By rick cockrell ( - 209.128.129.132) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

going to look at 97 max at dealer several miles away.what things should i look for

By Missouri's Max Dealer (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I think the drivetrain is the most important part to check in these Max ATVs. You didn't say what model this was (II, IV) or what engine. A '97 should have disc brakes on the front axle as well as inner bearings on the frame. Outer bearings are pretty much guarenteed to leak unless they were replaced recently. By recently I mean about two weeks... not two years!
Condition of the chains and sprockets is critical to the reliability and future expense of your vehicle. A set of standard chains will run you about $120 for the Max II. O-ring chains can run up over $600. Splined axles are also a big plus over the old bolt through design.