New to karting..Should you buy new or used ?

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"Should I buy new or used equipment?"

As you begin your search for a kart, be advised that many people in the sport have some equipment for sale and a good place to "kick the tires" is a one of the many swap meets that will be held between now and next Spring. Whether new or used, it pays to carefully evaluate what's being offered at what price.

A new kart chassis is your best bet. A prominent chassis manufacturer was recently asked how long a chassis maintains its peak handling characteristics? His response was, "about 2-1/2 years". The answer referred to the actual tubular frame of the kart chassis, because it can lose its original handling characteristics over time. Performance is hampered by bends in the chassis, metal fatigue and steady use.

Unfortunately, these problems are very hard to determine and can only be avoided by purchasing a new kart, usually directly from a kart retailer. In addition, many people who purchase used equipment end up spending large sums of money to maintain, update or repair these karts - often more that they would have spent by purchasing a new kart initially.

If you choose to purchase a new kart, you can be confident that you will be able to sell the kart at a later date. Newer karts are always easier to sell to racers and this factor, coupled with peace of mind of knowing the kart's history, are reason enough to purchase new when you start.

Karting is the fastest growing and most popular motorsport in the world, which means there will always be someone looking for the least expensive way to enter the sport - and that just might be you!

If you can't afford a new chassis, the clear alternative is a used one. But be assured, there are ways to avoid being stung. If someone tells you "the kart has only been raced once - to win a national championship - and has never been crashed", and only wants $500, you obviously must be skeptical, unless the championship was in 1995! With a little inspection, the general condition of most karts can be easily ascertained.

Step One: Turn the kart chassis upside down and look at the frame's general condition. Missing paint is normal because karts are so low to the ground, but dents, large scratches, rust, cracks and re-welds often indicate abuse. Also splintered paint around welds and on the tubing indicate bending and straightening.

Step Two: With the kart on its wheels. Check the steering column, spindles, tie rods and steering wheel for bends, welds and "hot marks" (from heating the metal to bend it back into shape).

Step Three: With the kart on a level floor, turn the steering wheel in both directions to see if the front tires lift off the floor at the same height. This is a quick and easy check for a bent chassis.

Step Four: Lift up the rear end of the kart and spin the axle to determine if the wheels, sprocket hub and brake rotor are bent. If so, this is usually a sign of a collision during the kart's life. It will be necessary to repair this type of damage to be competitive.

Step Five: Check the brake to make sure they will sufficiently stop the axle.

Step Six: With the kart completely off the ground (on a kart stand if possible), start the engine and listen from vibration and unusual noises. Better yet, take the kart to a track for a test drive.

Step Seven: Check to see of the seat is torn or cracked. Also see if the seat fits you properly and is comfortable. But remember, replacement seats are readily available from most kart shops and in many different sizes.

Step Eight: Finally, remember that appearance is a good judging factor. Dirt and grime hides cracks and other problems, so beware of used equipment that is not clean. Competitive kart racers usually work on their own equipment and naturally keep it clean. A shiny, clean kart is often a sign that the owner has taken pride in his/her vehicle and has nothing to hide. But, as always, "buyer beware".

In your kart search, you may hear, "Boy, have I got a deal for you!" There are "deals" out there, particularly from those who may be exiting karting or moving to another class, but you have to be careful and as usual you usually get what you pay for.

One other thing: If a kart you are considering is loaded with options (bodywork, gauges, etc.) or comes with many extra parts, you may want to find out the "retail prices" of these items either online or from a local kart shop.

One of the main attractions of buying a used kart is the possibility of obtaining spares and extras. Examine the extra parts carefully to determine if they are worth the extra money. While bargains can be found, outdated, worn or unnecessary equipment is also on the market - again, buyer beware. And remember, you'll probably end up trying to resell anything you do not need, and outdated or well-worn equipment is difficult, if not impossible, to sell in a performance-driven market.

One final hint: check with a local kart shop for an opinion of the kart model you're considering, the price and the availability of parts. Most shops will be happy to assist you in answering your questions - but don't forget to patronize the shop and thank the personnel for their help and opinions.