Beware of Craigslist scams.

[r11]

Just a PSA.

It is truly amazing just how saturated Craigslist is with scam ATV ads. Dozens upon dozens appear daily.

About 80% of them would be just a picture ad, showing a late model (08-10) ATV in pristine shape, "low hours" etc, for a fraction of what they normally go for. Around $1850-$2000 is where they advertise them.

The rest would have a brief description.

Outside of a really low price, the other giveaway is absence of any phone number.

Folx, most of us are trusting people that work hard for our $ and when we see what seems to be a bargain, complete with nice picture and all kinds of attachments (winch + plow are commonly advertised too), we feel like responding. Don't. It will be waste of your time and likely money too. They'd ask for money to be placed in "Ebay" escrow etc - so that you're "safe" and they'd only see the money when you "release" it, after receiving and reviewing of of the ATV. It is a 100% BS.

When I started looking for an ATV, didn't know much about these and I replied to the first one I saw: 08 BruteForce with winch and plow etc etc for $1835. Got a response that immediately raised bunch of red flags.

I suggest only paying attention to ads with local phone numbers. If you intend to register the ATV, make sure you have a clear title/MSO/COO. Make sure to have a lien release if a lien is mentioned on any of the papers. If you want to do us all a service, always insist on proper papers, as lots of stolen ATVs are sold these days.As a matter of fact, should you buy a stolen one even without registering it, it is still a game of Russian roulette and you might end up loosing the ATV and end up in hot waters.

If, like me, you're new to it, you will discover that ATVs hold their value remarkably well, after taking the initial depreciation hit. Assuming you're handy with tools, minor repairs wont cost much, there're always good deals on ebay for used parts. Bought some from hit-the-gas w/o realizing he's a regular here... seems a very nice person and very reputable shop.

Anyway, just wanted for everybody to be safe and enjoy their hobby

[mngatorhunt]

Buying an ATV without looking it over first makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. And to add to that you should always carry an extra set of eyes with you when purchasing a used atv...

[MandAtaco]

Good info, I can't belive how gullable some people can be. I've sent emails on a couple of these machines, just to see how far these people will go. The worst one was a "lady" claiming her son had died in war over seas and it was his machine. Send her the money 1500 for a BRAND NEW machine loaded with accessories and she would ship it for me. What a joke! I just want to smack this duches up the side of the head.

On the flip side, be careful if your selling something also. I've had it all, from "my secretary sent to much money" to "please remove the listing and ship, the money is on the way." I won't sell unless someone shows up with money in hand.

Mike

[r11]

Craigslist is the still the way to go buying & selling, just need to be careful.

The older used ATV, when priced fairly, sell very quickly.

Here's some of my experience in PA, 2 day span, Feb 2011:

1) Saw, on CL, an older Kodiak + plow for 2500. Called the guy up, agreed to pick up the next morning. The next am, hook up my trailer, count money up and JIC, call the guy up. The ATV was gone, sold the nite before.

2) See another ad, about 2 hrs old, "estate liquidation". Called em up, spoke to a nice lady. She already had someone coming in to pick it up.

3) 3rd ad. Old Bayou, $1800, with a plow. Place a call, guy tells me he has guests coming in, no can do till next am. Call him 7:30am next morning - it sold the prev nite.

So they definitely sell like hot cakes, at least in below 3K range.

[BigMike]

I don't know for a fact that this is a scam but it looks too good to be true...

2005 Polaris Sportsman 700 4 x 4

2005 Polaris Sportsman 700 4 x 4 - $1500 (Toledo)

Date: 2011-03-28, 8:39PM EDT
Reply to: see below

Location: Toledo
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 2292369601

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