
  • If there’s a lot of smoke from the exhaust.
  • If it veers slightly to one side as you steer.
  • If the braking system is responsive.

If you notice any signs that hint towards a hidden performance issue, you’ll want to give the vehicle a pass. However, if it rides smoothly, you may have found your ATV.

We hope these tips help you choose the perfect used ATV for your off-roading adventures. To look at a few models in person, visit Cycles of Jacksonville, where we have an impressive collection of used powersports vehicles for sale. We're in Jacksonville, FL, where we proudly serve those from Orlando and St. Augustine.