[Paco]

Hello all,
I’m going to look at a 2018 kodiak 700 eps se in a couple days, this will be my first atv purchase and just curious if anyone can give some insight as to what to look out for or questions to ask. It has 44 hours and 770 miles and he is asking 8400, is that fair? Thanks for any help!

 

[TRW]

Some will say that is a good deal and it is, but my nature is to see and negotiate on a new one, for a couple of reasons. First, you get a warranty, I like that idea when you spend this much money. None of us know the history, so that is kind of scary. I had a friend that bought another brand that had been started and ran without oil in the engine by the man's son who did not know there was no oil. They told the buyer and offered him the machine at a 500 discount. As far as I know, this engine runs fine, but I would not have bought that for more than half price.

 

[JimP]

You'll need to pick over it more than a used car.

Pop the cover on the battery compartment and look into the nooks and creveses to see if you can see any mud or unusual dirt, there should be dusty dirt but not mud.

Be wary of aftermarket items such as larger tires and a snorkel,or a radiator relocation.

Ask to see the maintence records to see if they have kept up with them. Even if they did all the work themselves they should have records.

The price sounds high but not out of reason.

 

[RedRocket]

Definitely sounds high to me. Not sure if you can see everything in this link but on Yamaha’s webpage, you can bring up comparison models. This link should have that but if not, use the drop-down to display a 2018 Kodiak EPS SE to see that MSRP was only US $9,099. That does not include taxes and destination charges but $8400 for a machine with 770 miles on it and no warranty is only $700 less than the MSRP. That machine also has the 708cc engine which some have had oil burning issues with and Yamaha has a service bulletin out for. It could be possible that 2018 is not impacted by the service bulletin but you should be aware of it, a VIN check at Yamaha may help with that. Personally, I’d pass on it, price being too high to take a chance.

2023 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE Utility ATV - Compare Specs, Prices

Information about the service bulletin -https://www.grizzlycentral.com/threads/its-official-2016-18-708-yamaha-service-bulletin.112395/

 

[JD864]

One more small observation: that machine has averaged 17.5 mph in the first 44 hours, including 20 hours of break-in time. That’s pretty fast for most owners. Maybe street driving? But I’m flagging it may not have had a good break-in. Also, it’s the best year of the worst engine. The 708 has not been as reliable as a 686 - although 2018 seems to be holding up ok compared to a 2016. I wouldn't give over 7500 - and honestly I wouldn’t buy a 708.

 

[JimP]

It looks like he is asking right under the blue book value for my area

 

[TRW]

You got some great advice, from some very knowledgeable people here and if I were you I would definitely go for a new one. Tell the dealer that you are looking at a great deal on a used one, but thought you would see what a new one would cost, (don't tell him the asking price) that might be a stretch, but it may lead him to give you his best deal, hoping to get the sale.

 

[TRW]

It looks like he is asking right under the blue book value for my area

View attachment 11837

Notice that this is from a dealer, who likely would offer at least a 30 warranty, you get nothing when buying privately.

 

[JimP]

Notice that this is from a dealer, who likely would offer at least a 30 warranty, you get nothing when buying privately.

I consider the dealers warranty of 6 months on a new machine to be worthless.

Most of us don't have a dealer in our backyard and need to drive or get it to a dealer to have them even look at it. Then there are the owners who in the fist 6 months don't put enough wear and tear onto a machine to where problems start creeping up.

But when you purchase it from a private party you take your chances, that is where it is best to go over it with a fine tooth comb and if possible take it to a dealer to have them go over it. But even then you are taking your chances.

 

[Paco]

Wow you guys have some great knowledge! I appreciate all the feedback, I was not aware the 2018 was 9k new, I was comparing it to the 23MY price tag of almost 11k so clearly not the deal I thought I would be getting. I have a dealer near me that has a 23 kodiak 700 eps I’m going to go take a look at and see what if any kind of deal they can give me. I really appreciate all the help, gave me a lot to think about!

 

[JimP]

You will find that if a ATV is taken care of and not beaten into the ground that they do hold their value.

My 2016 base model listed new for around $8000, now the used value is around $6500. A 2016 EPS was around $9000. Don't expect the dealer to do much dealing on the price of a new Kodiak. The old supply is low and the demand is high and with it being close to spring more people will be looking to upgrade to a newer or better machine.

But what ever way you go stick around. We like to hear about your new tires or anything else you add to it plus if you do any trail riding, hunting, fishing, or other outdoor stuff with it we love to see the pictures and hear how it performed.

 

[Rob-c]

The one thing one has to remember is we’re still in this supply / demand bubble . Prices are still high for used machines and dealers are still getting msrp.