First time buyer.

I'm looking at buying my first quad.... I've got a chance to buy a 1994  Suzuki King Quad at a great price. It needs a little work but thats not a problem. I am wondering can anyone tell me what to look out for when buying a second hand Quad? Any suggestions.

Dublin,  IRELAND

Edited 2/18/2004 11:09:44 AM ET by quickspeed

Well, I haven't really been in the atv scene that long, although what i would do is take it to a shop near you and pay $60.00 to spend soom time on it. You want to make sure you're getting a straight deal. I would actually tell the guy to pay 1/2 off what the coast is to inspect and do an engine test. Personally i think it's better to spend a little more to insure it is a wise investment. Z2FIFTY  

A guy we ride with has a KQ 300. His dad bought it new and rode it for a few years, then put it into hibernation. When we all (our 'hood) starting getting back into riding, the afore mentioned guy pulled the KQ out of hiding. We cleaned the carb, changed the oil, and drained/cleaned/refilled the fuel tank. After a new battery, the KQ fired right up and hasn't stopped chugging. That quad, although "f'ugly" by today's standards, has done nothing but amaze all of us. It has churned through trails I thought would be impossible.

Z2FIFTY is on the right track. I would take it to a reputable dealer or cycle repair shop and have it checked out. A compression test and thorough inspection would def. be smart. If everything does check out, and you buy it, I would take it back to the dealer and have them check/adjust the valves. Chances are they haven't been touched. If you lack the ability to do the following yourself, I'd also have your mechanic change all of the fluids. The diferentials aren't touched by the majority of average quad owners. Of course, if the person has all of the service records, and they are up to date (yes, I keep mine, and yes I'm anal about stuff like that), all of this advice is for not.

If you don't buy this particular quad, buy one somewhere. Quads is fun stuff!