Reasons Why You Should Buy a Side by Side

Are Side by Sides Worth It?

As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel of various UTVs, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the thrill, versatility, and practicality that these machines offer. Whether it’s tearing through the dunes, hauling heavy loads on the farm, or enjoying a family adventure on rugged trails, side-by-sides have become an integral part of my outdoor life. In this article, I’ll share my insights and answer the burning question: “Are side-by-sides worth it?” Let’s dive in!

UTV: A Personal Perspective

A UTV, or Utility Task Vehicle, is more than just a recreational vehicle. It’s a workhorse, a racer, a family entertainer, and a reliable companion on the toughest terrain. My first encounter with a UTV was with a Polaris RZR, and it was love at first ride. The combination of speed and power, coupled with easy handling, made it an unforgettable experience. The sense of community among UTV owners is unparalleled. The shared passion for off-roading and trail adventures creates a bond that enhances the overall UTV experience.

Polaris RZR: A Side-by-Side Turbocharged Adventure

The Polaris RZR with its turbo engine is a beast on the trail. With over 100 horsepower, it boasts a suspension travel that can handle the roughest bumps and jumps. Ground clearance is never an issue, and the thrill of a turbocharged ride is something that still gives me goosebumps. Whether it’s rock crawling or dune racing, the RZR XP models available have never let me down.

Buy a UTV: Worth the Investment?

Reasons to buy side-by-sides: More Than Just Off-Roading

When you decide to buy a UTV, you’re investing in a machine that’s versatile and adaptable. Here are some reasons why purchasing a side by side is worth every penny:

1. Off-Roading Fun: From trail riding to mudding, UTVs offer an exhilarating off-road experience. Models like the Can-Am Maverick are especially useful for hard riding on sand dunes and rough terrain.
2. Workhorse Capabilities: Need to tow or haul? UTVs like the Kawasaki Mule come with a dump bed and towing capacity of over 1000 lbs. They’re the perfect workhorse for farms and construction sites.
3. Family Adventures: With bench seats that can accommodate up to six passengers, UTVs can even have booster seats to make family outings a blast. The roll cage and safety features ensure a secure ride.
4. Customization Options: The aftermarket possibilities are endless. From bigger tires to sprayers for farming, you can tailor your UTV to your specific needs and wants.

Getting the Best Deal Possible

Buying a used UTV can be a great way to get the best bang for your buck. Models like the Kawasaki Mule or John Deere offer reliability and performance at a fraction of the cost of new models. Just make sure to check the payload, torque, and other specifications to ensure it meets your requirements.

Side-by-Sides: A Comparison with the ATV

While ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) are great for individual riders, side-by-sides offer more seating, better stability, and often more power. The UTV engine, especially in models like the Polaris RZR Turbo, provides more torque and horsepower, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains.

ATV vs UTV: Which One to Buy?

If you’re looking for a recreational vehicle that can also serve as a utility vehicle, then a UTV is worth the investment. With models like the Can-Am Maverick, boasting over 1000cc and 100 horsepower, you’ll most likely find a machine that’s perfect for both fun and work.

UTVs: Off-roading for the family

Side-by-side vehicles, have become the go-to choice for family off-roading adventures. Unlike traditional ATVs, UTVs offer multiple seating options, often accommodating up to six passengers, making them perfect for family outings. With robust safety features like roll cages and seat belts, parents can feel secure while introducing their children to the thrilling world of off-road exploration. Whether it’s a weekend getaway on rugged trails or a fun-filled day on the sand dunes, UTVs provide a unique way for families to bond and create lasting memories. Brands like Polaris and Can-Am offer models specifically designed with family comfort and enjoyment in mind, ensuring that off-roading for the family is not only exciting but also safe and accessible.

UTVs: Off-roading for the family

Side-by-side vehicles, have become the go-to choice for family off-roading adventures. Unlike traditional ATVs, UTVs offer multiple seating options, often accommodating up to six passengers, making them perfect for family outings. With robust safety features like roll cages and seat belts, parents can feel secure while introducing their children to the thrilling world of off-road exploration. Whether it’s a weekend getaway on rugged trails or a fun-filled day on the sand dunes, UTVs provide a unique way for families to bond and create lasting memories. Brands like Polaris and Can-Am offer models specifically designed with family comfort and enjoyment in mind, ensuring that off-roading for the family is not only exciting but also safe and accessible.

Benefits of Side-By-Sides

UTVs are becoming increasingly popular, so consumers must have their reasons for purchasing them, right? Here are some of the biggest side-by-side advantages!

UTVs Are Fun

Let’s be direct and point out the obvious; UTVs are fun. If you live in a state with plenty of access to UTV trails, then you can fly through the woods like you’ve never dreamed of without anyone around to bother you. That’s why they’re so popular with people of all ages!

Also, unlike an ATV, you’ll only need one vehicle to share the fun! Side-by-sides allow you to bring your family members or friends along for your journeys, whatever they may be. Learn more about what side-by-sides can do!

UTVs Are Practical

The term “utility task vehicle” should tell you everything. They are constantly used by park rangers, groundskeepers, and thousands of other outdoor jobs for their practicality.

If you live up north, in a remote area, or in a location with tough terrain, UTVs are extremely practical. That’s true whether you’re super outdoorsy, you have a large property, or you just want an alternate mode of transportation.

UTVs are a common mode of transportation for families in northern New England, upstate New York, the upper midwest, through the Rocky Mountains, and all points west. People will head to the grocery store or nearby swimming destinations or simply get their mail at the end of their long driveways!

They’re also great for hauling larger loads around your property. If you have a wood stove, garden, or anything that needs constant work outside, a UTV is a great way to lighten the load!

Another common use is for plowing your driveway, which is much easier than snow blowing or shoveling. Adding a plow to your UTV in the winter can save a lot of time (or money) on clearing snow. This is another reason why they’re so popular up north!

Status

A lot of the time, we buy things for status. Well, a nice UTV will go a long way toward impressing your neighbors. It will make you the talk of the town, depending on where you live!

Adding to Your Adventures

Do you love going camping? During all four seasons, a UTV will open doors for you to camp where you’ve never imagined before. UTVs allow access to the most remote locations that you can’t access by car or foot within a reasonable amount of time.

Simply throw your camping gear in the back and drive wherever you want, whenever you want. This can also work for hiking remote mountains, reaching little-known swimming holes, or whatever excites you! If you’re outdoorsy, a UTV can open plenty of possibilities for you!

Towing or Hauling

Towing and hauling capabilities are much better on side-by-sides than on ATVs. You can even tow mini campers through the woods with the right models. UTVs are great for carrying cargo, and their durable frame doesn’t care what you decide to haul. 

Durability

UTVs have impressively solid frames that are difficult to scratch, let alone break. If you take good care of the engine and transmission, you won’t have to worry about the frame. Just remember to give it a wash after driving on road salt to prevent rust!

Safety

UTVs offer far more protection than ATVs, as they have a solid frame and windshield to protect passengers. It’s easy to flip over and fly off of an ATV, but UTVs typically have seatbelts, window nets, and other safety features to protect you and your family. In off-road conditions, this is especially important.

If you do have a roll-over accident in your UTV, learn more about what to do. Don’t worry, you aren’t the first, and you won’t be the last!

Downsides of Side-By-Sides

No good things come without a cost. Here are some of the biggest side-by-side drawbacks.

Price

If you buy them used, you may save money upfront, but it’s a gamble. You have no idea how the previous owner treated their UTV. Unfortunately, nicer and newer UTVs may cost more than your car, especially with the rising demand for these vehicles. 

Finding the model you want will also be a challenge, especially if you live up north. The most popular models are flying off of the shelves, and dealers are left with waiting lists for certain brands. However, if you find the one you want at a reasonable price, it can last for a long time with proper care!

Insurance

If you can’t afford the price of a UTV upfront, you’ll likely have to make payments. Unfortunately, that won’t be your only monthly expense, as you will need to pay for insurance. Depending on the model and year of your vehicle, your insurance and monthly payment could be quite similar to that of a new car.

Also, foregoing your insurance is not always an option. Depending on your state, you may also be required by law to purchase insurance if you finance your vehicle.

UTV insurance will cost around $100 a month on average. Do the math before purchasing and ensure that you can handle these monthly payments, as they can add up.  If there’s an emergency expense like a major repair, you don’t want to be broke when you have to pay for it.

Maintenance

Owning a UTV is much like owning a car, except they have more expensive shocks, and their parts can be harder to find. If you take care of your UTV, it will take care of you. That means regular oil changes, filter changes, and following the routine maintenance schedule in your manual.

If you do that, you can run your UTV for as many miles as you would with a car, even if you’re driving in harsher conditions. A little care goes a long way.

Fortunately, UTVs are built for off-roading conditions, so their parts tend to be far more stable than similar parts on a car. UTVs are also lighter than cars, which can help prevent long-term damage. Also, maintenance on a UTV is often easier than on a car, as the equipment (engine, suspension, etc.) is easier to access.

Buying a popular brand will also help you find parts easier. Polaris, Honda, and other major UTV brands will have the cheapest and most accessible parts on average.

Size Limits

Some states, localities, and trail governing bodies will have a size or weight limit on vehicles that can use certain trails. For example, if you live in Maine, your vehicle cannot weigh more than 2,000 pounds or exceed 65 inches in width. Otherwise, you will be subject to a fine of $100 to $500 for your first offense.

If you do your research and find a UTV that fits within your local weight limits, then this won’t be a problem. However, it’s important to learn these laws ahead of time, especially before purchasing your UTV.

Most of these laws are to prevent cars or oversized UTVs from damaging the trails. In most cases, smaller side-by-sides will not exceed these weight limits. Check your state or local laws for more information!

Are Side-By-Side UTVs Worth It?

Yes side by sides are worth the money and we can tell you that UTVs are very practical, fun, safe, and long-lasting with proper care. Most owners would agree that they are worth the money!

Stay up to date with our latest tips for your side-by-side, and check out how to balance your UTV tires for better performance and how to tell if your side by side has too many hours.