ATV & UTV's Buyer's Guide

ATV & UTV Buyer’s Guide www.ATVTrader.com

ATV & Buyer’ Guide

UTV ’s

There’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors on four wheels.

And whether you’re new to the off-road lifestyle, or if you’ve been traversing trails for years, it can be hard to decide what you want when it’s time to get a new unit - but we’ve got your back. Check out our advice on steps to take when buying a unit, what to look for, and some tricks of the trade we’ve learned along the way as you choose your next off-road vehicle.

Choosing Your Off¯Road Vehicle ¯ What Works Best For You?

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to get an off-road vehicle, new or used, it’s important to consider what type you want. ATVs and UTVs are not one size fits all so it’s important to put some thought into the types of rides you want to take and your non-negotiables before selecting your next, or first, off-road vehicle. To help you decide, we’ll break down the difference between both:

ATV ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle and is a motorized off-highway vehicle sometimes known as “fourwheelers” or “quad”. On an ATV, riders sit in a straddle seating position and steer with handlebars.

These units have four wheels (which is where the quad nickname comes from) and most are designed for one rider, but some units can accommodate an additional passenger in the rear. ATVs have motorcycle-like controls and travel on low-pressure tires for optimal traction while riding on mud, rocks, or sand. These units are very nimble and handle extremely well, making them ideal for racing, using on a job site, heading off road, or onto the beach.

UTV UTV stands for Utility Task Vehicle but these units are often referred to as 4x4 utility vehicle or “Side-by-Sides” because the passenger and driver sit next to each other while driving.

UTVs are larger than ATVs and use a car-like steering wheel and pedals for the breaks and gas rather than handlebars.

Most UTVs have seatbelts and include some type of roll-over protection. There are models that just accommodate two passengers, while others have additional seating in the rear.

New Vs. Used ¯ Whether you’re buying a new or used ATV or UTV, there are a few things you should consider. As you’re deciding what unit will work best for you - keep these four things in mind so you’ll be completely satisfied with your new ride after you make the big purchase.

Price is Important First, you’ll need to empty out that piggy bank and see the type of budget you’re working with. If you are on a fixed budget, buying used might be the way to go - and believe us, there are some awesome used off-road vehicles out there. Before buying used, you’ll want to make sure you get all the information on the unit’s current condition along with any maintenance recently completed - or left to be done. On the other hand, if you’re working with a more flexible budget, there’s nothing like hitting the trails on a brand new ride - plus, these typically come with warranties and maybe even some service perks built into the purchase price. New or used - there are tons of killer options out there. Keep in mind that fall is typically a great time to buy because many dealers are making room for newer inventory as next year’s models roll in.

The Unit’s Condition We touched on this above, but condition is a major factor you need to consider when buying used and warrants its own bullet. The beauty of buying new is that you don’t have to worry because the unit should be perfect, but when checking out used units keep in mind that all owners treat and use their off-road vehicles differently. You’ll want to take a look at the entirety of the unit (especially the frame, engine, tires, shocks, and breaks) and be sure everything is generally working as it should. Make sure to consider any deal breakers you might have while inspecting the ATV or UTV. For instance, ATV tires can be extremely costly, so double check for any cracks when you’re examining your potential unit. We also recommend taking a test drive of the unit so you can get a real feel of how the ATV or UTV will run on a day-to-day basis (new OR used). If buying from a private party, we suggest getting a mechanic to take a look to ensure that the ATV or UTV has not had any significant damage or pending issues.

A Few Things to Consider Are You Handy or Know Someone Who Is? As we mentioned earlier, all off-roaders treat their units differently so that means some vehicles might need more maintenance than others - are you ready to make that commitment? When buying used, take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself, “If it breaks, will I fix it?� If the answer is no, you might want to start saving for a new model, because older off-road vehicles (no matter their quality) will eventually need maintenance work. On the other hand, if you are handy, a lot of riders/drivers consider buying cheaper used models to do their own lifting or customization. But we still suggest taking a deep look at your own handyman/woman abilities so you can figure out the maintenance and customization you can afford before buying used.

The Technology You Require It’s no secret that new units come with the most up-to-date features and technology. If those aspects are important to you, then buying new might be the way to go considering new off-road technology is constantly improving. But keep in mind, there are also a lot of used units out there that have great features like digital dashboards, heavy-duty storage racks, and built-in GPS - it just depends what your non-negotiables are.

Off¯Road Safety Gear and Acces When you’re riding an ATV you need protection - there’s no doubt about it. The same goes for UTVs depending on how you choose to use your unit. We’re all about going fast and getting muddy, but we’re also all about being safe while having fun. Check out a few staples you should consider investing in when you decide to join the off-road lifestyle.

Helmet While some of this gear might be optional - helmets definitely aren’t. While we hate to admit it, accidents do happen and it’s important to protect your head at all costs. Laws for wearing helmets while operating ATVs or UTVs are different in each state - so be sure to check the laws before you ride or drive; but no matter the law, we highly recommend wearing a safety-rated helmet for protection. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Our Top 5 Helmet Recommendations: »» 1Storm Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet »» Neal SRS Warhawk Helmet »» Arai XD4 Helmet »» Bell MX-9 Adventure DLX Helmet »» HJC CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet

Jacket You encounter a variety of terrain while traversing trails, this often includes riding alongside bushes and trees. If your upper body isn’t protected, you can be left with some pretty serious scratches and bruises. To minimize scrapes - look into purchasing a high-quality jacket to protect your upper body. You might need more than one jacket depending on the time of year you like to ride/drive.

There are a variety of lightweight jackets

that still offer plenty of insulation if you’re riding/driving in cooler months.

Our Top 5 Jacket Recommendations: »» Klim Traverse Jacket »» AXO Glide Jacket »» Fly Racing Black Ops Convertible Jacket »» Alpinestars Venture Jacket »» Klim Latitude Jacket

Boots Boots are a staple in the ATV and UTV world - so if you’re interested in riding or driving, we suggest you pick up a reliable pair. Look for boots with good traction, coverage, and support for unpredictable trail conditions.

Our Top 5 Boot Recommendations: »» O’NEAL Element boot »» Sidi X-3 TA Boots »» Alpinestars Tech-3 Enduro Boots »» Fly Racing 2020 Maverik Boots »» Forma FOADVBN45 Adventure Off-Road Motorcycle Boots

ssories Eye Protection Small rocks, sand, dirt, and mud can and will come in contact with your face while operating a UTV or ATV. To keep your eyes protected, we suggest investing in a solid pair of goggles. Look for anti-fog goggles that wrap around the entirety of your head for optimal protection against the elements.

Our Top 5 Eye Protection Recommendations: »» 100% Racecraft Goggles »» Smith Squad MTB Goggles »» 100% Strata Goggle »» Fly Racing Zone »» Oakley Airbrake MX

Gloves Your hands are crucial when operating an off-road vehicle so it’s important to keep them protected. Shield your hands from the elements with a proper pair of protective gloves. We recommend looking for a pair of steel-knuckle gloves for increased protection from rocks and small spills. Whatever pair of gloves you choose, just make sure they are comfortable for you and have a good amount of grip.

Our Top 5 Glove Recommendations: »» ILM Alloy Steel Knuckle Gloves »» Seibertron Dirtpaw Gloves »» Klim Mojave Pro Men’s Off-Road Gloves »» Fly Racing 907 Gloves »» 100% Brisker

Top UTV & ATV Destinations Across America The United States is filled with some of the most epic geography on Earth - and if you’re anything like us, you want to see it all on four wheels. We’ll break down a few of our favorite destinations that are perfect for ATVs and UTVs. You’ll want to add these to your bucket list - trust us.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park,

Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West

Utah

Virginia

Ready to feel like you’ve been transported to another planet? Take a trip to Coral Pink Sand Dunes National Park in Utah.

This park is located just outside Kanab and is an off-roader’s paradise, with over 2,000 acres of sand open to ATVs and UTVs. When you ride/drive through this park, you’ll be surrounded by massive rose-colored sand dunes along with juniper and pinion pine trees. Offroaders come from across the country to traverse the dunes and the park has trails for advanced, intermediate, and beginner riders - so there’s something for everyone. Make sure to pack sunscreen and water as the dunes can get very hot in warmer months.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails are made up of 700+ miles of trails located in the rugged Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.

It is considered one of the largest offhighway vehicle trail systems in the world and is open to visitors year-round. There are options for every skill level and each trail connects to one another, so you can ride for miles on end without stopping.

While you’re riding along these awardwinning trails, you’ll be able to take in stunning mountain views while traveling through lush forest. The best part? The nearby towns are ATV and UTV-friendly, meaning you can drive into town to grab a bite to eat without getting off of your off-road vehicle. We recommend checking out Wingo’s Grill for some of the best BBQ in town.

Imperial Dunes, California Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of rideable sand dunes in the United States formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla. The dunes are open year-round and extend 40 miles along the eastern edge of California Imperial Valley and measure

approximately 5 miles wide - giving riders plenty of room to roam. This massive sand-box attracts around 1 million offroad enthusiasts each year and for good reason. Many of the dunes reach over a few hundred feet in the air, providing riders with insane views and jumping off points. If you’re craving a rush of adrenalin - you’ll want to make the trip to Imperial Dunes. Don’t forget - eye protection is a must as you fling sand while riding.

Brimstone Recreation, Tennessee Located in Northeast Tennessee, Brimstone Recreation encompasses 19,196 acres in the Heart of Appalachia.

They have over 300 miles of off-roading trails and along their trails, you’ll encounter scenic mountain overlooks,

rivers, and intense elevation changes.

Brimstone boasts epic terrain, tight wooded trails, stream crossings, and steep hills that will get your heart pumping. Brimstone’s trails are wellmarked and maintained and you can either choose to do a guided tour or go exploring on your own with provided maps or your own GPS. Brimstone has a variety of trail options ranging from easy to intermediate, but keep in mind, trails can change throughout the seasons.

Don’t miss trail #92 for some of the best scenic views on the property.

Hidden Falls Adventure Park, Texas Hidden Falls Adventure Park is everything an off-roader could dream of when it comes to destinations. This park is specifically designed for ATV, UTV, 4x4, and motorcycle riders. The park offers 240 miles of trails on 3,000 acres of land.

The trails have everything when it comes to terrain from soft and hard dirt to rocky trails to completely solid rock sections of trail. The scenery at this park is beautiful and you’ll more than likely pass a stream or waterfall on your route - and you’re allowed to take a dip on those hotter trail riding days, but be sure to bring an extra change of clothes. You’ll also want to bring plenty of snacks with you along your ride considering the trails are about 7 miles away from the nearest town. The park is open to the public on Thursday through Sunday and closed Monday through Wednesday for annual members.

Their trails are well maintained and they have a variety of options for a variety of different skill levels.

Are you ready to feel the rush of an off-roading experience for yourself? Check out ATV Trader to find your perfect ATV or UTV. We have over 100,000 units listed for sale on our site, so you’re sure to find one that fits your specific off-roading needs.

About ATV Trader A brand within the Cycle Trader powersports portfolio, ATV Trader is the leading marketplace for dealers and private sellers of off-road and powersports units to connect with a targeted audience of buyers. Whether searching for new or used ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, sandrails, dune buggies or rock crawlers - ATV Trader is designed to connect buyers to sellers.

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