Used UTV Buying Guide

There are many great reasons to consider buying a used UTV, one of which is for the incredible amount of money you’ll save. The moment a new model is driven off the dealer’s lot, it begins to lose value. You can skip the depreciation by choosing a used side-by-side for a much lower price. You’ll also be able to afford a higher-end model than you would be able to buy new. Langston Motorsports has created this brief guide to help you choose the perfect used UTV for your lifestyle. When you’re ready to shop, get in touch with us at our dealership in Perris, California.

Choosing the Right Model

First and foremost, you’ll want to think about your needs. Are you investing in a side-by-side to haul equipment and supplies? Do you need a four-wheel-drive UTV so you can comfortably ride on rough terrain? Do you plan to take your vehicle with you on hunting trips? All of these questions will help you determine what type of model you should be looking for. You’ll want to search for features that’ll match your intended purpose.

It’ll be much easier to find the right UTV when you know what you want from it. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you expect from this purchase before you venture into a dealership. Otherwise, you could easily end up being persuaded into an option that doesn’t meet your needs.

What to Know Before You Buy

One of the advantages of buying a used UTV is that you get plenty of extra information to guide your search. Pre-owned models have already been out on the road, which means current owners have had the opportunity to test them out and see how well they work. Spend some time reading customer reviews and forums to get an idea about models that are worth the investment and which ones you should avoid. See whether current owners talk about how much they love their utility vehicle, or talk about how often it breaks down or how uncomfortable it is to ride. This could save you from getting a less-than-ideal vehicle.

Check the Vehicle History

Once you've got a few possible side-by-sides in mind, it's time to see them in person! When you visit a dealership, you'll want to gather as much information as possible. The more you know about the model, the easier it'll be to make an informed purchasing decision. 

Start by asking about the vehicle history. This will tell you about any prior repairs, maintenance, and accident history. This can help you make an educated guess about how likely that model is to run into issues. You'll also want to find more about previous owners and, if possible, why they sold the UTV. 

Perform an Inspection

Once you've found a UTV you are interested in, you'll want to take some time to inspect it. Here, you are looking for any red flags that could lead to costly repairs down the road. Look through every part of the vehicle, from the frame to the drive lines. See if you can spot any signs of damage or poor maintenance. 

For example, if you see cracks or awkward bends in the frame that shouldn’t be there, there’s a possibility that an accident caused much more than just external damage to the body. When checking the oil, if you find that it looks fresh but smells bad, that could indicate major engine issues. Check to see if the oil filter looks new or if it’s old. This could give you an idea about how well the machine is maintained. If the coolant is of any other color than green or orange, or if it looks diluted, this could be another warning sign.

You might also consider hiring a professional to inspect the UTV. They can catch a wide range of issues that you might have missed. They can also provide valuable insight into the condition of a vehicle, which can be helpful information before you make your purchase.

Take a Test Drive

After you’ve conducted a thorough inspection and you feel comfortable with the condition of the used UTV, the last step is to take it on a test ride. Make sure it starts up without any issue. Be on the lookout for any red flags, such as odd sounds or thick clouds of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe once the engine is running. All of these are signs of underlying issues that you want to avoid.

Now that you know what to look for when buying a used UTV, why not come over to Langston Motorsports in Perris, CA, and take a look at our selection of used UTVs for sale? We proudly serve all those in Temecula and Orange County.