Rugged men who breathe the great Outdoors and love the cruising the terrain are certified ATV nuts. That said, women and children are getting hooked to the craze too, for reasons more than conventional but practical such as running errands or some leisure ride on a lazy afternoon. Truth be told, mo other vehicle can offer the riding experience an ATV can.

You might be thinking of buying one and roll into the Great Outdoors. But before you fish for your wallet, make sure you know how check the thing before you cash it out.

With a real tight economy these days, it is quite a logical move that you settle with a previously owned ATV. There’s nothing wrong with buying a reconditioned quad bike. Little tweaks here and there could spell a lifetime of all terrain riding. You just have to know how to spot a good ATV inside and out.

If you really want to get your hands on a used but totally working ATV, you just need to follow these tips:

Scan the ATV for rusts. Rusts could mean that the vehicle has been heavily used by its previous owner. if you find rusts inside and outside the gas tank, the shock mount, the A-arm mounts, and the framed intersections, be wary of the bike. You might spend more dollars for the repairs than the price you will pay for the ATV.

Check the wheels. Raise the ATV up and move the wheels in all directions. This will allow you to see if there are loose ball joints and worn-out wheel bearings.

Check the air box found under the seat. Take the lid off and see if the air box has dirt and water in it. If it has, you better turn the deal down because it can damage the ATV engine.

For 4×4 ATVs, do some inspections on the gear lube and the CV joint boots. Dont purchase the machine if the gear lubes color is chocolate brown and the CV joint boots are not in good condition. Otherwise, you’d spend thousands to repair them overtime.

Check the little essentials. Make sure the engine oil doesn’t look contaminated. The handle bars, head lights, tail lights, brakes and engine shut off switch should work well.

If the parts are still in good working condition but are already too old, take note of them because they can be a reference point in negotiating the price of your soon-to-be ATV.