This is my friends LT250. 89 in year.

It seems over all in great shape. I have a few questions.

Right now it has an 8 spark plug in there. From what I can tell they ran 9 stock.  Motor is mostly stock except a cool head.  Should I replace it with a 9?  He traded a bike for this quad, rode it a few times, then bought a newer KTM 525. So he doesn't do anything with this bike but loan it out. I am going to go over it once and get it tippy top. I do have the option to buy this.

So, what I have found out so far, is the plug may be the wrong heat.
The ball joints are shot, but still holding.  They will be ok until I get a few bucks rounded up for new one.
It kicks over kind of easy. I am afraid it has low compression. I haven't ran a test on it yet...  But it kicks over fairly easy. Do they all do this?  my 99 KX250 2 smoker required you to do a manly kick.  No sissy kicks lol.

Lets see. the ball joints, the compression is iffy. Shocks are original and blown all to ****.  Plastic has a crack in it.   Seems OK other then that.  The swing arm was replaced with a different one.  There is the square style, then the other style you spin to tighten the chain.  I can take pics of it.

My option to buy it would be... Sell my yamaha warrior 350 for 800.. Use that as a down payment, then pay an additional 100 a month for 4 months. Making it 1200 bucks for this bike.

Mine has already had all the maintenance done. I have gone thru it top to bottom. Did all the maintenance, new sprockets, chain, filter, top end, yadda yadda.  It's ready to ride. Needs nothing.

This LT250 needs a bit of work, but it's loads faster than the yamaha.  IDK if it is worth it.. Selling the warrior, paying on the LT then dumping more money into it bringing it back up to snuff for trail/dune riding...

Here's a pic for **** and giggles.

I agree. 1200 + added work possibly low compression... You can find great running 250's for around that range.  If it's a stock swinger off a 85-86 lt be prepared to fix it when it cracks! Or is it an aftermarket with round carrier? Can't tell in pic.  Shocks aren't cheap either!!  Negotiate that price!!!!!