Used 4-wheeler

  • wade
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts: 1737
    August 10, 2009 at 4:29 pm #1213387

    I am starting to look at purchasing a 4-wheeler (used). I am wondering if there are certain number of hours or miles to stay away from? I know to look at tires, breaks, run it for the engine, and the cosmetic stuff. Is there anything else I should be looking for?

    super_do
    St Michael, MN
    Posts: 1089
    August 10, 2009 at 5:04 pm #796465

    Yeah! With deals the way they are….buy a new one unless you know who you are getting it from. Nobody elses problems and a warranty. I bought new Polaris Sportsman 400 a few years back after looking at used ones. I couldn’t believe what they were asking. For the extra $600-$800 I went with new.

    ses
    Mississippi River
    Posts: 168
    August 10, 2009 at 5:23 pm #796478

    Quote:

    Yeah! With deals the way they are….buy a new one unless you know who you are getting it from. Nobody elses problems and a warranty. I bought new Polaris Sportsman 400 a few years back after looking at used ones. I couldn’t believe what they were asking. For the extra $600-$800 I went with new.

    I ditto this. Did the same thing a couple years ago myself.

    Something to consider!

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 10, 2009 at 5:30 pm #796470

    There are some amazing deals on Craigslist. I think it’s kind of like buying a used car or boat. Ya, there is some risk. However, use common sense. How clean is the machine? How many miles? Dents on the undercarriage? Lots of modifications? Accessories, i.e. winch?

    I bought a 2003 Polaris 600 with less than 500 miles(so I’m told). I paid less than $3k for it. It’s not EFI, but so far has been a sweet starting machine in all conditions.

    Have fun shopping!

    wade
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts: 1737
    August 10, 2009 at 5:32 pm #796467

    thanks for all the feedback so far. I am also considering a new machine, waiting on a couple quotes to come back. I have found some pretty decent deals on c-list I am considering as well.

    bill mitchell
    Posts: 165
    August 10, 2009 at 5:35 pm #796481

    used 4-wheeelers can be a risky adventure. i would look at new ones first , then if you cant swing that , then look at used ones. as for brands i would look at yamaha,honda. not much of a polaris fan not to say you cant get a good one.

    big_g
    Isle, MN
    Posts: 22454
    August 10, 2009 at 5:47 pm #796483

    Definitely consider new wade I haven’t looked lately, but for about $1000 more, I would go new. I know they hold their value W A Y better than a snowmobile. I know you didn’t ask but somebody already opened the can… my order….. Polaris, Arctic Cat (both are designed and built in MN) Bombardier, then take any of the other off(foreign) brands in any order…. couldn’t resist…. Have fun shopping

    big G

    Don Miller
    Onamia, MN
    Posts: 378
    August 10, 2009 at 6:13 pm #796491

    Look for any signs of male teenage drivers, if so those miles on the odometer may likely be hard miles.

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 10, 2009 at 6:37 pm #796496

    Quote:

    Look for any signs of male teenage drivers, if so those miles on the odometer may likely be hard miles.

    Great point Don. I tend to look at “surroundings”. Is the garage organized and kept up. Look for signs that would lead you to believe someone is meticulous about how they care for their house, yard, etc… To this point, it has kept me from purchasing a lemmon.

    wade
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts: 1737
    August 10, 2009 at 6:55 pm #796502

    Quote:

    It’s not EFI, but so far has been a sweet starting machine in all conditions.

    Is EFI vs Carbs a big issue?

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 10, 2009 at 6:57 pm #796503

    I’m the last guy to answer this from a technical perspective. I’d prefer EFI for the cold starting factor, however, I’ve been very pleasantly surprised with my machine. It starts nice, just needs a little warm up with some choke to get her revved up and ready to roll. About the time it takes me to put on all my gear as I’m headed out ice fishing.

    Roofer
    Minnesota
    Posts: 79
    August 11, 2009 at 12:21 am #796576

    I’m reluctant to admit, but my two EFI machines are great! Go EFI for sure.

    Don’t be scared to go too big and don’t be afraid of any brands. All of the new ones are very reliable. I’m partial to Polaris, CanAm, and Kawi for various reasons I won’t bore everyone with………

    Roofer
    Minnesota
    Posts: 79
    August 11, 2009 at 12:43 am #796582

    Also…….

    I know going to a dealer is easier because of the good financing and good deals right now, but I wouldn’t be afraid to save a few bucks on a used one either. There are quite a few people who bought last year and only put a few miles on them. Now they either can’t or don’t want to afford them, or decide that they didn’t need one in the first place.

    Check for mud on top of the frame and under the engine. Also look under the seat at the engine, hoses, etc. for excess mud. Those are the toughest spots to clean.

    suzuki
    Woodbury, Mn
    Posts: 18621
    August 12, 2009 at 9:15 pm #797059

    There are great used deals out there. You have to put in the time though and really investigate like above posts state. Find a guy like me with a 4 year old wheeler with low miles that never gets trail ridden! Of course I’m keeping mine and expect it to last a long time.

    wade
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts: 1737
    August 13, 2009 at 3:11 pm #797245

    thanks for everyone’s input. I have found a couple I am setting up times to go look at. Some decent deals out there forsure, so hopefully I will be able to report back with pictures eventually.

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