How to Find (and Buy) a Used Side By Side in Illinois: A Complete Guide

You can have your proverbial cake and eat it too. A side by side motorcycle is great for work and play. 

A side by side is also called a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). For many, they’re not a necessity, but they’re sure great to have. 

The market for side by side motorcycles is snowballing. Many find that a side by side is a useful utility vehicle, especially people who live in rural areas. 

People use them for essential tasks such as hauling equipment and moving goods. Increasingly, however, more of them buy a side by side because they’re also great for playtime. 

Read on to learn how to find a used side by side for sale in Illinois. 

Why Side by Sides Are So Darn Popular 

People have been talking about side by side motorcycles for nearly two decades. Manufacturers introduced them as a remarkable tool for industrial and commercial applications. For instance, side by side manufacturers touted them as ideal for construction, farming, ranching, and landscaping. 

In 2004, however, Yamaha introduced the Rhino. This introduction enabled motorcycle enthusiasts to see side by side motorcycles as a recreational vehicle. 

Later, Polaris introduced the RZR. With the Polaris entry, interest in buying a side by side for trail riding skyrocketed. Since then, the use of side by sides for recreation has taken flight. 

A side by side is easy to operate, whether you’re on the job site or the trail. Today, many motorcycle riders choose a side by side for access to the best of both worlds – both work and play. 

Utility crossovers are quickly dominating the UTV market. Still, recreational UTVs have experienced a sharp increase in sales over the last five years. 

Consumers want a functional utility motorcycle that they can also use for activities such as hunting. Also, they want a vehicle that can easily navigate in the woods, mud, or sand. A side by side can do just that. 

Also, you can customize a side by side anyway that you like. Now, people upgrade their side by sides with everything from race-tuned engines to high-end stereo systems. 

How Do I Find a Used Side by Side Near Me? 

If you’re wondering, “Where can I find a used side by side for sale near me?”, there are a lot of options. Naturally, you’ll want to know the best way to go about buying one. 

You can look on websites such as Craigslist, Cycle Trader, and the Autotrader motorcycle section. Also, you can do an online search for “IL used side by side for sale.” 

Alternatively, you can go to a local Illinois motorcycle dealership. All these choices probably leave you wondering which is the best option to purchase a used side by side in Illinois. 

Still, you’re ready to move forward and make the leap. The best way to arm yourself as a used side by side buyer is with knowledge. 

Choosing options for your side by side is difficult enough. Now, you must decide how you want to buy your used vehicle. This added decision-making only makes your buying choice tougher. 

The closer you get to making your purchase, the more likely that you spend time browsing the classifieds. Now, you’re ready. It’s time to see one in person. 

So Many Choices: Where Should I Look for a Used Side by Side for Sale? 

Ultimately, you must make a decision. You need to decide whether you want to buy from a private seller or dealership. 

Yes. You can save money by buying from a private seller. They don’t have the same overhead as a dealer. They don’t have to pay staff, maintain a dealership, or manage any of the other costs involved with running a business. 

Buying from a private seller at a lower price can prove tempting. However, you have to ask yourself, “Is this my best option?” 

It’s more likely that you’ll find a reliable side by side if you buy from a dealership. Motorcycle dealers build their business on their reputation. Dealers can’t afford to sell a side by side that doesn’t work as desired. 

Because of this, a dealership will most likely only accept trade-ins that are in good condition. This circumstance increases the likelihood that you’ll find a top-notch used side by side. You can expect a dealership to maintain its used side by side inventory and keep motorcycles in stock that are in good condition. 

Usually, a dealer will have written documentation highlighting past repairs. If there is something wrong with the motorcycle, a reputable dealer will put it in writing to help you to avoid any surprises. 

Finding a Trustworthy Seller 

Some dealers may even offer a limited warranty. A warranty is a guarantee that your used side by side will work for a certain amount of time or miles. 

A private seller typically will not provide a warranty. When you buy from a private seller, you’re purchasing the vehicle as-is. In other words, if it stops working, it’s your responsibility to fix it. 

If, for example, you buy a used side by side from a dealer and something goes wrong the week later, they’ll fix it for you under most conditions. You can’t expect this kind of service from a private seller. 

A dealership will also typically have a complete ownership history. This record will ensure that you’re not purchasing a stolen vehicle or a motorcycle that’s been totaled by an insurance company. 

Where Will You Find Your Next Used Side by Side? 

You can count on Holzhauer Pro Motorcycles to make your used side by side buying experience a great one. Our staff members are trained technicians and will make sure that your new acquisition is in the best condition possible. Also, we can help you apply for financing for nearly any used side by side for sale in our showroom. 

We’ll make sure that you get the best side by side for your investment. Browse our online inventory today to start your utility or recreational side by side journey. 

If you’re ready to find a used side by side for sale in IL, have a look at what we have to offer. We’ve got the perfect ride to fit your needs.