My husband and I are building a new home in WI in the country. We'd like to buy 2 ATV's. One for me for just trail riding or riding on our land or on the lake to go fishing. One for him that we can use to plow and to haul and also trail ride and fool around on. Here is where we need advice! Are used ATV's good? What type of mileage is too high for an ATV? Any thing we should be looking for? Any advice you can give us would be great!

 

It really depends on what is available in your area. You might take a look at a used atv that has been beat and not taken care of. You might also take a look at an atv that has been sitting in a garage for years. I usually like to buy new because most quads are used rough. You might just find one that has been taken care of for a good price.

Who's to say how miles are good or bad. It may only have a thousand miles but each and every one of them is from muddy trail riding. Then again a quad might have a few thousand from someone getting the mail each and every day. Through soft grass. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Look over the quad and see what kind of shape it's in. Are the fenders broke? Is there damage under the frame? (dings and dents) Is the frame undamaged? Is the oil completely black or even milky from water getting in? Does the motor sound good? Is the quad in good shape?

I put around 1200 miles on my quad within the first year. My cousin has had his quad for many years and only has about 1500 miles on it. I don't think people can say a true terrible top mileage until motors or other major parts start failing at certain miles. Some people have well over 5000 miles on a quad.

The speedos aren't always correct. So the mileage counter may show too much mileage.

 

Search around on the web for an ATV club in your area. Contact them and get to know the members. Go to some of the outings and learn about the sport and the machines. You will find the people you meet are friendly and willing to help you make an informed purchase.

Chances are you will be given the chance to ride many different makes and models each of which will be touted by it's owner as being the best machine available.

Good luck with your purchases and be sure to take the ATV safe riding course.

Had to come back and edit this.

The machines listed in my sig below sound like what you need. And, of course they are the very best. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]