Back

UTV Buying Guide

Sep. 23 2020 Buying Guide By Cycles Of JacksonVIlle

Share

UTVs (also known as side by sides) are ideal for handling difficult terrain and tasks, but not every model will suit your specific needs. There are many different models and features on the market, which can make choosing a side-by-side challenging. How do you sort through all the options?

Here at Cycles of Jacksonville, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following UTV buying guide to help you narrow the search and find the perfect match. If you have any questions or want to explore UTVs for sale, head over to our dealership in Jacksonville, Florida. We proudly serve those in Orlando and St. Augustine.

Consider The UTV's Purpose

Start by figuring out how you will use the UTV, as this will influence what features you prioritize.

For property maintenance, focus on:

  • plenty of storage space for carrying tools and materials to project sites
  • high speed capacity to efficiently travel across the land
  • high towing capacity to carry away unwanted debris

For recreational riding, prioritize:

  • easy handling for dominating tough trails
  • impressive agility for navigating tight turns
  • a narrower frame to better fit width-restricted trails

For hunting, seek out:

  • a neutral color exterior for blending into the surroundings
  • enough cargo space to transport your hunting gear
  • a quieter running engine to avoid scaring away the prey

Make A Budget

Next, consider making a budget. This accomplishes two goals. First, budgets help you avoid spending more than you should. You’ll be able to eliminate options that are outside the price limit at the start of the search before you fall in love with them. Second, budgets help you get the highest quality model that you can afford.

First time buyers will want to budget about $10,000 for a new side by side. More experienced riders can expect to spend between $15,000 and $20,000 for a new UTV. If you want to stretch the budget further, consider getting a used UTV. These models will be sold at lower prices due to depreciation, which can save you a significant amount of money.

Consider The Passenger Number

Most side-by-sides will fit at least two passengers, while some can handle as many as six. Many UTV owners regularly bring along other riders. For example, they may take their family trail riding or extra sets of hands to help with a project. Think about the number of passengers you want to carry, then shop models accordingly.

Factor In The Terrain

Every UTV will not be able to traverse every type of terrain. Standard models are designed to handle compact dirt with some obstacles. If you want to cruise around more challenging properties, you will want to get a UTV designed with it in mind.

For example, maybe you want to frequent rocky terrain. Look for models that have higher ground clearance so that you can cruise over rocks without damaging the UTV's underside. Or maybe you want to explore loose terrain, such as sand or mud. Seek out models with impressive traction so you can easily conquer the turf.

Explore Accessories

Many UTVs can be modified with add-ons. These accessories improve the riding experience in some way, such as making the UTV more fuel efficient or improving rider comfort. Not all add-ons will be necessary for your riding lifestyle, but some likely will be. Spend some time looking through the options so that you know what's available. Then think about which ones would best improve your ride. Don't forget to factor the price of the accessories into your budget!

Ready to shop side by sides for sale? Visit Cycles of Jacksonville to see a range of models. If you aren't sure what to get, our expert staff is happy to help. Tell us about your budget and riding style, then we will recommend compatible models. Our side by side dealership is based in Jacksonville, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Orlando and St. Augustine, Florida.