There's no denying that driving a buggy, whether you're a regular in motor sports or not, is brilliant. It has it all: speed, fun, adrenaline, access to unique spots... so we completely understand if you're considering buying one of your own.
Before taking the plunge, it's good to know about two main factors that influence buying a buggy: the manufacturers available and the price you're willing to pay. There are all kinds of buggies, but once you're clear on how much you'll use it and your budget, the price of a good buggy can range between £4,000 and £5,000. You can even buy one on the second-hand market, where finding one in excellent condition is currently very easy.
To make things clearer, here's a quick summary of what to consider when choosing the buggy that best suits you based on its features and brand.
Buggies by manufacturer
1. Carter GTR 250
- Handcrafted with high quality.
- US manufacturer with experience in small 250cc buggies powered by SYM engines.
- This engine is also used in SYM's Quadlander 250 quads.
- SYM is the largest manufacturer in Southeast Asia.
- Extreme quality.
- This same engine is used by CAN-AM in their entry-level DS 250.
- With independent suspension and rear differential, it's an ideal buggy for beginners.
- Approximate price: £5,800 new / around £4,000 used.
2. PGO BR500
- Taiwanese brand with extensive buggy experience.
- They manufacture in 50cc, 200cc, 250cc and 500cc models.
- With the BR 500 model and experience gained from smaller engines, they've created one of the most reliable vehicles on the market.
- Winners in 2009 and 2011 of the Panafrica raid with a nearly stock vehicle.
- Price-to-quality ratio that's hard to beat.
- Approximate price: New £13,000 / Used around £7,000.
3. Commander 1000
- BRP Can-am Commander.
- Bombardier recreational products.
- Available in 1000 and 800 V-twin models.
- Possibly the most technologically advanced corporate group in the market.
- ROTAX - CAN-AM: a perfect partnership.
- An elite product.
- Price from £15,000.
4. Obey 850
- Spanish brand with engines from the PIAGGIO Group.
- They offer a 500cc fuel-injected parallel twin and an 850cc fuel-injected V-twin.
- This brand is very young but its three founding partners are highly experienced in their respective fields.
- Enric: vehicle design engineer.
- Olle: suspension specialist. Absolutely brilliant! 4-way adjustable shocks.
- Pep Vila - you might recognise this Dakar rider. He was responsible for developing the cycle part.
These are just some of the buggy brands most readily available on the market and their features. But if you're still unsure, definitely try out different vehicles first and get advice from those who know most about buggies. Here you'll find all the options for driving a buggy on different routes across Spain. Book, test and decide which is the perfect buggy for you.
