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 are just looking to get some extra cash for something shiny new, you may be considering selling your ATV. It can hurt to let your baby go, but enthusiasts are often willing to shell out some cash for a good used ATV. Notice the keyword there: nice! An old spoiled thing will likely turn potential buyers away from the images only. On top of that, it is quite possible that savvy buyers will ask to take a test run. These informed buyers are likely the ones who will be willing to pay the most for high-quality equipment. With all of this in mind, you’ll want to make sure your trip is in the best possible shape before you start running ads. Fortunately, following some of the best practices will make this quite easy, while also helping you generate as much money as possible.

General maintenance

The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure your used ATV is in tip-top operating condition. Examine the frame for rust, as this could indicate a crack. Cracks can be repaired by 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 if the oil is contaminated (it will look thick and discolored if it is). Check all 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 without wear, and test for breaks to see that they are not sticking. Check the exhaust pipe and make sure there is a spark arrestor. Lastly, make sure the tires are fairly cool.

Remember: everyone who looks at your used ATV knows that it is … well, used. Anyone looking for the perfect quality will likely 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 to make sure everything is working properly and repair any damage to structural integrity before selling. Not only is this a common courtesy, it will also ensure that an experienced rider is not put off by unnecessary wear and tear during inspection.

Appearance

Once your vehicle is structurally salable, you’ll want to make it look pretty for photos. First of all, remove any stickers that you have put on over the years. Clean or repaint any scratches on the body and replace any broken seat cushions or broken plastic. Give your used ATV a good wash and grease chains and gears.

Again, good looks are 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.