Late summer and early fall offer big savings on UTVs, with discounts up to 30% off. Dealerships clear out inventory before new model year arrivals, with the best deals on demonstration and leftover previous year models. Tax-free holidays in some states can save major cash. Aftermarket accessories often see sales paired with major summer events. Join club forums for buyer tips and alerts on private sales for major deals.

Buying a new UTV (utility task vehicle) is an exciting prospect for outdoor enthusiasts. However, UTVs can be quite an investment, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. Knowing the best times and ways to purchase one can end up saving you thousands. This guide will walk you through strategies for getting the best deal on both new and used UTVs.

We’ll cover factors like model year changeovers, end-of-season sales, package deals and more that impact pricing and availability throughout the year. You’ll also learn where to shop around locally and online for the lowest prices. Following just a few of these tips is likely to put extra money back in your pocket without sacrificing features or quality.

Do Your Research First

Before setting out to purchase a UTV, it’s wise to spend some time researching the dominating brands and latest machine options out there. Models vary widely when it comes to engine performance, cargo/towing capacities, seating configurations, suspension packages, tool and gun racks, electrical accessories and more. Set a budget and list out the features most important to your needs upfront so you can jump on a deal when you see one.

It can pay to be brand agnostic as well. Limiting yourself to just one manufacturer may cause you to miss out on pricing fluctuations or periodic rebates offered by competing brands. Having an open mind on color options and accessory packages can also help score savings. At a minimum, familiarize yourself with the major players:

• Polaris RZR
• Can-Am Maverick
• Honda Pioneer
• Kawasaki MULE
• Yamaha Viking
• John Deere Gator
• Kubota RTV

This background will give you confidence you’re getting optimal utility and value for your money whenever an enticing offer emerges.

Model Year Changeovers (August-December)

One of the biggest factors impacting UTV pricing cycles is the introduction of new model year units, usually in late summer. Dealerships receive shipments of the latest machines equipped with refreshed styling, features and technology right around August. This translates into great clearance deals on the previous year’s leftovers.

Savings of hundreds or even thousands are typical during this timeframe. Outgoing units are just as capable but must make room for updated inventory — that’s where you benefit. It takes a trained eye to spot minor cosmetic variations and package differences between model years. Fortunately, websites like UTV Guide provide detailed comparisons of legacy vs current models across all major manufacturers to assist your buying decisions.

August and September are prime times to leverage newly announced future models to negotiate leftover stock at massive discounts. Expect less selection but also less competition from other buyers during the early transition. If you drag your feet, the most popular configurations tend to sell out first. Make your purchase before December to ensure the best new model year closeout prices. Waiting longer risks paying full MSRP again after inventory is replenished.

Off-Season Sales (October-March)

UTV sales cool off considerably during winter months for a majority of dealers, except those serving customers in warmer southern climates. Minimal inventory is moved from showroom floors when snow, ice and frigid temperatures limit riding opportunities. Many locations run aggressive promotions to clear out excess stock until riding weather improves again in spring.

Average discounts of $500-$1,000 are common, with select Makes/Models discounted up to 30% off MSRP. This presents a terrific money-saving chance if you don’t mind waiting a few months to ride, along with the ability to negotiate steeper price drops since sales staff need to hit quotas. Storage fees can safely keep your new machine until conditions improve. 

The largest Off-Season Sales usually occur January-March when dealerships are preparing for new model year arrivals. You’ll find excellent prices on demonstrator models too after they’ve been trailered around to various events and show significant miles, despite having barely been ridden. If you plan to ride year-round regardless of weather conditions, bargaining leverage will still exist during colder months but expect more modest 5-15% discounts on in-season models.

Package Deals & Accessory Sales

UTVs have become exceptionally popular over the last decade, which has fueled intense competition between manufacturers and dealerships. One strategy to win customer dollars is enticing package deals that bundle machines with various accessories or gear at a reduced combo price. This allows sellers to boost average sales prices and move more parts & garments at the same time.

Spring is when most riders outfit their machines with plows, winches, bumpers, light bars and performance upgrades in anticipation of summer. Dealerships relish opportunities to sell these higher-margin accessories so that’s when package promotions commonly launch. Expect to save anywhere from $500-$2,000 when purchasing UTVs bundled with plow kits, windshields, doors, tops, snow accessories and related install labor. Bundles aimed at hunters might include gun boots, cargo boxes, camo wraps or shooting platforms.

Another avenue to save money on accessories is buying during Off-Season Sales when many locations offer 25-50+% off remaining UTV parts inventories ahead of new model year transitions. This is the most affordable route to get protection equipment, electrical components, hitches and cosmetic accessories that you can install later yourself when needed. Timing these purchases right as riding winds down for the year makes adding capabilities more budget friendly so your machine is fully outfitted for the following season.

Manufacturer Rebates (Year-Round)

In the battle for UTV market share between brands, periodic rebate offers happen year-round directly from manufacturers. These are typically advertised rebates available if you purchase from an authorized dealer by a certain expiration date, usually spanning 1-3 month durations. Rebate values range anywhere from $200 up to $1,500 depending on the Make/Model and often require additional paperwork and waiting a few weeks for processing.

It pays to monitor current promotions through resources like UTV Guide or directly on manufacturer’s websites. Rebates frequently target new model releases or incentivize sales during slower seasons. For example, Arctic Cat may announce short-term $750 rebates during their early model launch while Can-Am advertises a “$500 Off and Free Plow” winter rebate program. Yamaha and Honda also issue competitive rebates but less frequently than brands competing for market dominance like Polaris or Can-Am. 

If you’re set on a particular Make/Model for specific reasons, timing your purchase around qualifying rebate periods is an excellent opportunity for instant savings. Just be sure to follow all terms and submission instructions carefully to receive payment. With some additional paperwork, rebates effectively lower your vehicle cost without impacting dealer margin so negotiating additional dollars off is still possible in many cases.

Used UTVs (Year-Round)

While most UTV buyers have their sights set on shiny new machines, purchasing used can be significantly more affordable. UTVs that are just 2-5 model years old have already taken the biggest depreciation hit while retaining most of their utility. Units properly maintained with lower miles represent tremendous value, often at 40% or more discounts compared to new MSRP.

The used UTV market has grown more efficient lately, fueled by digital classifieds and auction platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay. This transparency makes it easier to scope out listings for seriously undervalued units if you move quickly. Consistently filtering searches to show newly listed bots first is key, along with expanding geography as far as reasonable to travel for major deals.

Carefully inspect operating condition firsthand rather than relying on vague descriptions and ask probing questions on maintenance history and reasons for selling. If everything checks out mechanically, decades of economical use should still exist for most purchases with some preventative care. Just budget reserves for repairs or have basic mechanical skills to recondition items like suspension or drivetrains.

When shopping used, adhering to our UTV seasonal buying guidance can still save you extra. Late winter and early spring when riding resumes tend to yield more private sellers motivated to ditch machines they no longer have time to ride. And tax return season in February and March is notorious for spurring owners to upgrade, flooding markets with higher-end “cream puff” machines 2-3 years old. Facebook Marketplace alerts set for very specific search parameters help tremendously to jump quickly on newly listed gems.

Geography Considerations (Year-Round)  

Regional variances in climate and season length also impact UTV pricing in both primary and secondary markets across the country. If reasonably possible based on where you live, expanding your search radius can really pay off.

For example, winter starts sooner and riding ends earlier in northern areas like Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania. That means steeper off-season savings from November through March in these locations since dealers are anxious to liquidate inventories. If you have capability to transport purchases longer distances back home, travel expenses can be offset by the discounts.

Meanwhile, vigorous riding weather in southern states like Texas, Arizona, Florida and parts of California translates to smaller price drops during winter months. Come spring though, used inventories swell as owners who weren’t limited by weather upgrade machines or exit the hobby. Shipping services now make it feasible to source these savings opportunities further away when geography works against you locally.