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    February 3rd, 2009CoolReporterMotoring

    Purchasing a new four wheeler requires important planning before spending the money. Before rushing out and buying the first atv you come across, there are a few hard and fast tips you should follow.

    By following the used atv buying tips below, you can help ensure that you won’t be laying down your cold hard cash for someone elses problem.

    First, check out the tires. If they’re worn out or full of plugs and patches, this could indicate abuse or lack of proper maintenance. Also, if the tread is worn down, you’ll looking at the purchase of four new atv tires!

    Always take a friend with you when going to look at an used atv. Raise the ATV up if possible to check the underside. Make sure to look at all the shock points and check for any rust or damaged areas. This includes cracks in the frame. Look for signs of fresh paint.This may mean a recent repair.

    When {buying|purchasing} a used 4×4 all terrain vehicle, check out the cv joint boots. If they are cracked, this can allow water to get inside. This will cause rust and lead to major damage, which leads to major repair cost!

    Check the engine oil as well as the oil in the differentials. Chocolate colored oil, or milky looking oil, means water. This could lead to a whole host of problems.

    Worn sprockets will show excessive wear on one side. The same is true if the sprockets have a hook appearance. Expect to replace both the chain and sprocket if you find either of these.

    If you can get the front end up on jack stands, check the wheel bearings by moving the wheels in and out and side to side. Do this on the front and back. Worn bearings can lead to spindle damage.

    To check for worn tie rod ends, try and move the handle bars back and forth. There should be little to no play.

    The air box is one place many used atv buyers fail to check. You can find it beneath the seat by removing it. Dirt or water inside the air box is bad news.

    Don’t forget to check for rust in the gas tank. You check for this by taking a flashlight and shining it into the tank. Rust can decrease the life of your engine dramatically.

    Check the electrical system by turning on the lights. You also should make sure any cigarrete lighter plug works. These are used for accessories.

    Once you’re done checking out the machine, take it for a ride. Listen for any unusual noise. Note how it handles and be on the lookout for any loose parts.

    Does the exhaust have the spark arrestor in place? Many owners remove these. However, National Forest and other public trails require spark arrestor’s to be in place. Owners without them can be fined and prevented from riding in these places.

    Another important thing you want to check is the age of the atv itself. You may be able to pick up older atv’s inexpensively, but many times you’ll have difficulty in locating atv parts for these older machines. If you can try to stick with atv’s that are only a few years old.

    Follow these used atv buying tips and you’ll increase your chances of purchasing a quality used atv that will give you many years of service. They’re not hard to follow. You just need to remain focused and don’t let the Seller pressure you into a quick purchase or ignoring the tips above.

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