Dune buggy - Found a Zircon 150cc locally

[slag]

I found a Zircon 150cc dune buggy/go kart for sale locally. Motor is locked up/ran out of oil. I can get it as is for $500.00. The owner said he priced out an engine and its going to cost around $1000 installed. I did some looking around and it looks like its a simple 150cc G6Y engine that is mated to a CVT transmission. Doesn't look hard to swap out and I think can get the engine for $300.00 and there are a lot of aftermarket parts to make it go faster, up to 50 mph or so.

So.. worth it? My wife says no, I think yes. I live in town, but have access to 20 acres of grassland, pasture, and other areas to drive it in. She thinks its a deathtrap, but it has a full rollbar and seat belts. It looks safer than our Suzuki 125 quad.

This is what it looks like. http://gokartsusa.com/Zircon-150cc-Dune-Buggy-americansportworks.aspx

I believe the engine is similar to this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Long-Case-1...Parts_Accessories&hash=item58a7509bb3&vxp=mtr

Its an ASW 150cc engine.

Thoughts?

EDIT. I am wanting to spend more like $300 for it, but will go up to $400 tops.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

They are not very good. Sister has one and it does not suprise me that the seller has engine problems. The rest of the construction is not good either. Steering, suspension, and braking systems are all sub-standard IMHO.

It's a really light duty back yard flatland kiddy cart. If that's all you need it for and have access to a cheap motor then maybe. Paying more than $300.- seems steep.

 

[JulesMaximus]

That roll bar looks like it wouldn't hold the weight of a small child on it. I bet it folds like a paperclip in a rollover.