kdsberman is right though. There are indeed alot of good ATVs out there. Quality on all of them has come a long, long way. Heck I have even seen evaluations & comparisons in mags that rank Kimco higher than some of the big 4.

It is really important to suit the ATV to the job. And I think it is when that isn't heeded that issues arise. Things like the 300+ lb. guy who sez "A 250 will get me around.". OK fine it will get you "around". And the problems start when he tries to get "up", "down" or "through". Just ain't nowhere near enoughthrottle for the poundage. And likewise the frame, suspension and other components are smaller and get beaten up and before you know it, the 250 that would be great and pretty trouble-free for a 150/200 lb kid is always needingattention for this, that or the other.

Another thing I think alot of guys make a huge mistake on is not getting 4WD and going the 2 wheel drive route. It isn't that you don't need 4WD 98% of the time - it's the having it there the 2% of the time you do need it. And I would say go one engine size larger than you might think you will get by with. Look at it like getting the larger optional engine when you buy a car or truck. With the car or truck it isn't that you are going to goas fast as you can all the time, foot to the floor. It is just nice to have the power if you need it. Merging into traffic or pulling a trailer, hauling a load, real fat girlfriend or whatever.

In closing - look very seriously at the used market. There are tons of ATVs out there being sold by people who just thought they would use them more than they actually do/did andare selling them. I have seen fantastic deals.

My buddy picked up an 07 Sportsman 500 with a winch, racks and bags for like $3000. Not a scratch on it. I think those were $6000+ new easy.