Ok guys i'm going to check out a 03 Polaris Sportsman 700 saturday and i'm new to the inspection side. I have rode all my life just never had to maintain one.

Its 03 with 1300 miles, digital display, all around independent, he said everything is rides smooth. He bought it a year ago and rode it for maybe 100 miles. He just changed the belt on it and the tires have about 65% thread on them. Also just oiled all the u-joints and stuff.

What else should I look at besides oil. Where do i find the other fluids at and what other fluids should I check.

I know I sound like a complete noob, however I couldn't find a post of the common things to look for in an inspection for the different types of rides. So maybe this could be a good thread of what all to check for.

Thanks Guys!

 

Check the CV joint boots for any tears. When you drive it listen for odd noises, squeaks from cv joints. The water pump mechanical seal has a history of leaking on these. BTW the u-joints get grease not oil. Only problem I had from my 03 was the water pump and a hole in the coolant hose where it was rubbing against the frame. Try to get it warm enough for the fan to turn on see if it is noisy.

NADA list it as: These numbers might help to know as a bargining tool as they seem on the lo side for around my area anyway.
Low Retail Average Retail
$2,475 $3,255

KBB list @ 3800 retail, 2700 trade in

 

Where is the water pump located on this one?

 

just follow the rad. hose downto the pump are. why was the belt changed i would want to know as well did he use a new gasket on the clutch cover so it would be water tight again. check the oil as well as the tranny fluid for water in them. find out if he knows if its had a complete fluid change as service if he knows and if not plan on doing one w/ at least that mileage. imo

 

Also grab all 4 axles and yank on them. They should be VERY tight with no slop. Check the front drivshaft as well for slop where the yoke slides onto splines coming out of front diff. Some people will tell you a little slop is normal...it's not. I had an 01' with 3500 miles and the axles had no slop in them.