I made up a checklist of what to look for when buying a used quad. However, I have a few stupid, but legitimate, questions on my part.
1) Where is the engine oil located? Yes, I know the engine, but will it be hard to get to, behind something, right on the side, what?
2) How do you take the seat off to check the airbox?
3) Will it be obvious to tell whether it's clean or not?
4) How can you tell if the spark arrestor has been removed?
5) Is there just engine oil in a 400EX, or will there be gear oil and fork seal fluid, also?

Sorry for sounding ignorant, but I figured I'd get less embarrassment here where my friends can't see me.

 

doesn't sound stupid to me

 

there are no stupid questions. ignorance is defined as uneducated. therefore, always ask. i can't remember who told me, they're on the forum, but it is better to ask than rebuild.........yep, that'll speak volumes.

 

If you try your questions in the section for the brand you are thinking of buying you'll get better answers. I take it you are looking at a Honda so try out the guys over in that section and they should be able to help you.

 

Good things to know before you buy something.

Are we talking specifically about the 400ex?

 

Yes, just the 400ex. I've had to tell myself no on getting a 450, as much as I'd love to. I just don't think where I'm riding will be enough to let it shine.

 

If I were to buy another quad today, it would probably be a 400ex or one of the ltz group.

The 450's are nice, but for the riding I'll be doing, it's just not worth the extra money. Not just for the quad, but the maintenance that they need too.

 

And if you're out this weekend, run by a Honda dealer and have them show you everything you want to know about the ex. Design hasn't changed enough over the years, so you'll know where to find everything on a older one. Might even mention you're looking at a used one. Who knows, maybe they have a few 09 or 10 models they'd be willing to make a really good deal one.

 

Well, due to the fact that I'm making horrible pay and am trying to work two jobs to afford a quad, I plan on spending about $2,500 in about two months. That narrows it down to like an '05 400ex or a couple different 450's.

 

Working two jobs myself, so I know where you're coming from.

If it were me, I'd just stay with the 400ex then. Proven reliability, so the worries of any surprise fixes are a lot less likely to happen.

Was at the dealer two weeks ago picking up a 7 dollar o-ring. Didn't stop me from checking out the new bikes.