OT - ATV, what to look for in used ATV

I'm shopping for a used ATV for use on my small acreage - no off-road recreational use intended. My neighbors all have Honda Recons, 2WD, mostly 250 cc. I've borrowed one several times and find it's adequate for my needs, but can't justify or afford the $3-4k for a new one.

I have found a 2001 at an asking price of $1695, but it is in a town an hour's drive or more away. I hesitate to drive up to look at it without some idea of what to ask and what to look for. From what I've seen, $1695 sounds low and it's been on Craig's List for a few days and not gone yet - makes me skeptical. So, I would appreciate any suggestions of what questions to ask by e-mail, and what to look for if I go up to see it. Looks good in the pictures posted on Craig's List, but I'm not much interested in cosmetics.

The only issue the seller has mentioned is that it needs rear brake pads, which he has, but hasn't yet installed. Is that an easy installation for somebody with average or a little better mechanical experience and skills (I manage to keep my MF35 Perkins and JD 214WS baler going)?

Thanks for any help and suggestions.
Chuck, WA

There are lots of stolen vehicles out there, and since police seldom come in contact with off-road machines, those are hardly ever recovered. But if a vehicle is reported stolen and you have it in your possession when an officer happens to check it, the vehicle will almost certainly be taken from you without any compensation. You also might get arrested if the officer believes that you were aware that the vehicle was stolen.

If you buy it, I would ask the seller to write out a bill of sale listing the VIN of the ATV, the date, and also the identity of the seller. If the seller will not show you his driver's license, walk away. That bill of sale is your evidence that you bought the ATV from someone you believed to be the rightful owner, and that would probably keep you out of trouble. The written identification of the seller might give an investigator something to look into to maybe find the actual thief, assuming that the ATV turns out to be stolen.

If the seller appears to be legitimate and is at his place, probably the ATV is not stolen. But it is always a good idea to establish a paper trail, just in case...

BTW, where do you live? I live SE of Spokane. Good luck!

I've called and talked to the guy and he is the third owner, but bought it from a friend, so knew at least the history that far back. He says the heel guards are a bit torn up, but nothing showing that would indicate it was ever rolled or wrecked. He's selling because he bought a new one. He's had lots of calls, but since he is in a small town a fairly long ways from bigger towns - actually 90 miles (about 2 hours) from here - that he hasn't had any takers yet. I know some people a lot closer than I am who might take a look for me, or I might just take the drive up there and look.

Thanks again!
Chuck, WA