If you’ve decided to purchase a side by side, you need to figure some things out before you actually go out and buy one. There are so many brands and models out there that if you don’t put some thought into your purchase, you may end up buying a UTV that just doesn’t suit your needs.

At Speciality Recreation & Marine, we like to help people get the right machines. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to buying the right UTV to help new buyers out. When you want to have a look at some side x sides near Spokane, head to our dealership in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

What Do You Plan To Do With It?

The UTV market has many side by sides designed for a particular style of riding so you need to think about what you want to do first. People often pick UTVs for work or leisure.

If you’re getting a UTV for work purposes, you’ll want one that has high power and hauling capacity. There are models that can even tow a trailer! You can get a model that lets you pack all your work tools and load all your supplies to haul to your work site. You can use a side x side to get across your property faster than by foot, reducing the time you spend maintaining your land. If you’re a hunter, you can get a UTV that’ll easily carry your gear and your trophy.

Sometimes people want to buy side x sides because they chase thrills. Recreational models will let you tear up backroads chasing adrenaline. If you’re buying a UTV for leisure, look for two things: first, your machine must have a high performance capacity. Second, go for the comfort features that make sense to you. You want a side by side that hits high speeds with quick acceleration and also keeps you feeling comfy during an all-day drive.

How Much Do You Want To Spend?

Before you head to the dealership, fix a number in your mind. Once you get there and see all the models with all their features, we’re betting you’ll want to buy something out of your price range. Once you have a fixed budget in mind, you won’t waste time or money on a side by side you just can’t afford.

If you’ve got your heart set on a high-end UTV, consider buying a used one. This is undoubtedly a great way to get quality high-end features and comfort at a low cost. Just be sure to inspect the machine thoroughly or you might end up with a lemon.

How Many People Will You Take Along?

One of the best things about a side x side is that you can take along more people on your off-road ride. Most models can seat two people but there are some that can seat up to six. Think about the number of people you want to take along for your work tasks or for exploring the trails and then choose a model that fits. You want it to have enough room for everyone to be comfortable and for all your gear to fit properly.

The Size Of Your Land

If you’re planning to get a side by side to maintain your property, it’s important that you take into account the size of your property and the kind of work it’ll need. Are there rocks, stumps or other obstacles that the UTV has to navigate? Then you’ll need a machine with high ground clearance. If you have muddy or sandy tracts of land, then you’ll need to factor that in too. 

Keep Safety In Mind

The most important thing when you’re out and about is to stay safe. This is true whether you’re using your side x side for work or leisure. There are many models that have a variety of safety features you can explore. Some essential ones include windshield, side doors, and full cab enclosure. You’ll also need to buy safety gear like a helmet, boots, gloves and durable outerwear. 

Are you ready to explore some side by sides in person? Come to Speciality Recreation & Marine in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and talk to our expert staff about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for side by sides for sale near Spokane, call or come over today!