Advice on buying used (not running) complete 400ex

[Transmatic]

One of my buddies wants to buy a used 400ex that needs some work to get running. We found an 05 400ex with what the guy says is a melted piston. If we assume the worst and just replace the entire cylinder are there any other potential major repairs that might need to be made at the same time? Trying to get an accurate estimate on parts so that we can stick to a realistic budget. The quad is 100% stock an otherwise appears well cared for.

[#484]

If it's not running it will be tough to judge. Maybe do a compression test on it before you buy it. If it has low or no compression it might be worth rolling the dice. What is the seller asking for it, there are lots of them out there that can be bought reasonably that are running and ready to ride.

[CJM]

You have no idea how bad the damage is, coulda melted the piston due to being to lean or coulda fubar the head, rod, etc. Wanna take the gamble, Id offer 500 bucks.

[LxMxL97]

Can you post some pics of the bike and what's the guy wanting?

[400man]

I made a mistake like this several years ago. I had a nice piped banshee and wanted to trade it for a 450r. guy on craigslist txted me with a really nice lookin 450r, said it didn't run but all it needed was a stator, said he swapped it with his friend's stator on his and it ran. So I figured easy fix. we traded, I got a used stator from my local shop. fired it up.........it smoked worse than my banshee :cuss: I felt like such a dumbass. I said I would never buy/trade a non running machine ever again.

[cheater13]

The good thing about buying a used 400ex is that engine parts (cylinders, heads, ect) are a dime a dozen. You can find them cheap on eBay. Just make sure that bottom end is in fine condition. I don't want my current 400 to see too much mud anymore so I'm going to look for an older one for around $800-$1,000 max to just ride around with.

Post some pics when you get a chance.

[Transmatic]

The good thing about buying a used 400ex is that engine parts (cylinders, heads, ect) are a dime a dozen. You can find them cheap on eBay. Just make sure that bottom end is in fine condition. I don't want my current 400 to see too much mud anymore so I'm going to look for an older one for around $800-$1,000 max to just ride around with.

Post some pics when you get a chance.

1718107626

The guy is asking $1,300. Personally I wouldn't pay this much, but it's my buddy that's buying it. Like I said, we were just looking for something cost effective to buy and fix. As cheater13 said, parts are easy to find on ebay and through this site.

Thanks for the replies thus far. Would like to hear more opinions as well.

[CJM]

1300..thats what Id pay for a good running 400, like i said 500 bucks.

[Transmatic]

1300..thats what Id pay for a good running 400, like i said 500 bucks.

I tend to agree with you. This is what I told my buddy as well so we'll see what he decides. I'm just here to lend a helping hand to him however I can. Thanks for everyone's input.

[LxMxL97]

That looks like a really clean bike but due to it being blown up I would pay ~$700 for it depending on the drive