before buying used ATV advice

[Kyle]

I'm looking at a used ATV. Please help me out by recommending some things to check on the unit before sealing the deal. Thanks

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

The best money spent would be on a motorcycle shop mechanic to give the ATV an inspection before buying it.

[leech~~]

Motor and drive train wear. I can sit on a duct taped seat but hate breaking down out in the woods!

[Walleyehooker]

Look at the person who drove it. Young hot rod type usually not so good. Older slow poke type is better. Also depends on what you want to spend. Less money means more miles and more wear and tear and a lot more things to check starting with fluids. More money and take your time and cherry pick one that hasn't been used much and these you can almost tell by looking at them but I would still at least check fluids and ask about maintainence questions. Also do some research on what problems certain machines have or don't have.

[rundrave]

something to check are tie rods ends does the steering feel lose while machine is just sitting

bring a atv lift or borrow one to inspect when you take a look at it and just check for loose or worn parts

have the grease zerks been greased

oil and fluids been changed regularly

bald tires, torn seat or rubbed off emblems or logos on seat or other areas will indicate lots of use

does the exhaust still look like clean metal or is it full of rust that will tell you if the machine has been ridden in mud alot if its baked on there

take a look at the air box/air filter is it clean or dirty these will all be tell tale signs if the machine has been properly cared for.

while test driving make sure the transmission will shift into gear forward and backward and low and high range etc.

these machines are built to take abuse but they sure do last a lot longer if properly cared for. most of the maintenance stuff is easy to do yourself.

[ClownColor]

I'd like know how it shifts. Mileage? Sometimes to few miles is just as bad as too many. Ask them how often it was used (times per month) and what type of fuel and winterizing they did. If its carbed and sat for months without use over many years while using poor gas, you could have gasket and carb issues.

[eyehunter]

Some machines show mileage and hours of operation, some simple math and you can get a average speed for those miles and determine how hard it was ridden. Granted, it's not a fool proof method, but something to take into consideration IMO.