Used ATV/UTV Buyer's Guide

Today we will learn about some important things to consider when buying a used ATV/UTV. I will specifically be doing a walk around on an ATV, but this also applies to a UTV, though some things may be in different places. Please like and subscribe if you found this video useful. Check out the other videos on the channel to help get that used machine back in working order!

[@igori2311]

Thank you very much, one of the best videos of this kind out there

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Wow, thanks!

[@jbetz78]

I realize this atv is long gone and out of the shop, but maybe you could do a video of a atv that comes into the shop for services and doing a before and after would be a nice touch. Keep up the good work

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Thank you, I will keep an eye out for a "resurrection", we usually get some this time of year because of income tax refunds.

[@carolynstampley6656]

Thank you for the tips. Really liked how you showed the compression test.

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

We just try to help people as much as possible. Thanks for watching!

[@andy6131]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us!

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

My pleasure! It's harder and harder to find Tech's these days, most just plug into a computer and replace the part it says is bad.

[@jeffmwoods]

Great video, thanks for all the info

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@russellmcdaniel6799]

Very informative great video

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Thank you very much!

[@philipcrawford7415]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@browncr62]

Thanks! Great info.

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

You're welcome!

[@anthonyg6221]

Snorkels, missing airboxes, mud packed in every crevice, relocated radiators, wet seat foam, rusty, faded or cracked plastic and general poor appearance are all tell tale signs the machine has been abused and neglected. Typically you will have a minimum 2 or 3 of the things I mentioned if you have a neglected machine. I would walk away from these. Spend a few more bucks for a ready to ride machine that looks nice. Especially if you take care of it, buying used you will almost never lose money if you sell it and its still in nice shape.

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Good stuff, and more good tips of what to walk and/or RUN away from! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gwlane5509]

What a great informative video!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help others. Any thoughts on Kawasaki Prairie 400's 4x4 Early 2000's models?

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Thank you! Prairie 400's are solid machines and parts are still (mostly) readily available.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏 SUBSCRIBED Thank you for sharing

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Thank you very much, I hope it helped!

[@barry8458]

Let’s not forget chassis !…look for rust at welds especially at control arm brackets, engine mounts, carrier mounts even if it’s fairly new ..look to see if someone shot paint on chassis and there’s overspray on things that shouldn’t have It could be hiding chassis rust..

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Good tip, we don't have salt form coastlines or roads here so I forgot to mention that. Thanks for watching and the heads up!

[@barry8458]

@@JWSRepairServiceLLC ..I’ve learned the hard way on my ‘17 rancher and had to fab up and weld in new lower rear control arm brackets and the lower front diff brackets…it was barely hanging on …had to cut off all the mount bolt heads too just to remove diff and lower arm…buyer beware !👍🏼

[@peteanderson9724]

I like your vid.... in your opinion, which model of 4 x 4 has the least amount of repairs or lowest cost for repairs, assuming proper owner maintenance... thanx

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

That's a tough one, it really depends on the year, in the past I would have said Honda, nowadays? I would have to say Kawasaki. Yamaha's were great in the late 80's and 90's, they were TANKS. Sadly, I feel the newer these things are, the more fragile they are, and more expensive to fix.

[@dirtbikematt3128]

There is no way to read the message at the end of the video because it is covered by suggestions for the next video.

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Agreed, KZbin encourages cards but then they cover the video, they should pop up at the very end. I have asked about that and so far have received no response from YT.

[@garyjohn316]

What is a ballpark figure of a top end on a 2001 450 Honda?

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

Depends on if you are planning to do it yourself and if you are using factory parts or aftermarket. That being said. if you take it to A Honda dealer, expect to pay $1500-$2000, independent shop with aftermarket parts? $1000-$1500, DIY with aftermarket? under $1000. Hope this helps, I haven't made a video on Honda's pushrod engines, but they are so simple, there just isn't much to really say about building them, they're super easy. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@1978punisher]

Is 2000 Polaris sportsman 500 good or not

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

From the factory it is an excellent machine, that being said, it saw the factory 23 years ago. That doesn't mean it isn't any good or it's worn out and not worth fixing, it simply means that's a long time to be neglected and abused. They WILL take a pounding but will require repairs from time to time. I see too many people these days not getting repairs until the machine doesn't move anymore and then complain that it's too expensive to fix. Just be cautious, expect it to need some work, but that is one of Polaris's best engines and ATV's, 2000 and up is more desirable as long as it has CV joints in the rear shaft on both ends, 2000 was a transition year and early builds would still have a hooks type or conventional open u-joints on the outboard side (next to the wheel), as long as it's CV, everything is readily available (may take some time to get them though) to get it back to top notch condition! Thanks for watching! Good Luck!

[@thomasitta]

How do i get into a repair shop? Want to open my own repair shop

[@JWSRepairServiceLLC]

You can do what I did, go to a Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and/or Polaris dealer and start as an apprentice, work your butt off, take advantage of any classes the mfgr's offer and if its a Honda dealer, work towards the much coveted title of Honda Factory Certified Technician, this will take a minimum of 3 years, Honda will not let you do it faster than that ( I did it in 3, some guys never finish, it's hard). Save as much money as you possibly can and when you feel the time is right for you, find a small, inexpensive building to lease and just do it. You won't become a millionaire on this side of the business, but you can live comfortably if you're good with numbers and know how to budget if your area is seasonal. In Texas, we are pretty much year round.