Are you looking to purchase an ATV but aren’t sure which one to choose?

Whether you’re looking to spend some time outdoors or more easily get around your land, buying an ATV is a worthy investment. ATVs are versatile, they offer incredible handling, and they usually come with easy maintenance.

But how do you know which ATV to choose?

Check out this ATV buyer’s guide to learn how to choose the right ATV for your needs.

 

New vs Used

The first thing you need to consider is whether you want to buy a new or used ATV. While there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with buying a brand new ATV, keep in mind that they’re more expensive.

If money is a big factor for you, you may want to consider buying a used one instead. When choosing between new vs used, you also need to consider how often you’ll use your ATV. If you’re new to the sport and plan to use your ATV for one season, you may want to purchase a used one, as the maintenance costs for a new ATV can be quite expensive and not something new riders want to deal with.

But, if you’ve been ATVing for years and you know the make and model you want, then a new ATV might be a better bet. You also want to consider how you plan on using your ATV.

Are you going to be using it for racing? Or, are you going to be using your ATV for recreational purposes? If you plan to race with your ATV, it’s better to buy new, as you’ll do better in your races if your vehicle is in top condition.

But, if you plan to use your ATV to get around your land every once in a while, then you’ll probably do just fine with an old ATV.

 

Consider the Different Types

Another major thing you need to consider when buying an ATV is the available different types. ATVs come in a variety of different forms. Some are designed for work, and others are designed for play.

Here are the different types of ATVs you have to choose from:

Utility ATVs

The most standard type of ATV is a utility ATV. These ATVs come with a strong motor and short travel suspension. They’re known for being tough, powerful, and durable, and they’re designed for hunters and the working man/woman.

While utility ATVs are powerful enough to navigate various terrains, they’re not as powerful as sport ATVs (more on these later). People typically use utility ATVs for work purposes like hauling heavy cargo, plowing fields, or plowing snow.

While utility ATVs aren’t as fast as sport ATVs, they can comfortably fit two people, and they do a better job at ground clearance. Because utility ATVs aren’t meant to be driven at top speeds, they also require less maintenance than other types of ATVs.

Sports ATVs

Sport ATVs are for the adrenaline junkies out there. These ATVs are built for speeding, swerving, and sliding. Sport ATVs come equipped with a powerful engine, excellent handling, and long-travel suspension.

Whether you’re on the race track, cruising through sand dunes, or taking on a desert trail, sport ATVs offer an exhilarating yet comfortable experience for riders. Sport ATVs are known for being quick, responsive, and lightweight, and you can tackle jumps, bumps, and turns in these ATVs with ease.

As we mentioned earlier, sport ATVs are much quicker than utility ATVs. A lot of thought goes into making these ATVs as light as possible while still offering reasonable suspension.

Side-by-Side ATVs

Another excellent option is a side-by-side ATV. These ATVs come with two front seats, and in some cases, two back seats. Unlike sport and utility ATVs, which come with handlebars, side-by-side ATVs come with a steering wheel.

They also come with seat belts, a foot pedal, and a roll bar. You sit in the vehicle with your other passengers, just as you would with a car. Comparable to a golf cart in size, side-by-side ATVs do an excellent job of tackling off-road terrain. Whether you’re riding through the snow, desert, or sand dunes, a side-by-side ATV can get you where you need to go.

Youth ATVs

If you have little ones at home, then you may want to consider a youth ATV. Youth ATVs are tailored to children’s size, experience level, and safety needs.

They’re much smaller than regular ATVs, and they come with no suspension and very little power to ensure your child’s safety when riding. They also have weight confinements, and most of these ATVs can’t hold more than 150 pounds.

Children as young as four years old can enjoy youth ATVs, and it can be a lot of fun to have your mini-me by your side.

 

Choose the Right Time to Buy

When buying an ATV, you need to be strategic about when you make your purchase. Typically, the best time to buy an ATV is right before or during the release of next year’s ATV models.

This usually means buying an ATV around May or June. When a manufacturer releases new ATV models, they also offer the best rebates and warranties of the year. They do this to sell out their previous models to make room for new ones.

To get the best deal possible on an ATV, you should search for ones that have been on the lot for the longest. Don’t let models that have been on the lot for over two years scare you away- typically, these ones will be the least expensive.

 

Consider the Brand

Many different ATV brands are worth your consideration. Each brand comes with its own pros and cons, and your preferred brand typically comes down to personal preference.

Here are some of the most reliable ATV brands to consider:

Polaris

Polaris ATVs are known for being very durable, and due to their low center of gravity, they make great ATVs for beginners. These ATVs are so reliable that the US military often uses them during missions and training.

In addition to sport and utility ATVs, Polaris also offers a wide range of youth ATVs.

Arctic Cat

From youth models to sports performance vehicles, Arctic Cat offers a wide selection of ATVs for all ages and skill levels. Their vehicles come with power steering, independent rear suspension, and improved performance.

Arctic Cat ATVs are also known for having the same power and quality as higher-priced rivals at a fraction of the cost. One of the most popular Arctic Cat ATV models is the Alterra 300. This ATV comes with a low weight class and steady suspension, making it a great option for beginner and youth riders.

If you’re a sports rider, then the Wildcat model is one of the best choices, as it comes with a liquid-cooled 915cc engine capable of over 90 hp.

Yamaha

Another excellent ATV brand is Yamaha. Yamaha offers many compelling and reliable ATV models: the Raptor and the YFZ in sport models and the Kodiak and Yamaha Grizzly in Utility models. Because of their high speeds, these vehicles are very appealing to thrill-seekers.

However, they can be a bit expensive to maintain if you’re using them for racing, the utility ATV lineup is known to be bulletproof and extremely reliable

Suzuki

Suzuki was one of the first companies to manufacture ATVs with dual-sport utility power. One of their ATV models, the KingQuad 750, can tow up to 1322 pounds and comes with a maximum loading capacity of 434 pounds.

Suzuki is a great brand for ATVers who are looking for more practical functions, such as metal storage racks and reasonable towing capabilities.

Honda

While Honda may be a little behind when it comes to the latest ATV technology, you won’t find an ATV brand with better safety ratings. These ATVs come with TraxLok technology and an electric gear shift for quick power distribution when your vehicle loses traction.

Honda is mostly known for its sport and utility ATVs, which are very responsive and user-friendly.

 

Are You Ready to Purchase an ATV?

Now that you’ve read this guide, it’s time for you to start shopping for your new ATV. In addition to all of the above considerations, you also need to make sure that you buy your ATV from a reputable dealer.

A reputable dealer will have excellent customer testimonials, a wide selection of ATVs, and a professional website. If you’re looking for a professional ATV dealer in the Manitoba area, contact us today.