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Building a UTV on a Budget

By Megan Randall | Behind The Wheel on September 7, 2020
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We’ve all seen them—those badass custom builds that make your mouth water and turn your skin green with envy. In a perfect world, every one of us would have an unlimited budget when it comes to aftermarket parts and accessories. But the reality is, most riders have to be conscious of how much they spend on machine upgrades in order to not go broke (or get in trouble with the significant other).

SuperATV After Shock build
There are plenty of crazy custom builds out there that would make any off-road enthusiast think about taking out a second mortgage on their house to recreate. But making your own After Shock isn’t in the budget for everyone, so let’s look at some more realistic build options.
Photo by SuperATV

So whether this is your first build ever or your first time building on a budget, we’ve got some tips and suggestions on how to make your money work for you. We’ll talk about how to get started, which aftermarket parts to prioritize, and how to get the most out of your machine—all without dropping a ridiculous amount of dough. Happy building!


The Machine

No matter what direction your build ends up going, you’ve got to start with the basics: a machine (duh). If you’re trying to limit your spending, you obviously don’t want to throw down money for a brand-new rig. A budget build has to start with something used. Whether it’s slightly used or a total hunk of junk depends on how much work you’re willing to put in to get it running.

Used UTV listing
Sites like ATV Trader are a great place to start if you’re in the market for a used rig to fix up. You can also check with local dealerships in your area and keep an eye on social media to find the perfect new (to you) machine.
Photo by ATV Trader

And you’re going to have to put some work in, no matter what. The key to saving money is to do most of the work yourself. Power washing, painting, lining the bed if you have one—these are all things that are going to cost you a little elbow grease, but they won’t cost you a lot of money.

As far as the technical and mechanical aspects go, only attempt to do those yourself if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t have a ton of experience working on engines, we don’t recommend experimenting on your budget build. Not that we’re assuming you’ll make mistakes, but you might, and fixing those mistakes might cost more than paying a professional to do it in the first place.

If you don’t trust yourself to take on the more technical fixes single-handedly, no worries. Just grab a few buddies who know their way around a side-by-side and bribe them with beer and/or pizza. We’re sure they’d be happy to help out.


UTV Build Plans

Now for the fun part: shopping for parts and accessories! After drooling over others’ custom builds, it’s hard not to jump right in and order one of everything. But sometimes our eyes are bigger than our wallets, in which case it’s important to choose your purchases carefully and stick to your UTV build cost plan.

But don’t be too disappointed that you can’t buy everything at once! For most of us, our machines are constant works in progress. So don’t fret—you can always go crazy and add that wild 10” lift kit at a later date, once you’ve saved up some more dough.

Here are the “must have” parts we recommend budgeting for. We’ve divided these suggestions up into categories, so you can either shop for them all or pick and choose based on your personal preferences. If you go with everything on this list, you’re looking at an investment of just over $1,500. Not bad for a top-to-bottom overhaul! Everyone’s budget is different, though, so you can always nix the accessories that don’t seem essential for your purposes.

Whichever route you take, we’re hoping this list will help you buy everything you need for this build without going overboard and spending too much.

Storage

It’s nice to be able to hit the whoops hard without your personal belongings flying everywhere. For that reason, we feel that having a place to put your wallet, phone, and other small belongings is something to consider when completing a build. Sure, some storage options can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. We’ve got bed enclosures and insulated cargo boxes that will run you a pretty penny, but sometimes all you need is a simple door bag or overhead storage bag. You can snag a new one for $50 or less.

SuperATV Nylon Door Bag
You don’t need to go all out to give yourself some extra storage and organization options. A simple door bag offers plenty of room to keep your wallet and cell phone safe so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Photo by SuperATV
Cost so far = $50

Personal Safety

We strongly recommend upgrading your seat belts, especially if you’re working on an older machine, because your safety should come first. New harnesses will make you feel more comfortable while you’re tearin’ up the trails, too. SuperATV has two options when it comes to seat belts: this three-point harness starting at $89.95 and this five-point harness for $139.95. You really can’t go wrong with either option—we guarantee both are more comfortable than what that old stock machine is packing.

SuperATV Heavy Duty Seat Belt
The first thing to consider when overhauling a used or older UTV is safety. Worn-out seat belts aren’t going to do you much good in case of an unfortunate rollover, and they’re probably not very comfortable, either. Replace them with a safe and secure five-point harness for extra peace of mind.
Photo by SuperATV
Cost so far = $190

Machine Protection

You’re working hard to make this machine “like new” (to you, anyway), so you want to take what measures you can to keep it in good, working condition. There are lots of options when it comes to machine protection: skid plates, front and rear bumpers, and fender flares, just to name a few. It’s easy to jump in and take one of everything, but even starting with one of these products can make a difference. We suggest getting a new set of nerf bars to keep your bodywork protected from flying rocks or low-hanging branches. This will run you around $300 but we highly recommend it, especially if your build has a new paint job and you want to keep it looking fresh.

SuperATV orange nerf bars for Polaris RZR XP Turbo
Installing a set of heavy-duty nerf bars on your machine is a good start when it comes to protecting the bodywork that you’ve worked so hard to restore. Rocks and branches are no match for a little machine protection.
Photo by SuperATV
Cost so far = $490

Suspension

This is where most people blow it with the whole budgeting thing, because going big with your build’s suspension can be really freaking fun. Portals on top of a big lift kit? Yes, please. The problem with all of those modifications, though, is that they get pricey. And the solution is remembering that you don’t have to blow your entire budget to get a noticeable lift. Our high-clearance A-arms give you up to 1.5” of lift for an average cost of $600. Not too shabby for someone needing a little extra ground clearance.

SuperATV black A-arm
Installing some high-clearance A-arms gives you the best of both worlds. You get a boost in clearance without adding a lift kit, and they also make your machine look pretty dang cool. At this rate, you’ll have that old side-by-side looking like a professionally-built rig in no time.
Photo by SuperATV
Cost so far = $1,090

Axles

Here’s one example of an upgrade that might seem costly right now, but we guarantee it will save you money in the long run when you’re not having to replace an axle after every wild ride. SuperATV’s Rhino Axles offer something for every ride style and every price range: Rhino Brand Axles go for $200 apiece and Rhino 2.0s are $230 each. (If you really want to invest in some super-duty axles, our X300s will run you around $500 each. They’re by far the best UTV axle you can get, but maybe not the best choice if you’re doing a budget build.)

SuperATV Rhino brand axle
Our Rhino Brand Axles offer a huge increase in strength over stock, and for only $200 each. That’s a small price to pay for not having to replace a busted axle after every wild ride, if you ask us.
Photo by SuperATV
Cost so far = $1,290

Windshield

A windshield is one of the handiest accessories you can add to your machine, and they’re not very costly, so it’s the perfect addition for a budget build. SuperATV sells a variety of windshield styles, all intended to keep you comfortable and make your machine look even cooler. Your most wallet-friendly option when it comes to windshields is definitely a half windshield, which runs anywhere from $100 to $225. Our half windshields have a tilted lip that diverts air up and over your head, so you keep that open-cab feeling without all the wind and debris flying at your face.

SuperATV half windshield
Throw a half windshield on your budget build to give yourself protection from wind and debris without sacrificing that breezy, open-cab feeling. Half windshields are one of the most affordable windshield options, and the benefits they offer just can’t be beat.
Photo by SuperATV
Cost so far = $1,440

Lighting

Quality lights are a must for safe and convenient night riding. And luckily, these aren’t going to take a huge chunk out of your budget! We’ve got plenty of options when looking at UTV lights, from light bars to whip lights. Our favorite budget lighting solution is a set of 3” LED Cube Lights for $100. They’re plenty bright, easy to install, and weatherproof—exactly what you need to navigate those trails after dark.

SuperATV cube lights
Our cube lights provide a surprising amount of illumination given their size, and thanks to being so small, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to where to install them. At $100, we think these lights are a great investment for any budget build.
Photo by SuperATV
Final cost = $1,540

The Tricks

It doesn’t have to be all about the aftermarket parts and accessories, though. There are other ways to improve your performance without making huge modifications or putting a dent in your bank account.

Here are some of our suggestions for how to get the most out of your machine without blowing your budget out of the water:

The Right Fuel

To keep your machine running smoothly, don’t use anything except for the manufacturer-recommended fuel while filling up. It can be tempting to experiment with higher octane levels, but that usually leads to more harm than good, which can cost you in the long run. Check out this article on how to maximize your machine’s performance by using the right type of fuel.

The Right Tire Pressure

There are no set guidelines regarding the best tire pressure setting for your UTV, because it (for the most part) depends on where and how you ride. A general rule of thumb is that high pressure works best for smooth surfaces and lower pressure works best for rocky surfaces, although there are more factors at play. Figuring out the right tire pressure for you can be an easy (and inexpensive) way to give your machine a little performance boost. Check out our tire secrets article to learn more about tire pressure.

The Right Tires

And speaking of tires, the right set can make a huge difference in how your side-by-side handles. We’ll admit, this one’s not exactly a cheap or free trick, but it can help tremendously. So if you can squeeze it in your build budget, shop our selection of tires and find the set that’s right for you. We also offer wheels to complete your setup. SuperATV has something for everybody, no matter where you ride.


The Extras

Got a little wiggle room left in your budget once all is said and done? Check out these “luxury” modifications! These aren’t things we would suggest budgeting for initially, but they can make your ride way more comfortable and fun if you’ve got the money left over.

Seats

This isn’t a necessity, and not something that’s going to make your ride any safer as long as you have the proper seat belts. But new UTV seats can totally change your ride experience by taking your comfort to the next level. Fancy ergonomic seats aren’t exactly cheap, though, which is why we wouldn’t recommend these for a budget build unless you’ve got some bonus cash left after all is said and done. Check out this UTV Seats Buyer Guide by Dirt Wheels Mag if you’re thinking about getting a set.

UTV seats
Aftermarket UTV seats give you increased comfort, better posture, and less back pain on long rides. These are definitely a luxury item, though, and not something we would invest in right away when completing a budget build.
Photo by Dirt Wheels Mag

Full Cab Enclosure

Another way to improve the way you ride is to give yourself a full cab enclosure. This is especially beneficial if you live somewhere with extreme weather—you know, really hot summers and freezing cold winters. Closing in your cab with a set of doors, a roof, and a front and rear windshield allows you to ride all year long and in all types of weather. It also makes your machine look extra tough.

SuperATV Full Cab Enclosure for Honda Pioneer 1000-5
Thanks to a full cab enclosure, this Honda Pioneer is ready to ride through all weather conditions. A flip windshield, rear windshield, roof, and set of doors keep you protected through cold and wet seasons, and some can be easily removed (or flipped down) when it’s nice out.
Photo by SuperATV

Bumpers

While we’re on the topic of aesthetics, let’s talk bumpers. We’ve already recommended nerf bars so that you have some type of machine protection, but if your budget allows, why not throw some aftermarket bumpers on your rig, too? They don’t just protect your bodywork from trail damage. They’re also an easy way to completely change the look of your machine’s exterior. And if you get one that’s winch ready, you can consider getting a Black Ops Winch at some point. (But since we’re trying to stay within budget, we won’t push that too hard.)

SuperATV black front bumper
One more thing we would recommend throwing some money at (if you’ve got some left over, that is) is a heavy-duty bumper. Not only will bumpers protect your front and rear end from damage, but they look really cool, too.
Photo by SuperATV

So there you have it—all of our suggestions, tips, and tricks for building your dream rig on a budget. We know it can be hard to decide where to start with a new build, especially knowing that funds are limited and you can’t have it all. Hopefully this article helped to push you in the right direction.

If you’ve done a budget build in the past, or if you’re in the middle of one right now, share your story below! We’d love to read all about it.

RELATED CONTENT: custom builds13 side-by-sides65
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4 Comments

  1. Avatar for John theis John theis says:
    April 9, 2021 at 10:39 pm

    Any discount on a first time orders? Spent over 800.00. Heard good things about your company and your prices are better then others

    Reply
    • Avatar for Tyler Lichlyter Tyler Lichlyter says:
      April 12, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      Hey John! We’re glad to hear it! Welcome to the #satv family! Did you happen to make an account with us before making your purchase? Or did you continue as a guest?

      Reply
  2. Avatar for GORDON GORDON says:
    November 21, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    LOOKING FOR A UTV KIT I CAN BUY AND PUT TOGETHER IN MY GARAGE. BY MYSELF.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Kavan Wright Kavan Wright says:
      November 28, 2022 at 2:56 pm

      Hey Gordon. I’ve not heard of any UTV kit like that before. When you order them from the factory, they come without fluids and without the roll cage attached. It’s not much of a project to get it up and running. You should check out sand rails. They’re not exactly UTVs, but they make for good garage projects.

      Reply

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