New or used ATV and which one?
03-03-2006, 06:24 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 12
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?
What should I be looking for in a used ATV? Which brands and why? Same question for a New ATV. Which brands and why?
03-03-2006, 11:47 AM
#2
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Darien, IL
Posts: 6,744
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!
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!
03-03-2006, 02:11 PM
#3
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: On an Island in Vermont
Posts: 22,571
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.
03-03-2006, 03:20 PM
#4
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
dd
03-03-2006, 03:40 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location:
Posts: 7
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.
03-03-2006, 05:36 PM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 6,921
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.
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.
03-03-2006, 07:57 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location:
Posts: 2,621
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/
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/
03-03-2006, 08:29 PM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Darien, IL
Posts: 6,744
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.
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.
03-04-2006, 05:48 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location:
Posts: 24
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.....
