I have found an awsome deal on a 2000 400EX. It is 3500 and the quad is in mint condition, looks like it has never been ridden. The onl problem is, i think it may be stolen. What kind of documentation should i expect to get with the perchase of a "used" quad? Also, where are the serial/VIN numbers located? And is there anyway to tell if a quad is stolen? Can i give the VIN number to the DMV? Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Make sure you get a title with it..

last year my friend bought a kx250, it was totally stock, and he got it for a good price. Then he put about 2000 in aftermarket parts into it. Here the FED's had been looking for this stolen bike. They asked around (IE: My nephew has a green dirtbike, know where he lives) and they just went into his house one night and took it, there was noting he could do about it. He not only lost 4000 from the bike, but 2000 in aftermarket. Now he is stuck with a crapload of stock KX250 parts. later

 

New

I am not sure where the VIN number is on the EX, but it should be stamped somewhere on the frame. I am not sure about California laws, but here in Ohio, we have to title our atv's now to help stop some of the theft. The title process involves taking the atv to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and having a VIN inspection done. They look at the VIN # and run it through the system to see if its been reported stolen. I would write the VIN # down an call your local BMV and see if they can run a check on it to see if its stolen. Also in Ohio, new car dealerships and police stations can run VIN #'s to see if it has been reported stolen. Remember, if a deal is too good to be true, it just may be.

 

BTW: the VIN on a 400ex is right on the frame in front of the front bumper. It is on a plate, right where the upper bolts connect to the bumper.

 

In NY ATV's don't have titles, when you buy it new you get a 'certificate of origin' that you hand in when you register it... then your registration serves as proof of ownership.

Just call the guy up and ask for the vin. Tell him that your going to have it checked out with the police department... his reaction should more or less tell you

Leo

 

If CA is the same as GA everywhere you look there are stolen atv's. They ran a report in our local paper last week that showed Novembers list of stolen lawnmowers,dirtbikes and atv's. 124-atv's....86-dirtbikes....138-lawnmowers! this is just in 4 counties around me! every single atv i have bought hasnt had a title or certificate of origin with it. The only way you can check is call the police and see if they have it listed and hope the guy didnt steal it the day before and the people just havent reported it yet. A buddy of mine had his truck stolen with his 400ex in the back of it. they found the truck dumped off 2 blocks over and the quad gone! so be careful with "good deals".

 

I am a city police officer in TX. To keep you from losing your money, find the VIN number and write it down. Go to your local Police Department. Tell them that your interested in buying a 4 Wheeler, but the price sounds to good to be true. They will run the VIN number in the computer to see if it has been reported stolen. The computer checks nation wide. If the bike does not have a VIN number on it. STAY AWAY!!!! Just possessing it is againt the LAW.

 

New2theSport-there are some good deals like that out there. Just make sure you have a clear title.
I picked up a 2001 300ex yesterday for $3500 dollars, and that was a great deal! But, because of your forum, I made sure it had that title and it matched the vin #s. Goodluck!