Im looking at this Honda Rancher 03 ive been talking about.
What are things to check out during a test drive and quick go through?

 

Take a real good look at the wheeler. Does it look like it was well cared for ? or is it all beat up with bent racks and plastic. If it appears to be well maintained start it up. Listen really carefully to the wheeler. Does it run fairly smooth ? Does it fire up without too much trouble. Check the condition of the frame. Are there any big dents or cracks. Compress the suspension and make sure it is functioning as it should ( strong rebound and does not remain compressed ). Take a look at the A-arms for any big dents or cracks. While driving it try out the brakes and keep listening for any strange noises. Does it shift smoothly.? Honda's are built Tiff. A 2003 Rancher should preform very well...unless it has some major defects. If it looks good and sounds good ...then it should be a fine wheeler.

 

Look carefully under th machine. Get it up in the air on ramps or something so you can give it a close going over.

Loook at the fluids and the inspection/drain plugs, if the fluid in clean, that's not bad (may not necesarily be good, but it's not bad.) and see if the plugs' hex heads are gingered up for the wrong size or type srench being used.

Look at the seller's car,t ruck, garage, house, yard, etcetera. Does he take care of things or is he one of those types that doesn't worry about anything until it's crisis mode time?

Shine a light into all the hard to get at parts, look for haphazard repair attempts and things that do not look right.

 

Also look under the seat, battery, etc. Look for signs of high water and such. If he'll let you pull the wheels and things, do it. Unless it's in "like new" condition or you know the guy it's really a crap shoot. Also consider how you will use the atv.

About 12 months ago I bought a 2002 rancher 4x4 FM for about $3000. New tires, extended rear rack (I added the front rack, pics below). Hard to pass on this deal. Since it's an manual no odometer so I can't tell the miles. The place I bought it from usally goes around the country collecting repos.

Anyway being a former mechanic I take the thing apart for some deep PM. Bearings, grease, etc. Closer inspection indicated the atv was rode hard and put up wet. Also noticed that the front bumper was new and a front wheel was bent slightly. My test ride around the parking lot didn't pick up on the wheel, open it up in 5th grear and I would have seen it(felt it). But in my case I'm pretty easy on atv's so this one is almost going out to pasture. It'll have an easy life so the early hard miles aren't a concern.

Good luck,
Rob

 

Look at the air filter. Is it full of grass seeds, dirt and bugs? Look at the oil dip stick. Is the oil black as tar? Do the tires look new? Are the rims all dented up and tires full of plugs? A few plugs and dents aren't too bad. These are the signs I look at to see if this quad was beat on. If it doesn't look well maintained I'd look somewhere else.