Used ATV shopping, what to look for

[JoshT]

MODS: Really not sure where to put this. If there's a better section for it, please move it.


I'm shopping around wanting to pick up a used ATV to use for hunting, riding, and light chores around the house. It will be a 2007 or newer Honda (want EFI), with 4wd and EFI. I'll be getting either a Rancher or a Foreman. Preferably manual foot shift, and mostly stock. Not looking for electric shift, power steering, etc., but if the price is right the won't stop me from getting one.

I've found a few on Craigslist that look like good deals, but I realized that I'm really not all that sure of what I need to look for when inspecting one. Any hints, tips and suggestions? Any points I should look for concerning price negotiation?

I automatically avoid any listing with a snorkel, extremely over sized tires, or pics of it being abused in the mud. Beyond those and checking for torn axle boots or obviously broken parts I don't know what to look for.

Also most of the ones I've seen have slightly oversized mud lite tires. Two of the Ranchers I'm currently looking at have 26" mud lites and I'll probably replace them with a stockish tire since they seem to be more suited to our use. Problem is the aftermarket 12" wheels they all run. The Rancher comes stock with a 24x10-11 rear tire and 11x7 rim. These ranchers have a 12x7 aftermarket wheel and the closest I can find in that tire is a 24x11-12 will this slightly wider rear tire be an issue on the Rancher?

 

[JoshT]

FWIW these are the three main ones I'm looking at "locally": (Links included)

2010 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 - $3800 - Obviously it's the smaller of the two in the pic. The price is great, but no mileage/time in service info. Also no clear pics, so can't really tell much about the condition. Camo is a slight plus, but deer have never been bothered by a red, green or yellow atv either.

HONDA RANCHER 420 4X4 2013 edit: sold already

2012 Honda Foreman 500 4x4 - $4400 - Price is great. Bigger than what I want. Over three times the miles and most likely hours of the 2013 Rancher, but in the pics it looks clean and well maintained. Biggest issue is that I really think I'd prefer the size and feel of the Rancher.

Price wise the Foreman doesn't hold a candle to the 2010, but it's probably lower miles and better condition. Compared to the 2013 Rancher it's $300 cheaper and the "bigger", "badder" machine, but the that one is a year newer with 1/3 the wear and tear. If I could get some solid numbers on that 2010 it may be the best deal, won't know unless the owner replies to my email with some more info.

It's hard to make a decision without seeing them, but they are roughly the same distance away in three different directions. Too far to drive just to check it out, need to be ready to make a deal and drag it home. Can't decide which one to go after first.

 

[93 4x4]

Definitely a Honda is the way to go on which one to buy of those three that's up to you

 

[willy]

I have a 13 420 rancher its a nice bike bought it for the wife but if it were me id get the 500 more power is nice

 

[JoshT]

Called about the 2013 Rancher and it is sold already.

Power wise the Rancher and Foreman are pretty similar from what I hear. Foreman has a little more, but supposedly the lighter weight, smaller size, and gearing of the Rancher makes up for it.