Buyer's Guide to UTVs

Deciding to get a side-by-side is one thing. Knowing which model to purchase is another challenge entirely! With so many brands, features, and specifications on the market, researching the various options can feel overwhelming.

Here at Dunfords of Havelock, we strive to make your life easier. We've created the following buyer's guide to UTVs. We hope it'll make your search process smoother. If you want more information or want to explore side-by-sides for sale, head over to Dunfords of Havelock. Our dealership is based in Havelock, Ontario, and we also serve those in Peterborough, Belleville, and Kawartha, Ontario.

1. Research the Feature Options

A great place to begin is seeing what features are available on the models within your budget. There will be standard features found on most models, of course, such as four-wheel drive and electronic power steering. But there are plenty of features found on only certain models, such as tire types, ground clearance, and suspension travel. Spend time learning about what your options are, then build your list of "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves". When you visit a UTV dealership, you can present your list and they can help you find compatible models.

2. Research the Seating Options

Side-by-sides can come with a few different seating styles. For example, some models use benches while others use bucket seats. Compare the styles to see which will work best for the types of riding you'll be doing. Remember to account for how long your trips will be. You don't want to invest in a seating style that's best for short term rides if you plan on hitting the trail for hours on end.

You'll also want to determine whether you need adjustable seating options. It'll usually cost more, but it's a great investment in two situations. First, if multiple people will be driving the UTV, it's helpful for the seat to easily accommodate the varying heights. Second, if the driver is much shorter or much taller than average, it's beneficial to adjust the seats to fit a passenger that is not average height (which is what most seats are designed to handle).

3. Research the Accessories

It's easy to upgrade a side-by-side with various accessories. These investments can help tailor your UTV to certain riding styles and uses. After all, it's hard for a model straight from the factory to suit all of your unique needs and preferences. Look at the accessories that your UTV could be outfitted with, then think about which ones are most worthwhile for you to invest in.

For example, a common accessory is a soft or hard top roof. This will offer valuable protection from heavy sun, intense rain, or other unfavorable weather situations. Another frequent investment owners make is in a windshield, which will shield riders from kicked-up debris and mud. Finally, a popular UTV accessory is a winch. It's able to pull side-by-sides out of tough situations and back onto the trail where they belong. It's also commonly used by hunters to drag their game out of the brush and onto a clear space of land so that it'll be easier to dress. Of course, these are only a few of the many side-by-side accessory options, so do some research to find the best investments for your needs.

Ready to shop UTVS for sale? Check out the selection at Dunfords of Havelock. If you aren't sure which side-by-side best suits your needs, let our experts help. Tell us your budget and how you'll use the UTV, then we can recommend compatible side-by-sides. We welcome all those coming from Belleville, Peterborough, and Kawartha, Ontario.