Strategies for Buying a Used UTV

Getting a used UTV is a great way to make the most of your budget, but not all UTVs are worth what they’re priced. Some have issues hidden under the surface that could end up costing you a fortune in repairs. You'll need to do some research to find a model that has plenty of life left and is a good deal. Keep reading to discover strategies for finding your perfect match. Then visit America's Motor Sports Nashville to shop UTVs for sale near Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, Tennessee.

Learn About the UTV's History

The more you understand the UTV's past, the better you can predict its performance in the future. A UTV dealer should have maintenance records on the vehicle, so ask for a copy. Then scan for red flags such as a big repair after a crash. You'll also want to ask plenty of questions, such as what terrain the UTV frequented and how often it was ridden. Get the PIN so you can do outside research as well.

Inspect the UTV

A model may look ready to purchase, but suffer from issues lurking underneath the surface. That's why a thorough inspection is so important. Here you are looking for any red flags that could lead to expensive repairs down the road. 

Start by checking the oil. Dirty oil indicates it hasn't been changed for a while, which calls into question the past owner's consistency with maintenance tasks. If the maintenance has been neglected, there could be plenty of worn down parts or other issues that will lead to an expensive repair bill.

Next, look for any signs of damage. Minor scratches and dings are usually nothing to worry about. But evidence of rust, dents, and other forms of damage are more concerning. These can be expensive to fix and can lead to more problems down the road.

Finally, check any modifications to the UTV. The past owner may not have installed them correctly, which can cause you issues. For example, maybe they added a new exhaust to get better horsepower. But they did not also adjust the carburetor, which can lead to the engine running too hot and eventually failing.

Do a Test Drive

When you visit a UTV dealer, you should be able to take the vehicle on a test drive. Here you are scoping out two things. First, you want to ensure the UTV runs well. Warning signs include a failure to start right away, too much smoke coming from the exhaust, and veering to one side as you drive.

Second, you want to ensure the UTV runs well for you. Can you comfortably reach all the controls? Or are you stretching to fit or scrunching yourself down? Can you easily control the vehicle? Or is the power potential too much or not enough for your skill level? Will it be able to fit all of your needs? Or can you already see some issues making it work for your lifestyle? If the UTV has a favorable history, passes inspection, and runs well, then you found your perfect match!

We hope you found this guide helpful! Visit America's Motor Sports Nashville when you are ready to explore UTVs for sale near Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, Tennessee. We are a UTV dealer with plenty of options for all lifestyles and budgets. Our friendly staff is always happy to help you find the best fit, so stop by and visit our dealership today!