Looking at a 2003 P650 with 140 miles. Warn plow and electric lift, windshield, heated grips.

Thoughts?
What kind of things should I look at to tell if its been abused?

I was thinking having them pull the belt cover, but what else should be inspected?

Thanks

 

Plainsman, my thought is that deal sounds ok to me , a plow costs around $350, the plate I think $25 or more windshield im not sure maybe $100 to $150. Do you mean manual lift when you say actuator? If it has a winch that price even sounds better. but dont forget about the 650 BF with an MSRP of $6599 and if you get along with the dealer you may cut a better deal I know a new one wont have a plow on it, so that will cost extra. I just have never bought a used 4x4. They are usually ridden hard , and then when you get the people that dont take care of them AAAARRRGGHH! drives me nuts like the mudders that never clean them.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img] Ok enough of that , if you are really wanting this one here are some things to look for:even though it only has 140 mi.

1. Skidplate if it has major dents in it they may have ridden it hard.
2. Who was the rider young kids ? They tend to beat on them or older fella that is selling it cause of too much power?
3. Check the wheels inside and out for dents.While looking under there check rubber cv boots.
4. Of course check for cracks in plastic.The black plastic at the footwells, breaks easily in the cold weather.
5. Ask why are you selling it , you may find out something that tells you to back out of this deal.
6. If there is somethings wrong with it dont be afraid to pick it apart if they are asking 5200 you will get it cheaper.
7. Warm it up and drive it listen for the belt bark or squeel if it squeels a little at idle thats ok as long as it does not creep forward on you if it barks when you take off the deflection needs to be adjusted.
8. Check brakes and throttle levers and so on.
9. When warmed lean forward and hit the throttle a good running 650 is very responsive it will blow out or wheelie! Thats just my test.
All in all if it is cherry sounds like a good deal oh also check kellybluebook.com or nada.com to see if it is a good price. Im sure I may have missed something , the others will also give you some ideas.GOOD LUCK[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

OGGYDOGGY has a good list, I would add that when you crank the bike, look at the exhaust to see if any blue smoke comes out, and also I always look at the front bumper to see if it's all dented in, a sign that it could have been abused.

 

Talked to the previous owner. He had a car shop and used it to plow snow. He hated the carb, said it was too cold blooded. He said it never did anything but plow, except one weekend his partner took it to the woods (scary).

He also said he plowed in road gear all the time, and pulled in dead cars in road gear.

I asked if his shop guy dropped it into the lake that weekend and he laughed, said no, but it sure was muddy.

Since it worked in road gear, I assume the belt is shot. I also dont like the other guy taking it for the weekend.

 

Plainsman - the quad and owner sound ok. The price doesn't to me. I think the price should be a lot lower. Aftermarket gear doesn't really factor into the price, and if it does to you, factor it at no more than about 30% of it's retail value, as it's now used.

Yes the belt will probably need replacement - big deal - you can do that yourself with literally two hand tools and a $60 belt. Not a huge deal.

While it is surprising to forum members - most atv owners typically don't get on the net. Most p650 owners I've met have no clue that all they need to do is turn out their pilot jets a bit to get rid of the 'cold blooded' starting!

I would not be nervous about the bike's quality/running condition - I'd just worry about price. Use his thinking that his bike is cold blooded as a point of leverage in your negotiations, don't tell him he just needs a quick turn of the pilot screws [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

As for things to check - you dont need to pop the belt cover off - you're not going to see anything of interest in there. I'd check to see that the coolant is in a reasonable level, and check the oil level. Ask what maintenance has been done. He should have had at least one initial oil change, and have changed the diff fluids. If the diff fluids haven't been changed, not a huge deal but the oil should have been. Good luck!!

 

So what do you think is a good price.

 

I drove the P650 around tonight, woof do they have power. The plow works great. It was fun [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]