Things To Know Before You Buy An ATV/UTV

First, Know The Difference

ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle. UTV stands for Utility-Terrain Vehicle. (UTVs are also known as SXS, or Side-by-Sides.) Golf carts are classified as LSVs, or Low-Speed Vehicles; they’re not quite the same as a UTV, even though side-by-side seating is included in them. Basically, a UTV has serious horsepower and multiple people can rid on it. 

Meanwhile, snowmobiles aren’t traditionally “ATV” or “UTV” in designation, but are more commonly grouped under the heading “off-road vehicle”. 

An ATV would be like a four-wheeler. They’re only designed for one forward-facing rider, and maybe another behind them; but many ATVs expressly advise against more than one passenger. Certainly, it will depend on the specific ATV you’re considering. And on that note, this writing will cover a few provisos when purchasing such vehicle. 

What Are You Using It For?

If you’re going to race, do “jumps”, or just flat-out explore the rough terrain of the countryside, then an ATV is probably the way to go. These vehicles are designed with recreation in mind, but they do have utility for the transport of small loads across rough terrain. 

Meanwhile, a UTV is designed for heavy loads through the same sort of terrain. Generally, UTVs will have more wheels, a wider build, and greater power. Accordingly, they’re both more expensive, and not ideal for things like racing or stunts. While you can use any vehicle this way, you want to try and match your use of such conveyances to their engineered purpose. 

What’s Your Budget?

In terms of expense, such vehicles have a range that can be as low as “free”, and as high as $40k or more; it all depends on what you’re looking at. Find an old rancher with a busted four-wheeler that needs a little TLC, you might be able to pick that puppy up for your out-of-pocket expenses in transporting it. On Anybody’s Autos, you might find used models as low as $1k.

Meanwhile, newer ATVs and UTVs are more likely to average around the $5k to $10k range, with an upper limit around $30k or $40k depending on how new the vehicle is, the features it has, the manufacturer, and where you buy. Generally, midwestern sales will be more affordable than those on the coasts.

Do You Want To Buy Used ATVs And UTVs?

Because both UTVs and ATVs are commonly used for off-road purposes, they do tend to get a little bit more “banged up” than traditional vehicles. If you buy used, you could spend a few thousand dollars on a real lemon. 

That said, you might get a peach, too. Always test before you buy; but keep in mind with these vehicles, unless you’re handy, you might want to lean on the “new” side, rather than the “used” side. 

Making The Best Choice

Provided you know what you want, and you iron out a careful budget, you should be able to find the right ATV or UTV for your purposes. Just keep in mind these vehicles tend to be “rode hard and put up wet”, as the saying goes, and some are more amenable to things like racing or stunts than others. 

To learn more about this and other key pieces of information pertaining to ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and similarly unique non-traditional vehicles, be sure to explore our blog at Anybody’s Autos!