There are many great reasons to consider buying a used powersports vehicle, one of which is for the incredible amount of money you’ll save. The moment a new model is driven off the dealer’s lot, it begins to lose value. You can skip the depreciation by choosing a pre-owned model for a much lower price. You’ll also be able to afford a higher-end vehicle than you would be able to buy new. We have created this brief guide to help you choose the perfect used powersports vehicle for your lifestyle.

What to Know Before You Buy

One of the advantages of buying a pre-owned powersports vehicle is that you get plenty of extra information to guide your search. Pre-owned models have already been out on the road, which means current owners have had the opportunity to test them out and see how well they work.

Spend some time reading customer reviews and forums to get an idea about models that are worth the investment and which ones you should avoid. See whether current owners talk about how much they love their utility vehicle, or talk about how often it breaks down or how uncomfortable it is to ride. This could save you from getting a less-than-ideal vehicle.

Check the Vehicle History

Once you've got a few possible vehicles in mind, it's time to see them in person! When you visit a dealership, you'll want to gather as much information as possible. The more you know about the model, the easier it'll be to make an informed purchasing decision. Start by asking about the vehicle history. This will tell you about any prior repairs, maintenance, and accident history. This can help you make an educated guess about how likely that model is to run into issues. You'll also want to find more about previous owners and, if possible, why they sold the vehicle. 

Perform an Inspection

Once you've found a powersports vehicle you are interested in, you'll want to take some time to inspect it. Here, you are looking for any red flags that could lead to costly repairs down the road. Look through every part of the vehicle, from the frame to the drive lines. See if you can spot any signs of damage or poor maintenance. 

Take a Test Drive

After you’ve conducted a thorough inspection and you feel comfortable with the condition of the vehicle, the last step is to take it on a test ride. Make sure it starts up without any issue. Be on the lookout for any red flags, such as odd sounds, which could indicate underlying issues that you want to avoid. 

Now that you know what to look for when buying a used powersports vehicle, why not come over to Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, LA, and take a look at our inventory. We proudly serve all those in the rest of Rapides Parish and Lafayette, so get in touch with us today!