Tips When You Are in the Market For a Used ATV

Buying a used ATV can be challenging, but if you take the right steps you can find a great deal. Here are some helpful tips when you are in the market for a used ATV:

-Know Who You Are Buying From
-Perform a Thorough Inspection
-Test Drive the Vehicle
-Get Everything in Writing

Know Who You Are Buying From

When you are in the market for a used ATV it is important to know that you are buying the vehicle from its owner. The easiest way to determine ownership is by the title. The owner should be listed on the title and/or the registration. You can verify the identity of the seller by checking their driver's license or identification card. If you don't take the precaution to verify who you are buying from, you could lose all of your money and possession of the vehicle too.

It is important to make certain before any money changes hands that you are actually purchasing a vehicle from the owner of record.

Perform a Thorough Inspection

It is a good idea to take the ATV to a mechanic you can trust, and have them perform an inspection. This way if anything is defective they will be able to tell you up front. The owner of the ATV should have no problem allowing for an inspection if the deal is straight forward. Another approach is to buy the vehicle, but with a 30 money-back guarantee, pending a mechanic inspection. Most states already allow 30 days to change your mind if you buy an ATV from a private sale. Check your state for their rules.

Having a mechanic perform a thorough inspection of a used ATV can prevent you from spending a great deal of money, after you buy it.

Test Drive the Vehicle

A lot of promises can be made when looking over a used ATV for sale, so it is always a good idea to take it for a test drive. Nothing can reveal potential problems better then a good spin around the block. Whether it might be engine problems, suspension problems, or steering problems, a test drive will reveal them almost immediately. Unless you are willing to purchase a vehicle site-unseen, you should always take it for a test drive before laying out any money.

A test drive is the quickest method you can use for determining any potential defects that a used ATV may have.

Get Everything in Writing

Almost every state has strict guidelines when it comes to the transfer of vehicles. When you begin the negotiating process for a used ATV make sure to look over the paperwork, and verify that it is in order. Otherwise, if the paperwork is cloudy, you may find it difficult to secure the title, or registration in your state. If the seller makes warranty for the vehicle make sure to get it in writing, and have it initialed by a witness. This is necessary because some sellers have very faulty memories of a sale, after you cart off the ATV.

When buying a used ATV getting all the details of the sale in writing, including warranty or sale conditions is the best way to protect your interests.