Hi,
New to this forum and know next to nothing about ATVs. However, a friend wants to get into it so I was looking on the used market and seem to have come across a good deal. It is a 2002 Honda Rubicon (Foreman) with 1200 hours. Seems like it is in very good shape with a few fender scratches. He is throwing in the 4 original tires that came with it when he replaced them with mudders, it has a 3000# Warn winch, a cover for the atv and a full face helmet. I can buy it for $2,850. To me this seems ok, but man I really know nothing about these. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

The price is very good. But check it out carefully. People don't usually just give these things away.

 

Are there specific things to look for, clues that would tell you that the unit wasn't cared for? Thanks.

 

As an off road vehicle, it is bound to have some "battle damage." A few things to look at on ANY used quad purchase would be paint flaking off at any welded joints or seams on the frame, excessive play in the suspension bushings and/or wheel and axle bearings, fluid leaks, bent frame, abnormal smoking from the engine, etc. I would check any fluids as to level and condition, as well as the air filter. Any owner that doesn't care enough to clean the air filter before putting the machine up for sale has probably not done much maintenance, lol.

 

Best way is to ride it. make sure there isn't a lot of slop in the tranny and steering, see how the shocks feel, should have a firm ride, not to bouncy, bouncy would lead me to belive it was jumped on more then a few occasions, no loss of power, no oil burning and what not. Have a look at the oil, make sure it doesn't have a milky appearance to it, check the CV boots out. If one was ripped and the guy didn't know it, that can be a wee bit costly. make sure you dont hear the valves ticking. Look at the type of person your buying it from as well, not to sound like a stuck up jerk but if the price of the quad is in the same ball park as the value of his house, then I'd be way lots careful. Or if his 14 year old kid road it. I know what i was doing to my old mans rancher when i was about that age, and it deff didn't help the resale value.

 

The price is a little low for that model I think. That winch on it is expensive and is a plus. Make sure you ride it and I don't mean in a circle in the yard. Check out all of the modes of the automatic and the brakes.