First of all, Wheres the best place to look. Ebay has good ones but are to far away. Craigslist is annoying as they are either scammers, or guys who want almost as much for a new one for their 6 year old atv. Local dealers have tons of jetskis (like 50 at each dealer) and motor cycles but no used quads. (i guess its my location? in in va beach va) Im kinda loosing hope in finding one. Im willing to travel for one, but not more than 100 miles or so. But im becoming super frustrated. I cant afford 8k for a new one as I really dont want to finance, but I guess if I cant find anything used I could. But my other question is, when/if I find one what are some things to look out for or check, also what are red flags. I understand normal things like cosmetic condition, oil conditon, and tire wear, but dont know much else. Also do they require insurance, license and registration? Thanks guys!

edit- im looking for the ruggid offroad type, not the race type. There are tons of the race type around here for some reason.

 

Well, when you are going to look at an ATV, you should,
-Condition of plastic, looking for evidence of mistreat or wrecks
-Condition of the tires (Tread, check rims for cracks bends or warping)
-Tears, rips, or separated seams in the seat
-Inspect undercarriage for dents or frame damage (check A-arms and areas where the frame intersects for broken welds or cracks)
-Use a jack to raise the ATV and shake handlebars for play as well as the wheels. Move each wheel in, out, left and right looking for evidence of worn ball joints or bearings. do this to all wheels.
-Check the oil to make sure it was properly maintained. Note color of oil, dark oil means it hasn't been changed in a long time. Light or milky oil means it is contaminated with water. Also note if there is metal flakes in the oil.
-Check front and rear brake pads, rotor, and brake fluid. Look for cracked or broken cables.
-Engage parking brake (if applicable0 and make sure it is functioning correctly.
-Inspect CV joint boots (4x4 ATVs only) Cracks, breaks, or places where water could penetrate the boot can cause very expensive repairs.
-Check front and rear differential plugs and inspect the oil. Make sure water hasn't contaminated the oil.
-Check air box and filter. Water trapped in the air box can lead to expensive repairs.
-Look at the chains and sprockets for wear and rust. Sprocket teeth should not be worn, bent, crooked, or missing
-Start the atv and check headlights, taillights, engine shutoff, and engage 4x4 and disengage. Ride the atv and determine if the bike is pulling to the left or to the right
-Ask how often fluids are changed.

It depends. you would have to check with your state regulations as far as insurance, registration and a title. In NH, you only need to register your quad if you are riding on state trails.

I use Craigslist, but everyone has a different opinion.

 

Where can you run or get the Vin numbers checked to see if it's stolen before you buy?

 

Log on to the online VIN history checker at the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. This is the only source for officially approved VIN checkers in the United States. Other VIN checkers advertise their services, but to be safe, go through the NMVTIS.

 

hey all thanks for the great info. Another question I have is what model ATVS are full size ones? im a large 6 foot 2 guy and want a full size atv. They all look about the same in pictures. Like is a polaris 500 smaller than a polaris 800? What about the yamaha or honda models? Thanks.

 

The Sportsman 500 and 800 are the same size. Yamaha feels a little bit smaller to me. I never sat on a Honda but the ones I looked at seemed smaller.

P.S. I actually did ride a Honda what seems like 20 years ago but didn't have anything to compare it to.

 

ok cool so the only difference is engine size then?

 

Yeah, the 500 and 800 look alike except for the dual exhaust on the 800 (twin cylinder).