Choosing a Side-by-Side
The humble utility terrain vehicle or UTV, also known as a side-by-side due to its bench seating, has become a staple for professionals in a number of fields, from agriculture and landscaping to heavy industry and construction. Utility vehicles can also be used for recreational riding as well as a handy means of transport over difficult terrain. If you’re thinking about UTVs, there are a lot of parameters you’ll need to consiader in order to choose the right one.
Fortunately, your friends here at Lawton Motorsports can help! This guide to choosing a side-by-side will let you know what the essentials are when shopping for the perfect utility vehicle so that you can get a UT that meets all your needs, whether you want to use it for work or play—or even both!
What Purpose Will It Serve?
Think about how you plan to use your side-by-side. Some are better for work like towing trailers and equipment, which means they’re strong with a high hauling capacity. Others are capable of transporting a crew of six and their tools around a worksite, which means they have more seating and cargo space. Still more are best used for recreational off-road or trail riding, which may mean they’re faster and have higher ground clearances to get over rocky portions. Those that are made for longer rides are often more comfortable and may have canvas tops or windshields to deflect debris and rain. Maybe you’d like to use your UTV to help you with hunting, in which case you’ll need space for weapons and your game.
What’s Your Budget?
While shopping for a UTV, you’ll want to have a firm budget established. This will prevent you from overspending on something you really can’t afford, just because you were wooed by the siren song of all its bells and whistles. However, it’s also important not to skimp on features that you really need. And finally, you’ll also need to factor in additional costs, such as those for gear like helmets and riding boots, insurance and registration, maintenance and accessories.
Most people can expect to spend no less than $10,000 on a brand-new utility vehicle with basic features. If you want more space or extra features, you’re looking at anything from $15,000 to $20,000 as a sticker price. You can always look into financing options if necessary, but make sure you know what you can afford off the bat before you start shopping.
Which Accessories Do You Want?
As we mentioned above, accessories are an important part of purchasing a UTV. You’ll get the basics with any purchase, but you may wish to add some aftermarket accessories to improve comfort and safety or to upgrade the UTV’s abilities. A windshield and a top of some kind are great for recreational riding in comfort since you won’t be hit by debris, dirt, sand, branches, wind or rain. The roof can also shield you from the sun on a hot day. A winch is a good idea if you plan to haul heavy logs or pull other vehicles out of a jam. Considering what accessories you may need will help you hone your budget and can point you towards UTVs that are capable of having those specific items installed easily.
We hope our guide helps you to locate the perfect UTV for your needs! Ready to see some models? Stop by our dealership located in Lawton, Oklahoma, to evaluate our current stock of new and used UTVs for sale. Talk to our staff if you have questions about what utility vehicle is best-suited to your purposes. We can even help you to insure your new purchase! Lawton Motorsports proudly serves the city of Edmond, Oklahoma.