UTV Buyer's Guide

Utility terrain vehicles, also known as UTVs and side by sides, are versatile, rugged machines with four wheels. They’re about a third of the size of an average pickup truck. These vehicles can be used in a variety of ways for both work and recreation. You can use your UTV for hauling and towing on a farm, construction site, or in the landscaping industry. When it comes to recreational uses, a utility vehicle can serve as a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy on off-road trails. It’s also beneficial when used as a hunting vehicle to help you get to your spot, set up your blinds, and haul your trophy back to the truck. Keep reading to learn more.

When you’re ready to check out some models, stop by Altus Motorsports. Our staff would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right side by side for your needs. We’re located in Altus, OK, near Amarillo.

Common Features

Most of today’s models will come with many standard features, like four-wheel drive, fuel injection, and electronic power steering. This means you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a vehicle with the features you need to make your driving experience easier and more enjoyable. However, UTVs will have a variance when it comes to the type of tires, ground clearance, and suspension travel. You should make sure the utility vehicle you choose will be able to handle the different types of terrain you plan to frequent. The features should match up with the type of riding you plan to do as well, whether it be recreational or professional.

Comfortable Seating

Those who are buying a side by side for the very first time should put plenty of thought into one very important factor, which is rider comfort. Try out various seating styles, whether they’re bucket seats or benches, and think about whether they’re comfortable enough for how long you plan to be riding around. If different people will be operating the UTV, the seats need to adjust sufficiently to account for the different driving postures and heights. Comfort becomes crucial when you plan to ride all day long, so don’t overlook this.

Hauling Capacity

Next, you should start thinking about what you plan to carry with your utility vehicle, how much it’ll weight, and how often you’ll be carrying things. UTVs tend to have a cargo compartment in the rear of the vehicle and some space between the seats for storing gear and supplies. It’s helpful to know before you shop if you’re going to need more cargo space than what’s available on most stock models.

Budget

A first-time buyer should expect to spend around $10,000 on a basic new model. Those who are looking for maximum power, more seats, or additional features can expect to spend anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000. Remember that financing options are often available at dealers like Altus Motorsports. Our staff would be happy to discuss this with you.

No matter what type of vehicle you end up choosing, you should establish a firm budget before you start looking around. This will help you avoid spending more than you can afford. You can also use your budget to rule out UTVs that are automatically too expensive for your budget.

Accessories

As we mentioned, your vehicle will come with several standard features. However, there are some aftermarket upgrades you can consider if the stock model doesn’t come with everything you’re looking for. One common accessory is a hard or soft-top roof, which will protect you from the rain and sun. A roof will allow you to ride in less-than-ideal weather conditions and keep you in the shade on scorching hot days so you can ride longer.

You might also consider investing in a windshield, which isn’t always a standard feature. They’re quite useful and practical as they shield you and your passengers from flying debris, mud, dirt, and rocks. Of course, you’ll still need to wear the appropriate safety gear, but a windshield will offer additional protection.

Ready to explore UTVs for sale? Come on down to Altus Motorsports to get started. Our dealership is conveniently located in Altus, OK. We also serve our friends in Amarillo.