FINALLY going to buy an ATV, need some help

[Deet]

I'm at the point in my life where I can finally get a four wheeler. But not at the point where I can afford to buy a new (or like new) one, so...

Please help me with some used-ATV tips. I think I want a Honda (Foreman or Rancher) or Yamaha (Kodiak or Grizzly); the 400cc size range. I need a winch, but from what I'm finding on chraigslisht, less than half have them. So I'm fine with adding one.

What's considered high miles? 4,000? 10,000? Less?

I live far from any metro so I can't really afford to drive all over test-riding and inspecting machines. If you can think of things to ask the sellers, red flags, etc. that I should know, please share.

I'm pretty novice when it comes to toys like this.

[leech~~]

My "snap shot" when first walking up and looking at a used rig is, tires, seat, hand grips and foot peg condition. If the tires, grips and pegs are worn down or the seat is ripped up it may have been ridden long and hard. Next body, are there any roll over scrapes or panel cracks "wired together"-seen it!

If it makes it past the body stuff then we go for the test ride, to hear motor, drive train and suspension. Which are really the most important parts of a ride!

I use this same process for ATV's, Sleds, or Dual Sport bikes=Toys. Good Luck.

[efgh]

If it is one you are really interested in after all the listed things above, try to contact the previ. owner and find out why he traded and ect.

[Deet]

Thanks guys.

I'll be buying from the owner, so I can definitely ask the questions, but honest responses are not guaranteed.

[BoxMN]

FWIW - I bought my first atv about 4 years ago. It was a 2003 Foreman 450es with about 400 miles or something low like that. I knew the guy I bought it from. It looked like new except a small hole in the seat - the hole has not gotten bigger since.

I actually bought it sight unseen, but he told me everything about it. The hole in seat, a leaky rear tire, Foreman's are cold blooded when starting, but always start, just need to let it warm up. ES shifting needs a good and fully charged battery I came to learn, but works great with good battery.

I did look at front axle for leaks, looked for leaks under engine, etc. Tires were original, so could see how much or little wear there was.

I have seen some just like it on the list, for a bit more than I paid, but still good prices. The miles really do tell a bunch, but some folks here (Macgyver) are Foreman experts and have helped me out with questions and advice.

I use it mainly for ice fishing and running around in the summer, yard chores and pulling hauling wood. I dont trail ride. If you plan to trail ride a lot maybe one with newer style suspension (or a rancher) would be better, but how I use it mine works great and will for many more years to come. Macgvyer has put 10,000 miles plus on his hondas in the past.

Good luck, you will loving having one, I know I do.

edit - ask how many sets of tires he went through and what he likes best and has on it now. The type of tires can say lots about how it is used for mine it was stock, meaning likely is was not in much mud, haha!

[Deet]

Breat tips BoxMN, thank you.

Care to sell your wheeler? Haha.

[leechlake]

I have what Box has 450ES Foreman. It's 12 years old and a champ. My next one will not have electric shift. If you have low battery or another issue, not being able to shift stinks. Not to mention since you have to start in N if you stopped in first gear and you can't get it to shift you can't start it.

[ESSGuy]

I like your choices, I own a 02 Kodiak 400 and a 06 kodiak 450. My brothers each have a griz 660. Can't go wrong, just look for signs of abuse. I have 1800 on the 02 and about 1100 on the 06. My advice if you don't get Yamaha at least stay with the Japenese brands. Best fit and finish and quality. ( just my preference Polaris fans, no need to get uptight).

[BoxMN]

I have what Box has 450ES Foreman. It's 12 years old and a champ. My next one will not have electric shift. If you have low battery or another issue, not being able to shift stinks. Not to mention since you have to start in N if you stopped in first gear and you can't get it to shift you can't start it.

Yes, I think it was about 06 before they started to allow you start in gear, with the brake pulled in. That would be nice. I just leave a battery tender plug sticking out the side to the batt, and plug it in when I am not there or during winter. Works much better with topped off batt.

I did drive a very new rancher with ES and auto shifting and power steering last fall and I gotta say it was just awesome driving! But not in my budget.

FWIW our farmer friends in northern NoDak only use Hondas for ATVs for working the (big) farm, and use Gator utv's. They feel the other brands were great for driving (they also have a canam which goes like a raped ape) but said for dependability for their livelihood they only will buy honda.

[ClownColor]

You definetly can't go wrong with a used foreman. I prefer straight out manual due to it's dependability. Like posted above, they are cold blooded but bullet proof.

All good ideas on what to check are listed above. But considering winches, viper makes a great and affordable winch. They have a great following.

FYI...you're probably going to pay more for a used Honda then other brands. Don't be afraid to reach as far back as the late 90's...boy they had some great machines then!

[Deet]

Got a 2001 Yamaha Kodiak in my sites. I know the owner, and he definitely uses his equipment (not necessarily abuses), but also maintains pretty well and fixes stuff as soon as it needs attention.

Now I just need to turn a blind eye to the cosmetic auto repairs looming, and pull the trigger on the wheeler.

[Deet]

Another question (maybe should start a new thread):

If I end up getting a wheeler without a winch, I'll be adding one right away. I saw someone recommended the Viper brand. I can buy a Superwinch brand locally. Warn seems like maybe the most popular brand. Any major differences? Any consistent really bad experiences with any of these brands?

Also, what is the typical capacity I'd want? The purpose of it, for me, would be to pick up the plow and occasionally get me unstuck. Seems like 3500 lb would be more than adequate. Is 2000 pound too light-duty?

Thanks!

[gunner55]

The 2011 Grizzly we just got didn't have 1 either.The dealer put a 2500 # Warn winch on it.

[Deet]

Bought the Kodiak. Thanks for the tips guys.