ORIGINAL: TEmbry
Am I the only one who'd buy a late year model (like Jeff), or better yet just buy a used one? Soon as you take that new bike home you loose a substantial amount of money in it, no matter what ANYONE tries to tell you. If you want the peace of mind of buying new, then pay that extra. If you just want a normal 4wheeler to take hunting and go anywhere...get a used, Honda at that. My dad has owned 5 or 6 different Hondas in my lifetime, not a one of them have ever seen a shop. Our Polaris, junk. Our Suzukis, junk. I'm a Honda guy, IMO their reliability can't be beat. We bought our last one new, a 06 Rancher 350, only got 4x2 though. Most people have absolutely no need whatsoever for a 4x4, they just want the decal. Unless you want to go doing some serious, and I mean SERIOUS, mudding or live on the side of a jagged mountain....4x4 is over rated. They don't handle as well, cut as sharp, etc. Ive had my 4x2 in some pits that I wouldn't dream of taking it, and made it out just fine....Just know how to handle a bike.
I'm going to disagree with almost everything you just said. If you are paying to much off the show room floor in this economy, then you need to learn how to deal a little better. I got a full 2 year bumper to bumper warranty with my NEW machine and I bought it for 1500 under sticker before I bargained for the free top and windshield. I've owned every machine you mentioned above and currently have a suzuki, kawasaki, polaris, honda, yamaha and have yet to find one of them that's junk. Let me introduce you to Preventive Maintenance. Try changing the oil and greasing the bearings once in a while maybe cleaning the air filter for kicks. Granted every company is going to produce a lemon, but it looks like you bought every lemon made except the honda's. A 2wd drive utility fourwheeler is plain ignorant. Try going over a half decent size log after a good rain without the front wheels pulling and get back to me. I'll take any peppy 4x4 and out handle you in any terrain, Period; but maybe I'm the one that can handle the bike.
Strike nice Z, that is my single most favorite 4wheeler ever. For fun, they don't make a better one.