ATV purchasing questions

[Hogmauler]

Was thinking about purchasing a used four wheeler but have a few questions: Seems reasonable to have a title for four wheeler correct?
What is an acceptable amount of hours per year of age or does that matter?
Are they expensive to keep up?
What atv has the best resale value in yalls opionion?
What other questions should a person ask before purchasing any used or new four wheeler?
Thanks in advance

[12RingKing]

Lots of questions.... I'll give it a go.

Yes, you should get a title. Match the VIN to the VIN on the bike. Make sure they sign the back, and get a Bill of Sale. I learned my lesson about that. I bought a used 4wheeler and didn't realize I should have asked for him to sign a BOS. He was unwilling to work with me later like he said he would when I bought the bike from him. Oh well... In my case he never transferred the title from the person he purchased it from. The tax assessor wanted $250 to transfer it to my name. I didn't want to pay that so I was just going to get a BOS instead. No Dice.

Anyways, they don't charge taxes on 4wheers, atleast in my county. It's only a transfer fee of a few dollars unless you go years, then there's penalties.

Hours and miles really don't matter IMO, as long as they're reasonable. Although, high miles and low hours indicate it was driven faster than a "hunting" 4 wheeler. Obviously you could idle one for hours and never drive. That would negate that, but most people probably wouldn't think of that. Mine had ~840 miles with ~150 hours.

Don't let the bike sit, and if you do you better used ethanol treatment and fuel stabilizer, especially on carbureted motors. I use some product called Pri-G. It's way cheaper than stabil brand and some have claimed it can revive years old gas to a usable state, as in a car has sat for years and years and you need to move it. Assuming it would fire up. Anyways, just make sure you use that stuff, and run it a little bit every now and then if you can. Other than that, so far mine hasn't cost me a dime.

The best resale value boils down to a number of things. They all suck, but I'm going to say Honda. More people trust that name than any other, atleast around here. It's highly recognizable. The "value" may be on point with others, but it would sell before them IMO.

I like to ask the seller questions like I am just having a conversation. Get a feel for the person, if he/she is hiding something... It will come out in their vibe throughout conversation, generally. Just ask what they used it for. Is it modified, basic stuff.

Good luck! I hope I helped you out some.

[Huggybear]

How much do you have to spend?

[Ryan81]

Yes get a title. Also make sure they sign the form 130-U(I think that is correct). It's on the DMV site.

I don't know what is acceptable but for me i usually put about 100 hours on it an hour. However I just bought a 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 with only 113 hours. Pretty low for its age to me.

Not expensive to keep up.

[Hogmauler]

Thank you my brothers for taking the time to respond.

[Texas8point]

Was thinking about purchasing a used four wheeler but have a few questions: Seems reasonable to have a title for four wheeler correct?
What is an acceptable amount of hours per year of age or does that matter?
Are they expensive to keep up?
What atv has the best resale value in yalls opionion?
What other questions should a person ask before purchasing any used or new four wheeler?
Thanks in advance

Yes on the title.
the lower the hours the better on a used bike.
Not expensive at all to keep up.
HONDA
Any used bike you buy should not have a snorkel or any other features that tell you it has been underwater. Should have maintenance records. Garage kept.
Don't go crazy if its just for deer hunting. $10K for an 800cc is unnecessary.
I searched from Mississippi to OK to all over Texas before I bought mine, Wild West Motoplex on I-10 has the best deals and no hassle buying.
I ended up with a new 2014 Honda Rancher 420, 4X4. Excellent bike. I have hauled all kinds of game, pulled a trailer full of corn with it and climbed some decent hills with no problems.

[12RingKing]

Yes get a title. Also make sure they sign the form 130-U(I think that is correct). It's on the DMV site.

I don't know what is acceptable but for me i usually put about 100 hours on it an hour. However I just bought a 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 with only 113 hours. Pretty low for its age to me.

Not expensive to keep up.

I knew I forgot something.... Very important to get the 130-U signed.

Just call your county tax assessor and they will tell you exactly what you need if you buy a used bike. If you buy new, they will obviously take care of that for you

[Hogmauler]

Great info. Never heard of the 130 formation

[12RingKing]

Great info. Never heard of the 130 formation

All they have to do is sign it. You fill out the rest later at the tax office. No sweat