An Easy Used Powersports Vehicle Buying Guide
When you buy used ATVs, you can get a lot more “bang for your buck" on late models. You can also find some amazing deals if you find a motivated seller and can pay cash. But, unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, you should assume that all sales are final and the vehicle will be sold as-is. You might still have some remaining factory warranty on a late model ATV, but you'll be fully responsible for all repairs. Here are a few things you should always inspect before you finalize your used ATV purchase. To learn more, visit us at Road Track & Trail in Big Bend, Wisconsin, serving Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin. We also serve powersports lovers in Chicago, Illinois.
Tires and Wheels
The tires and wheels are a good place to start your inspection. Check each tread block and all of the sidewalls for cracks or missing rubber. One damaged tire usually means you’ll have to replace the whole set. Be sure to also make sure that the ball joints and bearings are still in good shape. Jack up the vehicle on one side to see if anything doesn’t move smoothly.
Undercarriage
If you see any wet or oily spots on the shocks, they will soon need to be replaced. If the boots around your CV joints are damaged, water and sand can get into your joint and cause serious damage. Grease slung on the inside of the splash guards is often a tell-tale sign that the boot isn’t keeping the grease contained to protect the joint.
Brakes
Even if you have a highly trained eye, ATV brake pads are usually so thin that it’s hard to see when they’re worn. You’ll need to determine if the friction material is retaining its integrity and hasn’t delaminated from the backing plate. So it’s best to jack up each side of the ATV and inspect the entire brake system. Remove the wheel, caliper and pads to look for gouges and any evidence of metal-to-metal contact. Be sure to also look for caliper leaks.
Engine
The final step is to look under the cover. Check the engine oil and transmission fluids to make sure that they're at the proper levels and look clean. If you see sludge or metallic particles in the oil, that often indicates engine damage. Wipe a clean rag around the head and valve cover gaskets. If the rag shows fresh oil, the gaskets will need replacing. If the ATV has a chain drive, be sure that the sprocket doesn’t appear worn. A dirty air filter is often just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to visible signs of owner neglect.
Visit Road Track & Trail in Big Bend, Wisconsin, serving Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin as well as Chicago, Illinois for more information and to see our current inventory of ATVs for sale.