Best practices for selling a used ATV

As many of us know all too well, the job market is tough and many of us are looking for some extra cash. If this is the case for you, or if you’re just looking to get some extra cash for something shiny new, you may want to consider selling your ATV. It may hurt to let your baby go, but enthusiasts are often willing to shell out a lot of cash for a good used ATV. Notice the keyword there: pretty! A beat-up old thing will probably turn potential buyers away from the images. On top of that, informed buyers may very well ask to be tested. Such informed buyers are likely to be the ones willing to pay the most for high-quality equipment. With all of this in mind, you’ll want to make sure your ride is in the best possible shape before you start running ads. Fortunately, following some best practices will make this easy enough, while also helping you make the most money possible.

general maintenance

The first thing you should do is make sure your used ATV is in top working condition. Examine the frame for rust, as this could indicate a crack. Cracks can be repaired with simple welding by a mechanic, and repairs should be fairly inexpensive. Check the CV joint boots for cracks and general wear. Use a flashlight to look for rust in the gas tank and check to see if the oil is contaminated (if it is, it will look thick and discolored). Check all of your tires for worn bearings by moving them from side to side and replace them if necessary. Remove the seat, remove the air box cover and make sure it is clean and dry. Make sure all front and rear sprockets are straight and even with no wear and test the brakes to see if they do not bind. Check the exhaust pipe and make sure there is a spark arrestor. Finally, make sure the tires are fairly new.

Remember, everyone who looks at your used ATV knows it’s… well, used. Anyone looking for perfect quality will probably be willing to spend the money on a new one, so don’t worry too much about perfection. The key to all of the above is making sure everything is working properly and repairing any damage to the structural integrity before you sell it. Not only is this a common courtesy, but it will also ensure that an experienced rider is not put off by unnecessary wear and tear during the inspection.

Appearance

Once your vehicle is structurally fit for sale, you’ll want to make it pretty for photos. First, remove any stickers you’ve put on over the years. Polish or repaint any scratches on the bodywork and replace any torn seat cushions or torn plastic. Give your used ATV a good wash and chain and gear oil.

Once again, a good appearance is key. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. With the tips above, you should be able to get a good deal on your used ATV.