I thought with as many used Buggy's out there I would compose a few tips on what to look for in a used buggy.

Used Buggy Buying tips

1. Are they the original owner, why are they selling it?

2. Do they have all the paper work? Mso, all manuals, proof of purchase

3. What items have been replaced since they have owned it

4. Look for bends or cracks in the frame along with any new or really bad welds

5. Does it have fenders and if so are they in useable shape

6. Check the tires for plugs, uneven wear

7. Tie rod end mounting bracket, those are a weak spot on all buggies with struts. Make sure they are not bent and how much adjustment is left on the tie rods.

8. Jump up and down on the front and rear, you will be checking to see if the shocks are worn, if they bottom out then they may need to be replaced.

9. Gentley lay your hand on the exhaust; this will tell if it has been run before you got there.

10. Start the engine, does it start good ( first time ) Have someone with you and stand behind the buggy and watch to see if it smokes when cranked.

11. Look for any leaks, like fuel, coolant (on 250 cc and up).

12. Test drive and see how well it responds to throttle, watch the wheels for any wobble.

13. Are the seat belts in good shape and working?

14. Check the exhaust for cracks and rattles.

15. If water cooled check for fan operation and watch the temperature gauge to see if it works and how far up it reads.

16. When driving does it pull to one side

17. Make sure there are two keys

18. Try and buy one of the top brands, Carter, Hammerhead, American sportworks, Kinroad, Joyner

yep thats some good advice BIGE some times excitement of getting something and looks of something will let you not look at the important things to.

i know i have been down that road on used vehicle before.the looks and good deal wasn't so good once i got done fixing it with new parts.


pud

good advice. faded paint and/or plastic means it's spent most of it's life outside in the weather.

also good points Travis

darn! My buggy fails most of these points anymore... Guess it's a keeper!

Good one Eric and Travis. I will say from my own eexperiance. Look at it from the rear to see if any tire lean from worn trailing arm bushings. Look to see if dark dirt sticks to the top of the shock for a bad shock. Grab the cv axle and give it a shake to see if they need replaced. Inspect the brakes