Pre-Purchase Inspection

Why Inspect Before You Buy?

Off-road vehicles take a hard life. Hidden engine wear, frame cracks, water damage and worn drivetrains can cost thousands to fix and are easy to miss. A proper pre-purchase inspection gives you peace of mind, real negotiating power, and protection from buying a lemon.

Free Inspection Checklist

Bring this when you go to see a used machine. Walk through each section before handing over any money.

Engine & Drivetrain

Check oil level and colour (milky oil means water/coolant mixing - walk away)
Look for oil, coolant or fuel leaks under and around the engine
Cold-start it yourself - listen for knocking, rattling or excessive smoke
Test all gears / drive modes (2WD, 4WD, reverse) for smooth engagement
Check the belt (CVT) on SxS/UTV for cracks, glazing or burning smell

Hours, Mileage & Wear

Compare displayed hours/mileage with overall wear (worn grips, seat, pegs)
High hours are not always bad, but should match maintenance records
Ask for service history and receipts

Frame, Suspension & Steering

Inspect the frame and skid plates for cracks, welds or bent sections
Bounce each corner - shocks should rebound once, not keep bouncing
Check A-arms, ball joints and tie rods for play (rock the wheels)
Look for bent handlebars or steering that pulls to one side

Wheels, Tires & Tracks

Check tire tread depth and even wear; uneven wear hints at alignment issues
Look for dry-rot cracks on older tires
On snowmobiles: inspect track for missing lugs, cracks and slide wear

Electrical & Controls

Test lights, signals, brake light, kill switch and ignition
Check the battery and that it holds a charge
Test the winch, heated grips, gauges and any accessories

Brakes & Fluids

Test front and rear brakes for firm, even stopping
Check brake fluid, coolant and differential fluid levels
Look for rust or contamination in fluids

Paperwork & Ownership

Confirm the VIN/serial matches the registration and seller ID
Check there is no outstanding lien on the vehicle
Verify ownership transfer documents are available
For financed purchases, get everything in writing

Golden rule: Always inspect in daylight, never in the rain, and test ride if the seller allows. If a seller refuses a reasonable inspection or test, treat that as a red flag.