A UTV is no small purchase. So, if you happen to find yourself in the market for one, you want to make sure you know what you’re getting into. What should you be looking for while UTV shopping? What questions should you ask, and what specifications should you consider? Keep reading for your UTV purchasing guide.

Do Your Research

If you know what type of machine you are looking to buy, make sure you spend a little time doing some research. This is especially important if you’re not very familiar with UTVs. Get to know them both in person and online; this will help you know what to expect both in terms of specs and the condition of the UTV when you begin shopping.

Buying New

If you’re not sure exactly which UTV type and brand you’re looking for, ask yourself if you plan to use your UTV for work, or play, or both. You’ll want your work UTV to have a high weight capacity, and you’ll want your play UTV to be light and nimble. If you are looking for something you can use to get some alone time with nature, you don’t need much room. But if you’re a family man hoping to take the kids out for some adventures on the trail, you’ll want something with a nice, roomy bench seat. When and where you want to use your UTV will also impact your purchase. 2x4 or 4x4 and the type of tires you buy will all depend if you plan to use your UTV on mild trails or pretty hairy ones, in the sand, snow, or mud.

Buying Used

If you decide to go the used route, make sure you are asking the seller plenty of questions. Know how long the seller has had it and why they decided to sell. You’ll also want to check the engine oil to see if it’s been recently changed and inspect the radiator for any damage it may have gotten on the trail. Because the axles and suspension can really take a beating if the owner has been hard on their UTV, you’ll want to take a look at those too. When you check out the tires, look for significant wear. If there is, you may be able to talk the seller down on the price. And of course, you’re going to want to inspect the frame of your UTV to look for any signs that it has been in an accident of some kind. The condition of the belly of the UTV can also tell you a lot too. Whether you decide to buy new or used, trust your gut. If something seems off, you can hold off for a few days. You can always go back and purchase the UTV after thinking it through a little longer. It’s a big purchase that will influence how you spend a lot of your free time this summer, so choose your UTV wisely. Once you’ve made your decision and you’re ready to outfit your UTV with the latest and greatest, don’t forget to stop by UTV Windshields and Accessories!