Understanding high mileage and high hours on ATVs and UTVs is crucial to buying or selling a used vehicle. There isn’t an easy answer, so read this post to prepare yourself for a great purchase.
Like cars, ATVs that have been driven more miles have seen more action and have less life left in them, but ATVs and UTVs differ from cars in that you need to know the hours as well as mileage.
The ratio of miles to hours can indicate how the previous owner rode their vehicle, so you need to notice both numbers and compare them. If the ATV has high mileage but a small number of hours, they probably rode very fast and maybe recklessly. You would need to ask them about that. If the ATV has low mileage and many hours, this ATV was probably used for hauling or in tough terrain where their speed had to remain low. How bad that is depends on well the vehicle was maintained.
15 miles to 1 hours is the ideal hours to miles ratio on ATVs.
Truthfully, the most important thing you need to know is how the ATV or UTV was ridden and how it was cared for.
ATVs are intended to last 10 years or 10,000 miles. If they’re well cared for, they might last longer.
How long an ATV actually lasts varies greatly depending on the quality of the vehicle, the way it was ridden, and how it was maintained.
Some are useless after 100 hours, because they were a cheap brand and/or the owner abused or neglected the vehicle. Some can withstand harsh, truly harsh environments.
If you’re buying a used ATV, look for brand names you recognize and know are respected. This won’t answer all of your questions because someone can still run a great vehicle into the ground, but it is a crucial indicator of the original quality and expected life span of the vehicle.
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This is the most important factor in the life of an ATV or UTV.
Previous owners have to have kept up with recommended service intervals, cleaned the ATV after every ride or weekend of riding, and made all necessary repairs.
Light trail riding, light to moderate farm use, and hunting, camping, or fishing trips fall in the light hours category. This puts little strain on the vehicle, so it will last a longer period of time.
Deep mudding, water use, higher than average speeds, rock climbing, and extreme hauling are hard hours that wear a vehicle out fast. It’s great fun while you’re doing it, but no one should expect these machines to last their full lifespan or to get top prices when they try to sell them.
Proper or improper storage impacts the life of the vehicle. It needs to have been stored indoors and protected from light, pests, and moisture.
The area should also have been well-ventilated.
When storing the ATV, the owner should also have been mindful of fluids, tire pressure, and battery tending.
As cool as modifications are, they put a strain on the machine and decrease its lifespan. Take this into consideration when determining the price of a used ATV or deciding whether to purchase it. You should also make sure any modifications were installed correctly.
Thinking strictly of ATV mileage range and hours, 500 or fewer hours is ideal. 5,000 and up is considered high miles for ATVs and UTVs.
But don’t just go for the vehicle with the fewest miles. Consider the age of the vehicle. If someone has owned an ATV and clearly rarely ridden it, it’s unlikely that it’s in great shape after spending that much time in storage. Alternatively, it could tip you off that they’re lying.
Follow this plan.
First, ask the owner to make sure not to have the engine running when you arrive and/or notice whether it’s running when you arrive.
This is a common tactic to hide that an engine doesn’t want to start.
Next, ask the owner questions about their use of the vehicle, maintenance done on the vehicle, and storage. Consider whether they seem trustworthy.
Ask to inspect the ATV or UTV, and test drive the vehicle.
No reputable seller should mind you taking any of these steps.
Once you know the hours, mileage, and the way the machine’s been cared for, think of the price. If you have the money and the ATV with fewer miles and hours seems like it’s been well cared for, go ahead and pay what seems reasonable. But don’t necessarily rule out buying a high mileage four-wheeler or one that’s done a lot of hours. A properly cared for quality brand of ATV might still be a worthwhile purchase, if it fits those criteria and you don’t spend much on it.
Consider how much is being asked and compare your budget and the likelihood of repairs or replacing it. You can get the best possible deal on a machine needs that some love by buying a salvage ATV.
You can expect to probably need to invest in repairs and replacement in the future, but you won’t spend much on it so you can better afford the maintenance and repairs.
Routinely grease the ATV or UTV to protect it from water, dirt, mud, and more.
Clean the ATV or UTV regularly. This means you wash all mud, dirt, and bug parts off of the frame, clean the radiator, and maintain the filters.
Stick to maintenance schedules like your oil and coolant changes.
Make sure you adhere to proper storage procedures.
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When you’re in the market for a second-hand ATV, doing your due diligence is crucial to ensure you make a good deal.
One of the factors you need to consider is how many hours the ATV has run. But be aware that the hour count alone does not paint the complete picture of the vehicle’s condition.
A well-maintained and well-treated ATV from a quality brand can last 1000 hours or more. After the 1000-hour mark, there may be a need for some more significant repairs or more extensive maintenance. However, an abused or neglected ATV may last only a few hundred hours before it breaks down.
There is no one answer fits all to exactly how many hours an ATV will last, as this largely depends on how well the bike is taken care of, how it is ridden, and more. The lifespan may range from just a few hundred hours to 5000 hours or, in some cases, even more.
We’ll get more into the various factors determining an ATVs life expectancy later in this post. But to give you a general idea of what to expect, here are some guidelines on how long the bike will last in the different scenarios, ranging from one extreme to the other:
Poor, incorrect, or nonexisting maintenance and upkeep. Regularly or grossly exceeding the bike’s rated capacities. Widespread abuse and misuse.Related: ATV Hours vs. Miles Explained – Hours to Miles Conversion
Don’t we all know someone who somehow manages to break almost everything they get their hands on?
It doesn’t matter whether it is tools, camping gear, sports equipment, or a vehicle. After just a short while in their possession, the item starts to show clear signs of deterioration until it eventually breaks completely, long before the typical life expectancy.
This type of person typically doesn’t put too much thought into things like build quality or brand reputation when purchasing an ATV. They don’t enjoy or don’t take pride in taking good care of the things they own, or they use it way beyond what it was designed to handle.
If you fit in this category, even the highest quality ATV won’t last more than just a few hundred hours of use before it will need significant repairs or possibly a complete restoration. I’ve seen ATVs with 200 hours on the counter in a state where it makes more sense to buy a new bike rather than spending the time and money required to repair the old one.
This is the category where you’ll find most ATV owners, myself included.
These people typically use their ATVs for weekend trail-riding, hunting, or everyday work around the farm. They maintain the specified service schedule, at least for the most part, and clean the bike when it gets too dirty. They generally use the ATV like it’s supposed to be used, without taking it to the extreme.
If you fit this category, your ATV will likely last 1000 to 2000 hours before significant repairs or more extensive maintenance is required.
ATVs with this amount of hours on them typically end up getting sold to someone with the time and skill required to keep the bike going further, or it ends up being sold for parts or sent to the scrapyard.
At the far end of the scale, you have those who genuinely enjoy and take pride in keeping their gear in top shape.
These are the people who change the oil in between scheduled services just in case, never put away their ATV without cleaning it properly, and ride responsibly without pushing the bike too hard.
When things break or wear, they put in the time and effort required to get the most out of the bike rather than swapping it for a new one.
ATVs owned by people in this category are the ones that tend to last the longest. Don’t be surprised if their ATV with 1000 or even 2000 hours on the clock still looks and runs like new.
Or their 25-year-old thumper with 5000 hours of runtime is still going strong.
These are the factors that matter the most regarding how long you can expect an ATV to last.
Maintenance is critical when it comes to the life expectancy of ATVs. Failing to keep up with the scheduled service intervals will drastically reduce the number of hours you get out of the bike.
ATVs have a relatively high power-to-weight ratio compared to a car or most other on-road vehicles. Small, high-output engines are typically more service-intensive than heavier engines with less power.
In addition, ATVs are often used in more challenging conditions such as rough and muddy terrain, with a lot of acceleration and braking, pulling cargo, or turning large, heavy mud wheels. These riding applications put a lot of strain and wear on the engine, drivetrain, suspension, and steering components, consequently making regular service and upkeep critical to ensure long service life.
Proper maintenance should include regular cleaning and re-greasing. Proper cleaning is essential after riding in the mud and before long-term storage.
Mud left sitting contains moisture that speeds up corrosion and may negatively impact plastic and rubber materials. Bushings and bearings need to be greased regularly to expel moisture that would otherwise cause corrosion, premature wear, and eventually component failure.
Related: 15 tips to prevent rust from developing on your ATV
Some ATVs live a comfortable life putting around the farm, doing light trail riding, or carrying a hunter out to his hunting cabin. These riding applications put a lot less strain on the bike and are considered “light hours.”
Other ATVs are regularly put through challenges such as deep mudding, racing, rock climbing, or pulling heavy cargo in extreme conditions. On the other hand, these riding applications put a lot more strain on the bike and are considered “hard hours.
”
An ATV that spends most of its days doing light hours will likely last much longer than one that does mostly hard hours. in the former category of riding
Most manufacturers keep spare parts in stock for about 15 years. After that point, getting spare parts becomes increasingly tricky as parts run out of stock.
After a while, you get to a point where the hassle of scavenging for parts becomes too tedious to be worth it.
An ATV is best stored in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area, protected from the elements, moisture, and critters.
Related: Can You Keep an ATV Outside? What You Ought to Know
Many ATV owners modify their bikes for increased ground clearance, more power, or better performance in the mud.
A stock ATV is carefully designed and manufactured with an optimal balance between its components.
Any modification that increases performance strains other components such as the engine, transmission, drivetrain, bearings, bushings, and CV-axles. Most of these parts can be upgraded or tweaked to keep up with other performance-enhancing modifications.
As soon as you change one component, the ball begins rolling, and things may quickly become very expensive. What often happens is that people choose the upgrades that increase performance the most such as lift kits and bigger tires, but skip out on the ones required to maintain reliability.
And regardless of your efforts, you will rarely achieve the same reliability and longevity in a modified ATV as in one that’s kept stock.
Related: 26 Essential ATV mudding mods
The average ATV rider goes for recreational trail-riding every other weekend, does some light work around the farm, uses their ATV to get to their remote cabin, or plows their driveway in the winter.
This typically adds up to about 50 to 100 hours of run time each year on average.
Some use their ATV in their daily activities and may put on significantly more hours, while others barely run their bike.
A well-maintained ATV with 500 hours on the counter still has a bit of runtime left. An ATV that is run for more than 100 hours each year on average or more than 1000 hours throughout its lifetime is often considered high because it may soon need more extensive maintenance.
However, the hour count alone does not make for a precise indicator of the bike’s overall condition.
Hours of runtime should be one of the many factors you consider when in the market for a second-hand ATV. Other factors that are just as, if not more important, include:
Here are 20 questions you can ask the seller that will give you a much better idea of whether the bike you’re considering makes a good deal or not.
200 hours is generally not considered a lot for an ATV as long as it’s properly maintained, has not been involved in any accidents, and is in overall good condition. However, 200 hours in just one year is on the higher end of the scale.
An ATV with 400 hours on the counter will likely begin to see some signs of wear and may need to have wearable parts such as brakes, wheel bearings, and axle joints replaced.
However, if it’s followed up on maintenance and hasn’t been abused, it should still have quite a bit of life left.
An ATV engine should last the vehicle’s lifetime, which is typically 15 to 20 years or more. This applies as long as the specified maintenance schedule is fulfilled, the engine is kept stock, and not abused (improper break-in procedure used, regularly overheating, high revs when cold, etc.).
Related: How Long Do ATV Tires Last? When Should They Be Replaced?
ATV is a versatile off-road vehicle that can be used all year round. Even in winter, if properly prepared, the quad bike can deliver many joyful hours to its owner.
In order for the equipment not to cause trouble to its owner during operation in the cold season, it must be properly prepared. It’s worth starting with general preparation and dealing with:
First of all, you need to change the oil - summer oil is not suitable for frost in terms of viscosity, for winter you need synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-40.
It's not much fun in cold weather to dig into the wiring when some wire or chip comes off or loses contact. To avoid this, the wiring must be carefully reviewed. All contacts need to be checked, it is best to treat them with silicone grease or a special spray.
Antifreeze is usually not changed before winter, but if it is old, it is better to drain and fill in new coolant, the old one may lose its properties over time.
It is best to remove the additional arm guard to prevent snow and water from accumulating there. Additional protection is not anthers, they should never be removed!
If the battery has been discharged a couple of times in autumn, it is better to replace it with a new one.
If the battery is almost new, but is discharging, you need to measure the voltage. If it is in the range from 12.5 to 13.2 V, then the problem is not in the battery, but in electrical equipment, you need to deal with it.
After the basic preparation, you need to conduct a thorough diagnosis of your vehicle, inspect it for any faults. Winter operation is the most difficult, so even minor breakdowns can lead to serious problems. It is advisable to eliminate all damage.
If sometimes the ATV did not start the first time, and its engine was unstable, you need to clean the carburetor, otherwise the problem will worsen in cold weather.
An important point is where exactly the transport will be stored in winter. If this is a cold and unheated room, then in cold weather you will have to remove the battery and take it to a warm room.
All cables and ignition lock must be treated with special lubricants or at least WD-40.
Before winter operation, it is advisable to change the tires to studded ones.
As a rule, it is difficult to buy such a thing, and its cost is prohibitive. ATV owners usually buy studs and turn to truck tire shops, where standard tires are studded for them.
Before driving in winter, it is imperative to warm up the engine, the colder it is outside, the more it should idle. Usually 5-10 minutes is enough.
After the quad bike is prepared for the winter, you need to prepare clothes and equipment for yourself. Without warm and comfortable clothes, the very first skiing can end in a cold at best.
For winter ATV will need:
Do not forget about protective equipment - in winter everything that was used in summer is suitable - turtle, knee pads and elbow pads.
If there is a financial opportunity and desire, then it is possible to install heaters for the seat, handles and even footboards on the transport.
If you approach winter preparation responsibly, then an ATV is quite capable of replacing a snowmobile, especially since it is an all-weather vehicle.
Toyland
DMD-268
21 950 ₽
Estimated store in Moscow Dmitry and Evgeny for their attentive attitude to the buyer. They helped me choose a suitable model, told me what to look for when assembling it myself, and resolved the issue of reducing the price by presenting a link to the same but cheaper product. The model is made soundly, self-assembly did not take much time (about 1 hour). An ATV big enough for a five year old is fine, with a couple more years to spare. The quality and performance match the price.
What could be improved
Quiet speaker, plastic seat. The mirrors on the steering wheel are decorative and only get in the way.
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Motax
Motax ATV Raptor Super Lux 125 SS
107 490 ₽
Evaluation
Based on 1 recall
Sasha
9000
9000
Everything
What could be improved
Nothing
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Motax
Motax ATV X-16 Mini-grinders with a mechanical starter
30 990 ₽
Estimated
20.
02.2020
Liked
Cool ATV, son is happy with the gift!
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ATV
ATV Classic 8
94 990 ₽
Rating
based on 5 reviews
Alexander
02/26/2022
I completed the purchase quickly enough, at the same time I also chose a helmet and knee pads, all for my son.
What could be improved
Everything went smoothly.
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Avantis
Avantis Hunter 8
93 990 ₽
Estimated
Based on 4 reviews
Ildar
05.10.2021
that I liked
The nephew rides already, there were no problems. Over time, you need to make sure that nothing is loose. I think the quad will last a long time
What could be improved
Everything is fine
Reveal
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MOTAX
Motax Mikro 110 SS New
79 990 ₽
Estimation
Based on 1 review 1 review
Ale0003
Profile VK
21.
02.2020
What was liked gears. Model of excellent quality and with good cross.
What could be improved
-
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Motax
Motax Gekkon 70cc 1+1
74 990 ₽
Estimation
Based on 1 review
Julia Martynyuk
Profile VK
9000.2019What did we like
Suppemen a gift to my nephew, I think this ATV model will be a worthy gift
What could be improved
0003
without photographs
ATV
ATV H5 Mini
31 490 ₽
Estimates
Based on 4 reviews
Alekseyev
Profile VK
12.05.2020
What was liked by
Excellent to the trolley. There is a speed limiter. The price is "tasty" =)
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Motoland
ATV 250 ADVENTURE
189 270 ₽
Rated
based on 5 reviews
Sergey Tarasov
VK profile
07/27/2019
A real all-terrain vehicle! I ride it outside the city with great pleasure!
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ATV
ATV Classic 200
159 990 ₽
Estimated
based on 9 reviews.
02.2020 Liked
This is exactly the ATV I wanted. Ideal for forest roads. Special thanks to the managers, everything was explained and told.
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Avantis
Avantis Hunter 7
98 990 ₽
Estimated
Based on 4 reviews
Julia Vodastaeva
Profile BC 9000 31.01.20000 9000 9000 9000 9000
Liked
Expensive, but the grandson is the only one, so they decided on such a gift. Belongs to a mixed age group. The construction is reliable. We hope it lasts a long time. Some things had to be bought, not everything is included in the package.
What could be improved
Everything is fine, but it would be possible to expand the equipment for a comfortable ride. For example, extra backrest or heated arms
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Yacota
Yacota Slogger
315 990 ₽
Estimated
Based on 3 reviews
Fedor
11/22/2019
What did you like
Very convenient ATV! At the dacha, he helps a lot with the housework.
Definitely happy with the purchase.
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ATV
ATV Classic 60003
Natalia
04/08/2020
Liked
Given to such a daughter. Small, strong, not too expensive. Satisfied with their purchase.
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Motax
Motax Gekkon 1300W
74 990 ₽
Evaluation
Based on 4 reviews
Ananieva
Profile VK 9000.04.04.20000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000
Liked
My husband and I chose this quad and did not fail, the child really liked it. On the road, it rides easily, the child is comfortable to sit, and it is not difficult to manage at all.
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Motax
Motax Gekkon 70ccCC
71 990 ₽
Based on 4 reviews
TAMARA
04.
05.2020 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 Confidently overcomes bumps and bumps, the child is delighted. Every trip is like an adventure :) Thank you for a good ATV!
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Motax
Mini-quadrocycle Motax ATV H5 Mini-50 CC
31 490 ₽
Estimation
BUD Danilovs
Profile VK
06/27/2020
What I liked
The quadric is at the level, even a little higher, it can withstand about 120kg, I didn’t check it anymore
What could be improved
If you add a small bustard, it will be generally super
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Motland
ATV E006 800W
39 860 ₽
Evaluation
Based on 3 reviews
Nikita
09.06.2020 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9,000
What I liked
Not a bad quadric, my son is happy.
