Ready to tear up the wilderness on your own ATV? Buying your own vehicle is an exciting prospect, but it can also be fraught with a number of hazards. When you have the cash for a vehicle, it stands to reason that you want to get the best deal you can.

The big decision comes down to buying a new ATV or a used one. Below, we give our guide on everything you need to know to buy a new ATV.

When to Buy New

ATVs are best bought just before, or as the next year’s models, release. This makes the best time around May and June. You can get some great deals on new models, and you will also have the offer of older models from previous years at discount prices.

These offers on older models can include better warranties and rebates on older models. The logic in this is that it helps dealerships sell out of older models, so they replenish their stock of new ones. Occasionally, vehicles that are not selling well may even get these offers in the midseason.

Offers will always be on vehicles that people do not want to buy. You will also be more likely to haggle a great price out of the dealer if a model has been on the lot for a long time. It does not mean the model is inferior, it just means it may not have been marketed as well or is suited to a certain type of driver.

Visiting an ATV show that features a number of dealerships is also a great way to get a bargain. You will get many of the dealerships playing off against each other and trying to get business from others. This can result in a great deal for you.

Tips When Buying a New ATV

When buying a new ATV, the biggest priority is to not let the dealer make your decisions. It is their job to sell, and often what they want to sell is not what you are after. Part of this is doing your homework beforehand, and knowing exactly what it is you came to buy.

If you are not sure what you want, spend some time renting out different types of ATVs. Ask the rental company what makes and models they recommend, and see what suits you. When you have done this, you can visit a range of dealerships to see what is on offer.

Never go over your budget, or sign up for a finance plan that you may not be able to afford. You will always be able to get something that fits into your budget if you search hard enough.

Warranties and Rebates

One of the main attractions when buying a new ATV are the offers of warranties and rebates. You will be offered one or the other, or sometimes even both. If it comes to a choice, the warranty is usually worth more in actual monetary value.

Extended warranties are usually never needed, and on a lower-cost model, you may wish to forgo them. However, on expensive, high-end models they may be worth the payment. It is all down to personal preference, though if you can spare the cash and want the peace of mind you should opt for it.

Negotiating a New Vehicle Price

Unless you have to visit a dealership to try out the different models, the best way to get a good deal is to actually stay away and make contact via email. Start by selecting a few models you like, then mailing around five of the most local dealers to get a price and establish a relationship.

Once you have their quote, contact the top three and let them know the offers you are considering elsewhere. Then you can see who gets back to you with the best offer.

The lowest price is also not always the best deal. Perhaps the dealership with a low offer will expect lots of money for add ons and warranties. Establish what is included in the price before accepting.

When you visit the dealership to pay for the item, take a copy of the email. You may have a salesperson make offers just to get you into the store then change their mind. A copy of the declaration holds them to the deal, and if they will not honor it you can just walk away.

Even with new ATV models, you can haggle for a price. The price they can give depends upon the profit margins and the demand for the model. Be reasonable when negotiating a price, as the dealer needs to run a business as well as give you, the customer, a good deal.

How To Pay

When buying a new ATV, you will find that many dealers try to push you towards a finance-based payment plan. This is because they will get a commission from the company who organize the plan, so it gives them a little more profit. You should consider them, as many have very favourable rates.

Many dealerships will try to avoid credit card payments. This is because they will get charged by the credit card company. This can often be quite high, so using a credit card is not worth it for them.

Finally, cash does not have the buying power it used to. It can be easier for companies to push you towards the finance option, as they do not have to deposit the currency at the end of the day.

Added Fees

When buying new you may encounter a number of fees. With the right bargaining, the dealer may be able to let some of these go. However, there are two fees you will never be able to remove from the price.

The first of these is the freight price. This is the amount it costs for the dealership to get the ATV to its store. It is impossible to remove, as even if you bought it from the manufacturer yourself, you would still have to pay it.

Freight charges will always seem higher on the cheaper ATVs. This is because generally, size and weight do not change that much, so freight prices remain static. This remains true if you are buying a really expensive high-end model or a cheaper ride.

The second fee is the setup charge. This is not negotiable as it is often a bigger job than people realize. It does not only involve removing the ATV from the crate but involves preparing it for use and display.

ATVs require a set up using manufacturer software. They must then run any safety tests. Once this is done, they can prepare it for use on the shop floor.

When to Buy Used

Just after the new models come out, there will be a rush of second-hand models traded into dealerships. This can be a great time to buy and safer than a private sale, as a dealership will most likely have given the ATV a good service and repair before the sale. These models may still be around the dealerships in the early months of summer, though better models will go quicker.

Tips When Buying a Private Seller ATV

You can get some great bargains if you buy a used ATV. The flip side is that you can also end up buying a real disaster if you do not know what to look out for. Always take someone to look over a used ATV with you that knows what they are doing.

A telltale sign of a bad ATV is a bent frame, with dents and cracks. These can be signs that the ATV has been in a crash. Even if the bash does not look that bad, then it may have caused problems on the inside of the vehicle so avoid it at all costs.

Considerations When Buying an ATV

The first consideration you should make before riding an ATV is if you are physically fit enough to ride it. An ATV is a vehicle that requires a certain level of physical skill. You must lean into turns, corners and move with the vehicle.

Once you determine this, are you able to support the vehicle with your time and money? An ATV requires maintenance and care to ensure it lasts and holds its value. If you don’t have this, you are throwing money away.

Next, you need to cover yourself in the event of an accident. This may be through insurance and licenses, which you need to apply for before you set out on your vehicle. If you are liable for damages without these, you can end up in serious trouble.

Finally, make sure you know everything about the vehicle you are buying. This can help you in a number of ways, mainly by impressing the seller and letting them know they can not sell you an inferior item.

Buying an ATV

Once you know the benefits of a new ATV, the only real determining factor is the budget. Can you stretch to a new vehicle with its safety and financial security? If not, a used model may be your best bet.

If you are looking to buy or rent an ATV then make Westshore Marine your number one stop. We have a range of vehicles for all needs and occasions, at the best prices. Click here to view our selection and you could be riding away on a brand new ATV sooner than you think!