OHVs: New or Used

The most common factor in decided whether to buy a new or used OHV is usually cost. Other factors may include availability and specific features you're looking for. Sometimes pre-owned OHVs will have been upgraded with many desirable options that are very expensive if you add them to a new machine yourself.

New OHVs can be quite expensive, but they will come with some warranty and you won't be buying someone else's problems. And you can order them from the dealer or factory with the options you want. Dealers may often give you a discount on any riding gear or accessories you want to purchase at the same time. If you are committed to buying new and are flexible on timing, consider making your purchase at the end of the season when you can take advantage of mark-downs on last year's models to get the best deal.

Used OHVs can save you quite a bit of money and they may include expensive after-market upgrades that will save you even more. But, there could be problems from previous abuse or improper maintenance. After all, there is some reason the previous owner is selling. Sometimes the sale has nothing to do with any existing problems with the equipment. Some riders routinely upgrade every year or so.  Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances which force the sale (illness, job loss, moving, divorce, etc).  It is up to you to determine the condition and acceptability of your purchase. A thorough inspection of the vehicle is, of course, mandatory. If you are not equipped to make the inspection yourself, it is a good idea to invest in the services of a professional motorcycle mechanic to check out your potential purchase. Also talk with the seller about why he is selling and about his maintenance habits. Obtain maintenance records if possible and always test-ride the vehicle. It should start easily and run smoothly. Clutch and brakes should work well, acceleration should be good and there should be no unusual vibrations.

Here are some guidelines for buying a used motorcycle.   Many of the recommendations given here can be adapted to test driving any used OHV. 

I've had pretty good luck with used OHVs, but have gotten a couple of lemons too. It is all too easy to get excited about a potential purchase and forget to do your due diligence in checking it out. When that happens you will pay for it later. Better to take a little extra time and effort in evaluating any vehicles you are considering. Avoid getting into a situation where you have an urgent need to make a purchase. Try to take your time and carefully evaluate all your options. Remember, that if the price is too good to be true, there is probably something wrong with the unit.

Buying on the Internet. There are a lot of good bargains advertised on the Internet, but how can you tell if they are any good? Obviously, you will want to personally inspect any vehicles before committing to purchase if possible. If not, be sure to ask a lot of pertinent questions and verify the credentials and reputation of the seller. I have purchased several dirt bikes from Internet ads and have been pretty satisfied with all of them.  I was able to inspect and test ride each one before I bought it.  I have purchased two motorhomes through ebay. The first one I bought from a more-or-less local private party and one of my sons still has it. The second I bought from a "reputable" dealer in Arizona and was VERY disappointed. My first fuel stop after leaving the dealer lot showed the Detroit diesel engine was 3-quarts low on oil -- after the dealer had assured me the unit had just been serviced and the oil just changed when I bought it. It wasn't leaking any oil and was still full when I got home 200 miles later, so obviously he was mistaken or lied about the service. However, when I took the family out for a short ride the next week, the engine started knocking like a foundry after only a couple of miles and had to be replaced. My "reputable" dealer refused any assistance. I should have doubted them when I arrived at the lot and found some of the features and equipment had been misrepresented on their listing on ebay but, in their defense, they made good on the advertised features. Most dealers offer at least a 30-day drive-train warranty, but because of the age of the vehicle (it was a 1986 model year and I purchased it in 2004) and a price are below market they refused any warranty. That should have been another flag that I should just go home and keep looking. Keep in mind dealers normally get higher prices than private parties to cover reconditioning and warranty work. This was a consignment sale, so the dealer didn't invest anything in reconditioning or warranty. It was a very expensive mistake. Would I consider buying over the Internet again? Yes. But I would also be more cautious before accepting delivery.  In my defense, the unit was a relatively rare Holiday Rambler and even after replacing the engine I still got it below market price.  It just wasn't the super deal I thought I was getting.

A used vehicle is likely to have had the suspension adjusted to fit the owner's height, weight and riding style so you may need to adjust it to make it right for you.  A dirt bike that seems too tall or too short or too stiff or too soft may only need some adjustments to be just right for you.

Buy what's right for you!