New purchase advice for a 150 buggy

Posts: 4 · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Pictures: 0

Hi everyone.

I am looking for a 2 seater 150cc buggy for my daughter. 95% of the riding will be done in the yard.
Can anyone recommend a good one for under $1500. Also, a few I have looked at have an AC adapter that charges the battery. I would like to stay away from this type of battery set up if possible.

Thanks,

Eric Gartin

Posts: 711

Where are you located? Have you tried looking for something used? Try and stick to the "brand" names, like Carter, Dazon, Hammerhead, or Joyner.

Posts: 4 · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Pictures: 0

I am located Madison, WV. Southern part of the state.
I will check out the manufacturers that you listed.
I did stop by Gander Mountain yesterday. They had 3 Dazon models two 150cc and one 250cc. All of them were in pretty bad shape cosmetically, faded paint cables rusted and broken.
I guess they had let them set out in the weather too long.
Out of the three, only one of them would run. The floor on the buggy was rusted pretty bad.

Thanks,

Eric

Posts: 4 · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Pictures: 0

What should I look for in a good buggy?

Thanks,

Eric

Posts: 711

These chinese buggies break, so I would look for a buggy which has good dealer and parts support. Are you mechanically inclined? You'll need to be able to wrench a little to keep up with maintenance items and little things that break. There is a great support system on this site, so even if you don't have a local dealer, you can come here and folks will help you out with advice.

Was the size of the 150 about right? If so, that's about the same frame as the Carter and Hammerhead. If you're only interested in a 150, then Joyner is out as I don't believe they make a 150 anymore - they were much smaller. Go to hammerheadoffroad.com and carterbro.com and do a dealer search to see if they have any close to you. A new 150 from them would be closer to $2200. There's also Kinroad, Yerfdog (out of business) and others. If you find something or a dealer, just come on here and ask around. Also, check craigslist, ebay, and locally to see if there is anything used. Lastly, I wouldn't necessarily rule out the Dazons you looked at, they may sell them really cheap due to their condition. You'd be taking a chance, but it they sold them for say $500-$750, that might be worth it if you're mechanically inclined and have the time to figure out what's wrong with them.

Let us know if we can help.

Edit: I completely forgot about Blade!!! Try bladepowersports or mcdonoughpowersports.com. They sell a nice 150 as well. Good dealer support.

Posts: 4 · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 4 Pictures: 0

Thanks Ron

I think I am capable of handling the mechanical issues.
Owning a buggy will be new to me. I just want to make sure I do not purchase a piece of junk.
I have been involved in dirt bikes and ATVs for about 30 years.

Thanks for your help. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Eric

Posts: 240

Jabo's got a good deal on a monster.... (unless its gone already)

and he keeps dropping the price! Makes me wanna cry. I'm too far away.

I've heard the Dazon's are pretty sturdy... and if it's only cosmetic issues like paint and cables, you may have found a sweet deal. That's all easy to fix... unless of course, the engine is hooped, then it's a tad bigger issue. But if it at least cranks over and shows promise of a spark and no major cracks or leaks on the engine, then it might be pretty easy to fix. Notice I said "might". Buyer beware of course. But if it's cheap enough... I say go for it.

Then mod the H*** out of it like we did Smile

Posts: 46

I have had personal experience with the American Sportworks 7150, a modestly priced 2 seat 150cc buggy available at many retails outlets like Tractor Supply.

I paid $1900 and have dealt with the manufacturer several times on parts and they have been wonderful. Sending me free parts under warranty, and modestly priced "expensive" parts (Like a $94 rear axle, which my kids bent in a hyper-fun moment).

The company worked with me and Tractor Supply on getting me an MCO, nice to talk with, supportive, good communication, a good all around company IMO.

Interesting side note on the 7150 specifically: it appears to be about 70-80% mechanically identical to a Twister Hammerhead GT200. Right down to the seat patterns, DC triggered CDI, oil cooler, digital speedo, tire sizes, and lower frame dimensions. My 2008 ASW 7150 is even stickered on the engine as being supplied by the "Twister" company: TJ Powersports.

I've already put "Twister" parts on it, and at least one of the Hammerhead parts supplier Reliablegokarts.com has ASW / Manco 7150 parts.

Let me know if you have any questions, it's easy to find pictures and sellers of this kart if you want to find it online. Even Amazon sells it.

Posts: 4335

I also sell teh american sportworks buggy's . I now have a cdi for it and the twister 150gt that will raise the rev limit.

so alot of the twister parts will fit. they do make a pretty good product.