Chinese ATVs - Any experience?

I'm posting this here and not in "Sprockets" for more visibility and since its not really a technical question.

Anyone have any experience with Tao Tao ATV's?

A friend is selling a 110cc Tao Tao quad for $400. Its been ridden round their yard a couple times, but otherwise its been parked in the garage.

I'm thinking of it for my boys to ride around the back yard. They are 7 and 12, but the 12yo is only 4'5" and 65lbs, so they aren't too far apart in size so I think both will fit, but need to check.

Are these somewhat reliable? I don't mind some maintenance, but don't want to spend more time working on it than they spend riding it.

It was SWMBO's idea, so it may be a good opening to start down the road toward getting myself a toy to go with them outside of the yard

Thanks,
Joe

I have owned a few of them and different brands. The cliff notes version is the tao tao's are fine for what you want to do. Dont think I would take one GNCC racing, but back yard work and local trails are fine. The biggest problem when these flooded our shores is there were no parts available. That's not a problem anymore. Parts are available online from lots of places. For future purchases if you end up looking at the Chinese brands, the best quality ones are from ETON. They make them for Polaris, are very stout and run very well. We've had our eton for about 6 years and no issues. Good luck and be safe!
Paul

If you get it, I'd recommend changing the oil and especially the gear oil in it as soon as you get it. I bet it still has whatever crappy gear lube came from the factory.

My sister just bought a Tao Tao 125 for her kids (little). It HS a remote kill switch and the throttle can be adjusted down. It seems good for what kids use them for and at $400 you can't really go wrong.

Helmets.

Negative vibes from Chiwaneese junk.

I will never again order anything from China either. They dont do returns, returns get charged import taxes more than the value of the item. If you send anything back use USPS and insure it for double with recipient signature required. That way when it gets "lost" in customs you can make an insurance claim from this end. File your claim promptly, because you will never see your goods or hear from the recipient again.

Sounds like its worth a look. I'll need to arrange to see how it runs and to see how it will fit the boys.

Already have helmets from snowmobiling, so that is covered.

Thanks for the feedback.