Should You Buy a Used UTV?
If you want to save money, then buying a used UTV is a great option for you. In recent years, manufacturers have been expanding their product lines so much that there are more preowned options available for purchase than ever before.
Powersports enthusiasts tend to like to purchase the latest equipment quickly. But purchasing a used model is a great way to get yourself out on the trail without breaking the bank.
But is a recreational vehicle really right for you? What kind of things should you consider when you are looking at new and used UTV models?
Keep reading for everything you need to know to make the best purchase possible.
Can You Afford to Buy?
Buying a recreational vehicle is not like buying a car. The financing is completely different. In order to finance one, you will have to have excellent credit.
They are considered a recreational vehicle so many lenders won’t extend credit for their purchase unless you have a well-established credit history.
Financing
Many power-sport dealerships offer financing options to their customers. You can also get a preapproval from your own bank but they usually ask for collateral while dealerships don’t require any. Be sure you shop around for the best price for your UTV by finding a dealership with low-interest rates.
Additional Expenses
In order to get your equipment to the area you want to use it in, you might need to buy a trailer. You won’t be able to get by with a little 4×8 trailer either. A full-sized UTV can be about 60 inches wide.
You also need to consider where you’re going to store your equipment when it’s not in use. This may mean buying a storage shed or making room in your garage.
Are You Willing to Repair Your UTV?
When you take your recreational vehicle out for a spin around the woods it begins to show wear and tear over time. But an aging used UTV and a new one will most likely have completely different needs.
New models often come equipped with a first-year warranty making it worth the purchase for many buyers. But not everything will be covered under that warranty, especially if you break something while it is in use.
Used models don’t come with the same warranty, so you will have to set aside a bit more money in your maintenance budget if you go with a pre-owned option.
Durability of Equipment
A UTV is durable, but it is not indestructible transportation. They are prone to things like overheating and part breakage.
Unfortunately, many recreational vehicle owners don’t understand their limits. It’s not uncommon for a radiator to be covered in mud when it comes into the shop for a fix because they haven’t been taken care of properly.
Many people also come into repair shops complaining that their ride became jerky and that they were lunging forward whenever they hit the ignition. This is an extremely common problem caused by improper maintenance.
Some new owners have even broken their drive shaft by winching their UTV uphill while it was in park. They can be a great rugged off-road machine, but they can’t defy the laws of physics.
Repairing Used vs. New
Eventually, things on your UTV will break. It may or may not be your fault. Sometimes the fix will be covered by a warranty, but most of the time it won’t because it’s caused by excessive use and not a manufacture defect.
If you’re not ready to keep shelling out money for new parts, then you should heavily consider buying a new model or getting your used one from a dealership so that you can have a warranty.
A Note on Plastic
Too many people fail to realize that many of the parts on their UTV are made of plastic. When it fades over time, they are surprised. But this is just a natural process for plastic, consider how faded your childhood toys made of plastic look.
Plastic is also prone to cracking, especially when exposed to the extreme temperature shifts of an engine. The decals on the plastic will also fade and peel over time from the elements.
The latest trend these days is hydro-dipping plastic to give it computer-generated patterns that look rugged. But these dipped parts are very prone to scratches.
Do You Have Enough Money for Maintenance?
Without even thinking about the repairs for broken parts, you should have a budget for regular maintenance on your sport vehicle.
One of your recurring expenses will be changing the oil in your engine at least once, but optimally twice a year. It is also a recommendation for you to change the fluids in your transmission and differential at least once a year.
There are other things to check and common wear items on UTVs that almost always need to be replaced in the first one to two years.
These items include:
- Drive Belts
- Brake Pads
- Wheel Bearings
Pro Tip: To make your drive belt last as long as possible, you should keep it in a low gear in mud and water or whenever possible.
Before You Buy
Before you decide to purchase a used UTV, especially if it’s a private sale, you should take it for a test drive and have it inspected. In this way, it’s no different than buying a car.
You want to make sure that the engine turns over quickly and easily. If it doesn’t, then there may be a problem with the battery or engine. You also want to look for excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe. This could also signal a serious engine issue.
When you take the vehicle on a drive, you should pay close attention to how it handles bumps and turns in the trail. If it slips a lot, it could need a replacement belt, or it may have suspension issues.
The next thing that you need to check is the brakes. They shouldn’t make a sound and should be very responsive. If they squeak, this may be an indication that the equipment needs new brake pads or new brakes entirely.
You should also look at the history of the vehicle. Find out from the seller what the service history is for the vehicle and take note of the mileage on the odometer.
Before you finish looking over your potential vehicle, you should check the oil, coolant, and gas tank to make sure that they are properly filled and have no leaks. If you smell anything bad coming from the gas tank or notice that the coolant is diluted, it’s a pretty big red flag.
The last thing you need to check is the axles, boots, and frame of the vehicle for cracks. If everything comes back sound, then you can go ahead with the purchase.
Finalizing Your Purchase
When you buy a used UTV it is similar to buying a car. You can’t just hand over the money and load up your new purchase and say goodbye. You will have to stay for a little bit of paperwork.
Make sure that you receive a Bill of Sale or another receipt of your purchase that lists the VIN number and shows clearly that you have paid in full for the vehicle. That way both you and the seller are protected.
Once the old owner hands over the keys and the machine is legally in your hands, the seller won’t be liable for anything that happens to it. With your Bill of Sale in hand, you will be the rightful owner of the vehicle.
The paperwork could come in handy if it turns out you have been dealing with a con artist who tries to claim the vehicle is still theirs.
Registration
Some places require off-road vehicles to register through “Off-Highway Vehicle Registration”. If your area requires this, you will have to make sure you get the title of your new ride from the seller.
To find out if your area requires registration, you should contact your local DMV or stop in for a visit.
Where to Buy a Used UTV
The best way to keep your risk of getting a lemon low is to take your business to a powersports vehicle dealer. Dealers most often sell both new and used models.
It’s true, a dealer will charge market value but you know its been gone through and checked over. If you end up with a piece of junk from a private seller, you will have a very hard time getting assistance or your money back.
Before you go in, you should do some research and find out what the going rate is for the model, size, and brand you want. That way you will be able to have some way to evaluate the dealership prices and know if they are competitive.
Buying a UTV can seem daunting, but with the right help to steer you, you will be able to make your purchase with peace of mind. If you are looking for a new or used model contact us today.