I've always been obsessed with the sport and everything entailing, but I've never had the funds to get into it until now. I'm looking at about $2,500 for a quad. It'll mostly be riding in Ocala, and some tracks around here after a little bit of getting used to it again. I've ridden before, and it just comes naturally to me. I've set myself on either a 400 or 450r. I've read and understand what comes with both, and have pretty much decided that whatever is there and cheaper, will be bought.

My name is Cory, btw.

I do have a couple questions, however. Exactly what should one look for when buying used?

 

overall condition, how does it look? does it look like it's been taken care of or abused.
check the oil. how does it look/smell? burnt or normal.
do they have a title(or other paperwork to prove it ain't stolen--someone reputable). if you buy it, get a receipt/bill of sales.
YOU start the machine and YOU test ride it. don't let them hide anything from you when starting it. if you have problems watch them or whatever. but don't let them run over you. run through the gears, listen to the machine. look for leaks while running.
ask them about any known problems, because you really want to know the history and you're gonna invest a lot of money into the machine. now, they may not tell you, but you be the judge.
look the machine over as best as you can, look for missing parts/bolts/and deficiencies.
make sure it don't smoke when running, if it has a hard time starting, you may want to re-evaluate the situation.
it'll be your purchase, have fun, and GOOD LUCK!

 

I would say look for an early YFZ 450 (04-05 ish) they can be picked up pretty cheap. That or an LTZ 400. Both are good quads. I'd say condition wise, you should look at wear on the ATV, and how they rode it... you dont want a quad that someone trashed. Ask how often the oil filter was changed, tune-ups, etc.

 

Welcome! A Honda 400EX will be a pretty easy find in that price range!

 

Thats true... you could probably find a 400EX for cheaper than a LTZ400, plus the EX motors are basically bulletproof

 

I, for some unknown reason, love the LTZ400. How are they maintenance wise? I see those, 400EX's, YFZ450's, and TRX450R's all around the same price here... Right about $2,300. Most are '04-'05 models. Is this normal? I am quite skeptical because it seems like they should be more.

 

The 450's are the in thing right now therefor they have saturated the market and you can find fairly cheap 450 right now, the problem is most of the cheap ones you find are going to be pretty beat up. If you want just a cruiser/play quad stick with the 400 class quads as they will require less maintenance and will last you a lifetime esp the 400EX as it is a air cooled old school design that can take some abuse. The Z400 is a great bike also but has duel over head cams therefore you power range is in the upper revs of the motor. The 450 for the most part are a all or nothing motor designed for racing with a engine that are designed to be rebuilt every so often. Do your research and you will see what I am talking about.

 

400 EX is a great starting machine


Welcome to the forums

 

true, depends on what kind of riding you do more, or enjoy more, rather.

 

Alot of my riding is going to consist of wide trails, wide dirt roads, and some few tight, technical riding. My uncle brought me up on a 300ex that he used to have, so I definitely like Honda. However, I also favor the Z400. I know I won't have a problem staying in the upper portion of the powerband for it, but are there any known problems with the z?