The Prices of ATVs, Explained

These are the Factors That Determine the Price of an ATV

As an ATV rider, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck – it is an expensive hobby, after all. When you shop around for four-wheelers, you’re probably keenly interested in the price tag, but you might also raise your eyebrow at some of the numbers you see.

Why exactly do ATVs cost what they do? And why might two similar ATVs have different price tags?

The truth is, ATVs have many components that act as variables to determine the price point of each vehicle. If you learn about these components and how they form an ATV’s ultimate price, you can navigate show rooms more easily – and probably end up with a better deal.

Read below to learn about the factors that affect the price of a four-wheeler.

Can an ATV Save You Money?

A new ATV can be a pretty significant purchase. Before cashing in on a four-wheeler, you’ll probably want to think about your budget and your goals. Remember that an ATV does a lot of great work that can’t be measured in dollar amounts – they are utility vehicles, after all.

Plenty of four-wheelers, for example, are designed to help with physical tasks, like landscaping or transporting cargo. Using an ATV can also save you the trouble of using another vehicle that uses more gas.

With that being said, you can think of ATVs as an investment, not just a cost. Can you think of other ways that ATVs make your life more convenient and cost-friendly?

These are the Factors that Affect the Cost of ATVs

Type of ATV (Sport, Utility, Recreation, Youth)

Most ATVs belong to a specific category that indicates what they’ll be used for:

Sports ATVs are most often used for riders who want to race or rip up the trails at full speed
Utility ATVs are most often used for riders who need to carry loads of equipment from point A to point B
Recreation ATVs are most often used for riders who want to enjoy themselves at any speed
Youth ATVs are most often used for smaller, younger or less experienced riders

Prices may be determined by these factors – for example, a smaller youth-friendly ATV will be cheaper than an ATV that runs at a high speed. A utility ATV (also called a UTV) with plenty of cargo space will likely sell at a higher price than an ATV meant for recreational riding.

Year of Model

Most of the utility vehicle brands you’re familiar with release a new lineup of vehicles each year – similarly to how cars are launched by car companies. Newer models often have state-of-the-art features decided upon by industry experts.

As you’d expect, newer models cost more. An advantage of knowing this is that you can find older models for lower prices following the launch of new models.

New or Used?

As with other purchases, ‘brand new’ means ‘more expensive’ – and you can find much lower prices on pre-owned vehicles. You’ll have to consider the pros and cons of new and used vehicles when decided upon which one you’ll pursue.

New vehicles are more costly, but they are free of damage and will likely last you longer, so you might actually save from this investment
Used vehicles are cheaper, but they often require maintenance or are run-down

After lots of mileage, ATVs begin to deteriorate. If you choose a used vehicle, try to learn as much information about it as possible to see if your vehicle will serve you the way you want it to.

The Brand

Brands that have built a strong reputation in the world of ATVs tend to be more in-demand, meaning, they sell at a higher price. However, these brands often have great sales and exclusive deals. Some brands even have ‘membership deals’ for those who already own one of their vehicles. You may choose to research your vehicle’s brand before buying.

The Season

Summer is ‘riding season’ in most areas – and the season affects the ATV market. Specifically, most shops raise their prices as riding season approaches, and decrease their prices during the off-season. For an ATV, you’ll likely find a better deal in the fall or winter.

Customization and Extra Features

If an ATV’s price point seems particularly high, it might have special features that have led to a raised price. Customizations, for example, are extremely popular for experienced riders who know exactly what they’re looking for.

Conclusion

By learning about the factors that can raise an ATV’s price, you’ll be more prepared to make a smart decision – and you’ll avoid getting ripped off.

Dunfords of Havelock has an impressive collection of motorsport vehicles – and we’re always happy to answer any of your ATV-related questions!