New or used ATV and which one?
 

I'm getting into the market for an ATV. I'd like to stay in the $4000 range or below. Thinking of something in a 400cc range. I read all the words about Honda's and other 'rice' burners being good, yet the Polaris and other brands (Bombardier et al) also have followers.

What should I be looking for in a used ATV? Which brands and why? Same question for a New ATV. Which brands and why?

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Well it's hands down that Yamaha & Honda are tops in reliability. So to limit any potential problems I would recommend going with one of these.

If your looking to stay under $4K in the used 400cc class, you can pretty much have your pick of any model made before 2004/5.

But in order to get better specific recommendations you'll need to give a little more information. Such as what you want it to do. Automatic trans or manual? 2WD or 4WD? Utility or sport? Farm chores? Hunting? Muddin?
Pull a trailer? Trail riding? Sand dunes?

I currently have a 2005 Yamaha Bruin (Camo +, 4X4, Auto). It has done everything I have asked of it. Trail riding. Some light mudding (I don't like to clean muddy machines). Hill climbing. Snow plowing. Farm chores, pulling a severely overloaded trailer doing food plots. Hunting? Heck ya! Weshotgun deer hunt in southern IL where the fields are kinda like carbonatedclay. Had no problem dragging a couple of deer with guys on front and back racks.

I was kinda wondering how it would be without a low range, but even plowing snow, I've got NO COMPLAINTS. Everyone who's ridden it seems to really dig it.

A really great thing about staying in the 400cc class(maybe up to 500) is that the machines are not super big and heavy. The smaller machines aremuch more nimble in the woods, able to squeeze thru smaller openings and such. Better on fuel economy. I have actually ridden aroundmuch bigger, heavier machines bogged down in mud and winched them out.

There'sALOT of used machines out there for sale by guys who just didn't use themas much as they thought they would. You should have no problem getting agood (or even super) deal.

As to deals on a new machine? Let your fingers do the walking! Make the phone calls, get the trader mags and look for brand new 2005 (or even 2004) models as 2006's are on the floor now and no dealer wants old inventory on their books - just better to deal and get them out of inventory. "Cut the losses".

As a matter of fact, it's a really nice sunny day here asI'm looking out onmy driveway at mine on the trailer. I think I'll hook it up to the truck and take it out!

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I am also in the market Bbear. I really need one for the ice fishing and planned to get one for this year but never got around to it and now I am sorry I didn't do it. Reliability is #1 for me and according to Uncle matt Honda and Yamaha are the ones to get. I plan to keep mine in the 500cc or less range but will probably buy new instead of used. I never have much luck with older stuff so I usually get new and know what I am getting.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Bear Im not sure where you live or what your interested in but I saved over $1000 by going to Chattanooga and buying a 350 ES Rancher 4x4 ..I gave 3950.00 out the door ...when i got there on a Saturday I could hardly find a place tp aprk ..and there were people from ALL over the southeast buying 4 wheelers... this was in December ...

dd

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

The Honda Foreman by far, overall tops in its class. Why do some so called hunters have to list what they hunt with? who cares, we all have bows and guns, why try to show off what you hunt with, when most of us don't care.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Honda or yamie, just like uncle matt suggests. I have owned both and it boils down to personal likes as they are both solid ATV manufacturers.

FWIW I have a 05 450 Kodiak at the moment, that has over 1000 miles many hard. The only thing I have done is change oil. Great little bike from my perspective. Previously I have owned Yam Big Bear, Honda 300 TRX and Honda 400 Foreman..all were extremely reliable and good investments. I have also owned polaris...don't go their is my advise. Far to much wrench time required for my liking.

Used is a good option if you can wait for the right bike, I have bought the majority of mine this way. You'll find as Matt says many guys buy them then unload them b/c of lack of use.Biggest fear you have is lack of maint. of the bike. Look over the general appearence but makesure to check the levels, air filter, etcand never buy without taking a test rip.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Here's my opinion. Any of the Jap brand quads are pretty reliable these days. As far as the Honda Foreman being tops in its class I have to disagree. If you read any of the ATV magazines, with their shoot outs, the Bombarier Outlander is at the top of the 400ccclass. But they are expensive.My family owns Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. I too would say stay away from Polaris. My personal ride is a Yamaha 660Grizzly.


I'd recomend you look at the Yamaha Kodiak. Its a full auto,independent rear suspension, low range and has one feature, that I really like, is the front differential lock. Like I said, all the Jap brands are reliable. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki all make a good quad. But Ithink the Kodiak has all the good features in a reliable package.

You might find a good deal on a used quad, but be careful. Alot of guys really abuse them, so check it over carefully. Check the oil. Make sure it doesn't smoke. Look at the wheels, if they are all dented up and tires are full of plugs, there's a good chance that the guy that owned it, abused the crap out of it.

Check out the forum on this website to get some answers to your questions.

http://forums.atvconnection.com/

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

IF you do decide on a Honda -stay away from the electronic shift BS!

The Kodiak, as Skeeter mentioned is a great ATV. The Bombadier as Windwalker mentioned is also an awesome ATV, but where are the dealerships. There are FAR MORE Yamaha and Honda dealerships - just something to keep in mind. (I do like the Bombs - especially the Outlander).

And by the way, I had some fun today when I went out. Pics to follow, but may be Tue/Wed.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I have had no problems with the ES on my Rancher neither have
my hunting partners![8D]

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Under $4,000 is going to limit your NEW choices. You may be able to find a HONDA Rancher. Problem with Used is you don't know how the run. My Brother bought a Yamaha KodiaK last year a 2001 model and took it out the first them and had issues with it. $400 later it is fixed. Something with the fuel line and shut off switch. I have a Prairie 360 and it is a great ATV, but paid $5,200 new. I have seen a used 360 for under $4,000 that are only a year old. Other than that I would look for a USED HONDA... Great machines. My neighbors have Polaris ATV's, but they seem to always have to fix little stuff which would be a pain. Check out Cycle Trader or ATV trader online to get an idea of prices.....

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Bbear, make sure you shop around, if you live close to another state check out stores in that state also.
For example I live in MD and am about 3 hrs from a store in WV.
The store in WV does not charge taxes to out of state customers, they issue a certificate of origin instead of a title.
This is a 5 % (MD tax)savings right off the bat, not to mention the same store does not charge a destination and setup fee and the MD store could not touch the WV store's base price of the 4 wheeler.
The savings are well worth the 6 hr round trip ride to pick up the bike.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Like the others have said, Yamaha and Honda are the gold standards. My ATV is a Grizzly 660.

If manueverability is an issue, either get a 2WD or a selectable 4wd. I tested this at the dealership, and the bigger ATV's with selectable 4wd would out-turn the non-selectable 4WD's by 1/2 to 1 full machine width in a 180 degree turn. I didn't believe the salesman when he pointed that out, but after we pulled two machines out in the back lot for a demo, I was proven wrong.

I personally like the automatic transmissions. I have never had any problems getting power to the ground.

I also like liquid-cooled engines. A lot of what I do with my ATV, like spot spraying for example, is moving around very slowly with frequent stops. I've done it with air-cooled machines, but it isn't a fun experience. The engine runs hot and I had to wear some extra leg protection to protect me from the heat. Now I can just feel a little extra warmth, but my legs don't feel like they are going to burn completely up.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

SIDEWAYS, you must be talking about Romney. Very good folks there. We bought a few off of them over the years. Haven't found anyone that beats their prices.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Windwalker, actually i was talking about Ridersville Cycle in Berkley Springs.
I have heard good things about Romney, but never dealt with them.
Mike at Ridersville (Honda)has always treated me right.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Bbear, check out the Bombardier Outlander 400. I have owned both Kawasaki and Yamaha from 3-wheelers to 4x4's. While shopping for a new 4x4 modela friend told me to check out the Outlander.Fortunately, one of our local dealerships where Ihave purchased Kawasaki's in the pastalso handles the Bombardier line. The dealer invited me and my family for a weekend in the mountains comparing the new 400and 800 models from Bombardier andKawasaki. Wealso had the opportunity to ride the Suzuzki King Quadowned by one of the customers. Well, there was no comparison! I was so impressed with the Bombardier Outlander 400 he never gotto take it back to the shop. Ride, balance, handling,performance and reliability second to none, and I do mean none. A complete packagewith a reasonable price. If Honda and Yamaha are the "Gold" standards, you're looking at pure "Platinum" with nothing standard aboutthis ride.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

i got a 10 year old kawasaki and it still runs like a champ i wouldnt have anything but a kawasaki for japanese models and polaris for american my friend does have a honda and he loves it but i wouldnt go with it has been in the shop to much for me to depend on it

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Honda Foreman or Rancher, hands down the best. These are used in agriculture extensively in my area, so the parts are readily available from NAPA or other Auto Parts stores. I don't know if that would be the case everwhere.

Father in law has a Polaris, nice 4X4, but it is just not as confortable and breaks down a lot for being the same year as my Hondas.

Don't know much about Bombardier.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I've had a Polaris Sportsman 500HO for 3 years and have thrown everything at it. I pull a 600 lb. piece of plow equipment all over and the thing has never given me a problem. I hear alot of negative about Polaris and scratch my head wondering. Honestly, I've given it hell and it has answered the challenge.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I have owned two hondas that were totally reliable.My two yamahas were nearly as good.My friends polaris quads were too heavy,which caused them to sink and get stuck more often in muskeg and they required a great deal more maintenance than any of my quads.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I own 2 Polaris ATVs. One is 12 years old now and the other is 6 years old. Both have been totally trouble free. They are used and abused on the farm and forhunting. Have always run strong. Can't comment on other brands, because I don't have personal experience with them. Larry

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I absolutely love my 2003 Kawasaki Prairie 650. I'm sure you could find one of the same year in your price range. They are unbelieveble machines with tons of power, but not too much power (no such thing). They will go anywhere you point them, they ride extremely smooth, and they handle more like a sport quad than most of the utility quads out there so they're a blast to ride. I have ridden Polaris 500 H.O.'s a ton, and IMO there is no comparison between the two- the Prairie 650 wins hands down. I haven't ridden Yamaha, Suzuki, or Bombardier that much, but I'm sure the Kawasakie Prairies are just as good.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

i have a kodiak and love it wouldnt buy any thing esle.my dad and a couple of hunting buddies has kodiak and you wont find one better for the price.keep in mind where your going to ride.if its open any size well do. if your in the mountians on trails that are narrow think about something in the 300 or 400 range.i freind has a sportsman 500 and i dont really like it . its center of gravity seems to be to high but that mite because im used to a smaller bike. when go down a steep hill it chaters and seems to be unstable going down hill.i have never owned a honda but have always heard good things about them. i heard the bombardier is a good bike but it is trurly priced to high!!!but who knows , ride a bunch and read up on the reviews and good luck picking one!!!!!!!!!

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I just bought the Kawasaki 750i Brute Force for Christmas. Although it came in at @7k, I think it is well worth. You do lose going in some tight places and gain a little weight (600lbs), but the torque and power is unbelievable.

It was nothing to throw on 400lbs of corn, another 250lb rider, and draga deer out. It has so much power it is scary. Alot of incentives and warranties came with it as well.

However, for best used deals, I recommend Ebay. Tons of listings, and alot of guys with buyer's remorse looking to unload newer models.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I bought a used Suzuki Eiger Camo, 400 Automatic, 4 WD with 2.5 Warn winch for 3100 in Feb. It had 747 miles on it when I got it. It was a repo from Vermont.I had the entire bike serviced for 150 dollars. I have put 50 miles on it so far. No complaints.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I grew up on Honda ATVs, 3 and 4 wheeled. We abused them everyday on the ranch pulling 10-20 fiberglass bottomed feed bunks, hauling feed, herding cattle, you name it. The only problems we had were with the tires, and that's just because we kept running over thorn trees. I've swum them through 4-5ft deep creeks, dumped them out of truck beds, rolled them down creek banks, flipped them end over end, just straighten the handle bars back out and keep right on going! Polaris and Arctic Cat are the only others that I've been around. They can't hold up to the abuse like the Hondas. Grandpa had a Polaris and got so tired of trying to keep it running that he traded it in on a Honda. My boss runs Hondas and an Arctic Cat. He can't keep the Arctic Cat out of the shop and it only gets used a few times a year for hunting. If you plan on using and abusing it, get a Honda, it you want it to look pretty in the garage, get one of the other brands.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Here's a sample of what I found in a local ATV/RV sales rag.........

USED
$3395 2003 Yamaha Banshee great cond (SCREAMER!)

$3950 2004 Suzuki LTZ 400 new cond

$4899Kawasaki KFX 700 V-Force new cond

$4900 2004 Polaris 700, chrome wheels, like new

NEW
$3395 2006 Suzuki LTZ 250

$4695 2006 Suzuki Eiger 400

$3199 2006 Honda TRX 250 EX

$4399 2006 HondaTRX 400 EX

$3899 2005 Honda Foreman 500

$4199 2006 Yamaha Bruin 350

$2699 2005 Polaris Trailblazer 250

$4999 2005 Polaris 500

$3999 2006 Kawasaki Prairie 360

$5129 2006 Yamaha Wolverine 450

So therefore I believe that there are some super deals to be had out there.

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

What wineguy said goes for me to,very dependable,my Rancher gives
me no problems what so ever,great machine!:)

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

Forgot to mention that I brought mine from Abernathys in Union City,tn
Saved right at 1000.00 great people great service,they dont forget
about you after you sign the contract![8D]

RE: New or used ATV and which one?
 

I heard about Abernathy's and was planning on going downto buy there but heard of people getting in trouble in their home states when they return with these ATVs due to them not charging them sales tax if they were from out of state??????

Also I should not have bragged about my 04Suzuki 400 4WD Eiger too soon. I let some guy ride it this weekend. He couldn't get it into gear so he tried to force it into gear to park it and broke the shifter cable out of it. Well add 60 dollars to the 3250 I invested in it!