You Need to Know How to Spot a Terrible UTV Dealer

You’re looking for a new UTV. You might be on a tight budget or you might want to stick close to home. We get it. But before you spend your hard earned money, take the time to do a bit of a research. If you run into any of the following red flags, consider taking your business elsewhere.

Their primary business is NOT powersports.

If a UTV “dealership” specializes in trailers, used parts, or construction equipment, walk. Don’t tempt yourself into spending thousands of dollars to save a few hundred. If you’re not their primary demographic when they sell to you, it's unlikely they will be much help later on.

They don’t carry parts on hand.

Wheel bearings, drive belts, brake pads... All these parts are common wear items. If a dealership doesn’t carry these items on hand when you don’t need them, they won't have the big parts you do need them. And for that matter, how longer will a service take when they have to order even the most common parts? Which brings us to the next red flag...

They don’t have an onsite Service Center.

Don’t walk away from this “dealer.” Run.

The sale takes less than an hour.

It surprises us how many people brag about the speed with which their dealer got them out the door. On the day they purchased their new UTV, many customers recall it taking less than ten minutes. Our Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) consists of us going over the vehicle with you. We look at EVERYTHING. We double-check EVERYTHING. We provide you with Warranty Registration Documents. We explain the break-in period. And we go over the service schedule and provide tips for getting the most out of your new investment. All while we answer any and all questions you may have about your new UTV. This is NOT a short process. If your dealer takes your money, throws you the keys, and sends you on your way, YOU NEED TO FIND A NEW DEALER.

They don’t provide you with Warranty Registration Documents.

By the time you need them, it’s usually too late. We have seen far too many warranty claims where the customer does not have any documentation. We have been lucky to resolve most of these issues. But there have been times when it has taken extra days to weeks to resolve. And that’s time you could be spending out on the trails.

BONUS Tip for ODES UTVS - Don’t buy from ANY Dealership that is not listed on the Dealer Locator.

Dealerships start and close all the time. This is especially true in the world of Independent Dealerships (i.e., non-franchised). If you’re particularly interested in an ODES UTV, check their online Dealer Locator. If a dealership is NOT listed on their dealer locator, be extra cautious before buying.

In fact, as of the publication date of this article, ODES UTVS lists a warning on their Dealer Locator:

BUYER BEWARE: ODES UTVS only sells to a network of authorized dealers hand picked by ODES UTVS. Any dealers NOT found using the Dealer Locator below are not buying directly from ODES UTVS, and we will not guarantee or warranty any products they sell.