Evaluating a used side by side

[bigsnowdog]

Although I would love to buy a new side-by-side, I cannot afford that. So, at some point I would like to look for a decent used one.

My interest stems from living on a 15 acre reforestation project. I have tractors with loaders, and I can carry chainsaws and the like in those. But, since I'm somewhat disabled now, it would be fun to have a side-by-side that I could write around the property. I'd like to be able to do it regardless of season, so I think all-wheel-drive is important. I love diesels, both of my tractors are diesels, including one which is a Kubota. Having said that, some of you may say that a diesel was bad for winter I'm open to your thoughts on that.

My real question is how do you evaluate a used machine? I have a good mechanical background, I have been an automobile and truck mechanic. I understand machinery. What I don't know is the sort of things that go wrong or wear out on these. That is where I was hoping for your help.

Also, at the risk of opening up a huge can of worms, any recommendations on brand?

Thank you for your help.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Hard to beat the Polaris Rangers. We have a 2007 XP 700 and first repair needed was to replace the original battery a few days ago. The Rangers have great power and excellent suspension. A lot of side by sides have two seats while the Ranger has a bench seat so, three can ride comfortably.

Other members will offer up their opinions of other side by sides.

Good luck with your search.

Rick

 

[ovrszd]

I bought a used Yamaha Rhino Sport 660 with 21 hours and 115 miles on it. Had one small scratch over the left rear tire. Otherwise you couldn't tell it from new. Paid $7K. Little over half what the original buyer paid new.

I'm with ya, don't buy new, shop for used. What you'll find in the UTV market is "new buyers" that find they either don't need the machine or can't afford the machine. Either way they want out.

To choose a brand I'd suggest a solid evaluation of what you are going to do with it. If it's heavy utility work then I'd agree on the diesel idea and possibly something with a hydraulic tilt bed. If it's light utility work then the brand door opens more with several that are reliable and useable vehicles. Don't consider anything that's not 4wd. Don't consider anything that doesn't have a tilt bed, mechanical or hydraulic.

I think Kubota's are top of the line for heavy utility work.

I think Kawasaki's Teryx is the toughest for light utility work and sport use.

I bought a Rhino because I could not pass up the money deal. I like it fine. Have 3000 miles on it now and just recently put a belt on it. My wife uses it for flower bed work, lawn work, hauling the trash etc. My Grandkids drive the snot out of it. That's how it got all the miles and probably why it needed a belt.

Go used. Be patient. When you find a model you like try to find an owner near you to talk to about it. Keep us posted on your search.


Edit: Oooppss, forgot to address your REAL question. It's no different than looking at a used car/truck/tractor. Physical appearance first, driveability second, driveline/suspension/tires third. They are basically a mini 4wd truck with independent suspension on most.

 

[crazyal]

MY Honda was a dealer demo. Paid $7k a couple of years ago and it came with a factory warranty and they did the first oil change before I picked it up. The Honda is a cross between sport and works well for my uses.

 

[FTG-05]

I also need a side by side.

My brother in law has a Kawasaki Teryx and likes it a lot. He didn't have much to say good about the Polaris Ranger, but it was hard to hear and understand him when I talked to him, so don't have details.

There is certainly a lot out there, so real need to buy new and get the huge depreciation hit that you'll get.

I totally agree about getting one with 4x4 and a tilt bed, these are two of the SxSs best attributes.

Good luck!

 

[Teikas Dad]

Mines not for sale, but I've got a Yamaha Rhino 450 that I'm more than happy with. I've got a 6' Eagle plow on the front and except for Snowpacolypse last winter, it's handled all the snow mother nature could throw at us. A few years ago we had storm after storm and the Rhino kept up. This past winter we got 36 inches overnight so the only thing that saved me was my Kubota. I had to dig out with the FEL.

If you're looking at a Rhino and it's got a lot of time or miles on it, see if the drive belt on the engine/transmission has been replaced. The Rhino has a constant velocity transmission (I think that's what they call it) and is driven by a wide drive belt. If the Rhino has been used in water, really muddy or dusty conditions, the drive belt can wear prematurely. Also, check the CV joint boots to make sure they are not leaking grease. They're a pain the replace. Other than that the 450 and 660 motor that Yamaha is using in the Rhinos has been around for a long time in the ATV world.

 

[tlj87]

In addition to what the others said, check the wheel bearings if possible. I have had to replace the front bearings on our Gator (no hr meter, but age 17 years) and rear bearings on our Mule (@ about 650 hrs). A note on drive belts - we have only replaced one, it was on our Gator, and it was this year (age 20 years). We only did it on a whim, not due to breakage. We have noticed slightly better acceleration. The old belt I'm sure had stretched some and had worn slightly on the edges.
There is another thread on here that I started with pics of these machines.

 

[pwright]

Evaluate a used UTV just like any other vehicle. Ask for maintenance records. Look at the physical condition. On UTV's carefully check the CV joint boots for tears or leaks. Avoid any with lift kits, snorkels or other signs that they were used for running in deep water/mud.

The NADA guides include UTVs so you can check the estimated value of any used one you run across.